How do you show you are interested in a job without being pushy?

1 Research the company

Before you follow up, do some research on the company and the role. Find out what their mission, values, and culture are, and how they align with your own. Learn about their current projects, challenges, and goals, and how you can contribute to them. This will help you tailor your follow-up messages to show that you're genuinely interested in working for them and that you understand their needs and expectations.

2 Choose the right channel

Depending on how you applied for the job, you may have different options to follow up with the employer. For example, you may have an email address, a phone number, a LinkedIn profile, or a referral contact. Choose the channel that is most appropriate for the situation and the stage of the hiring process. For example, if you applied online and received an automated confirmation email, you may want to reply to that email to express your interest and ask about the next steps. If you had an interview and exchanged business cards, you may want to send a thank-you note to the interviewer via email or LinkedIn. If you have a mutual connection who referred you to the job, you may want to ask them to follow up on your behalf and give you some feedback.

3 Be polite and professional

Whatever channel you choose, make sure you follow some basic etiquette rules when you follow up. Be polite and respectful, and avoid using slang, emojis, or informal language. Address the employer by their name and title, and use a clear and concise subject line or headline. Thank them for their time and attention, and restate your interest and qualifications for the job. Avoid sending multiple messages or calling repeatedly, as this may annoy or overwhelm the employer. Instead, wait for a reasonable amount of time before following up again, and ask for a specific date or timeframe when you can expect to hear back.

4 Add value and relevance

One of the best ways to show your interest in a job without being pushy is to add value and relevance to your follow-up messages. This means that you should not just repeat what you said in your resume or cover letter, but rather provide some new or updated information that showcases your skills, achievements, or fit for the role. For example, you could mention a recent project, award, or certification that you completed or received, or share a relevant article, blog post, or podcast that relates to the company or the industry. You could also ask a thoughtful question or offer a suggestion that demonstrates your knowledge, curiosity, or initiative.

5 Be flexible and positive

Finally, remember that the hiring process can take longer than expected, and that there may be factors beyond your control that affect the employer's decision. Be flexible and positive, and don't take rejection personally. If you don't hear back from the employer after following up, don't assume that they're not interested or that you did something wrong. Instead, keep applying for other jobs and keep your options open. If you do hear back from the employer, whether it's good or bad news, respond promptly and graciously, and express your appreciation and interest. You never know when a new opportunity may arise, or when you may cross paths with the employer again.