Contacting plus mail?

Contacting a potential employer via e-mail?

• I wrote a letter to a small firm inquiring about a job and the director e-mailed me saying that he loved my work (I'm an artist) but they had a hiring freeze and he couldn't hire anyone new at the time. It's been a couple of months. I'm about to send him an updated resume and inquire about the possibility of work again. Should I write a new e-mail? Or should I reply to the last message he sent me so that he sees our previous conversation and knows that I'm not just someone contacting him out of the blue?

• Answer:

  Hi - I would use the prior e-mail. It is more credible and provides his own history of communication with you. Your note back should be short. Something like: "Hi - Just a quick follow-up on our prior e-mail exchange. Has anything changed regarding your ability to hire? If not, no need to reply. Have a great week!" "No need to reply" is important because it takes the pressure off of the hiring manager and suggests a confidence on your part - no desperation. Good luck!