How to Stand Out: Writing Job Applications That Get Responses
Part 3 of 3: The Complete Application Toolkit
Hello from your favourite work bestie!
We made it to the final episode!
Over the past two weeks, I’ve given you cover letter templates and STAR technique frameworks. But it doesn’t end there, you can have the PERFECT application and still mess it up with a bad submission email.
So today, we’re covering the often-overlooked details that make the difference between “impressive candidate” and “did they even try?”
Why Email Etiquette Still Matters in 2025:
First impressions start with your email subject line, not your CV
Many companies have automated systems that flag poorly formatted emails
Recruiters receive hundreds of applications—clear communication stands out
Your email shows attention to detail and professionalism
Your Email Template Collection
Copy these word-for-word and just fill in your details. Simple as that.
Template 1: Basic Application Submission Email
Subject Line: Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]
Copy
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to submit my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found it].
I have attached my CV and cover letter for your consideration. With my [brief highlight - e.g., “3 years of experience in digital marketing” or “recent degree in Computer Science”], I am confident I would be a strong addition to your team.
I am particularly excited about [one specific thing about the role or company], and I believe my background in [relevant skill/experience] aligns well with your requirements.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s success. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number] or via email at your convenience.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Attachments: CV, Cover Letter
Pro Tips:
Keep the subject line clear and professional with job title + your name.
Attach documents as PDFs named: YourName_CV.pdf and YourName_CoverLetter.pdf.
Send from a professional email address (not partygirl2000@...).
Double-check you’ve attached the RIGHT documents before hitting send!
Template 2: Following Up After Application (1-2 Weeks Later)
Subject Line: Following Up: [Job Title] Application - [Your Name]
Copy
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I submitted my application for the [Job Title] position on [date], and I wanted to follow up to reiterate my strong interest in this opportunity.
Since applying, I have [mention anything relevant - e.g., “completed a certification in X” or “continued to follow your company’s recent project launch with great interest”]. I remain very excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name], particularly in [specific area relevant to the role].
I understand you may be reviewing many applications, and I don’t want to take up too much of your time. I simply wanted to confirm that my application was received and to express my continued enthusiasm for this position.
If you need any additional information from me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m available for an interview at your convenience.
Thank you again for considering my application.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
Pro Tips:
Wait 1-2 weeks before following up (not 2 days!).
Be polite and brief - don’t sound desperate or pushy.
Add value if possible (mention something new or relevant).
If they say ‘no contact,’ respect that and don’t follow up.
Template 3: Checking In After Interview
Subject Line: Thank You - [Job Title] Interview
Copy
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me [yesterday/on date] to discuss the [Job Title] position. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed] and learning more about [Company Name]’s approach to [relevant area].
Our discussion reinforced my enthusiasm for this role, particularly [mention something specific from the interview]. I am confident that my experience in [relevant skill/area] would allow me to make meaningful contributions to your team.
If you need any additional information or references, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing about the next steps in your hiring process.
Thank you again for the opportunity, and I hope to speak with you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
Pro Tips:
Send 24 hours of your interview.
Reference something specific from your conversation.
Keep it short - 3-4 paragraphs maximum.
Proofread THREE times - typos in thank-you emails are embarrassing.
The Ultimate Pre-Send Checklist
Do this EVERY SINGLE TIME before hitting send:
☐Subject line is clear and includes the job title + your name.
☐You’ve addressed the right person (check spelling of their name!).
☐All [brackets] have been replaced with your actual information.
☐You’ve mentioned the correct company name (not copy-paste mistakes!).
☐Documents are attached and named professionally (YourName_CV.pdf).
☐Your email signature includes phone number and LinkedIn (optional).
☐You’re sending from a professional email address.
☐No typos or grammatical errors (run it through Grammarly if needed).
☐The tone is professional but friendly (not too casual, not too stiff).
☐You’ve saved a copy of what you sent (for interview prep later).
Application-Killing Mistakes (Seriously, Don’t Do These)
DO This:
Wait 1-2 weeks before following up.
Send only ONE follow-up email (maybe two if weeks pass).
Keep it brief and polite.
Express continued interest.
Accept if they say the position is filled.
DON’T Do This:
Email every 2-3 days asking for updates.
Call the office repeatedly (unless they specifically said not to).
Sound desperate or demanding.
Message multiple people at the same company.
Follow up if the job posting said no phone calls or emails.
Timeline Guide: When to Follow Up
Application submitted: Wait 1-2 weeks, then send a polite follow-up
After the interview: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours
After thank-you: Wait 1 week, then follow up if you have not heard back
If they said we’ll let you know by X date: Wait until 2-3 days after that date
If they ghost you: One final follow-up after 2 weeks, then move on
What Happens After You Hit Send?
Let’s set realistic expectations because job searching is HARD, and I want you to be prepared:
The Statistics (Don’t Let These Discourage You):
Average response rate to applications: 10-15%
Average applications needed to get 1 interview: 10-20
Average time to hear back: 1-3 weeks (sometimes longer)
Percentage of applications that get ghosted: 50-60%
What This Means for You:
Volume matters. Apply to multiple positions, don’t put all your hopes on one.
Quality over quantity. 10 tailored applications beat 50 generic ones.
Silence doesn’t mean failure. Companies are slow. Keep applying.
Rejection is redirection. Every no gets you closer to a yes.
Ready to Put These Templates to Work?
Now that you have got your templates ready, where are you going to use them?
Check out the latest jobs on Lucres:
Fresh opportunities are posted daily across all industries.
Filter by experience level, location, and job type.
Apply directly with your new cover letters and emails.
Verified companies; no fake listings or spam.