Following up on a job application involves reaching out to the potential employer after submitting your resume to inquire about the status of your application. If done right, it can help you stand out from other candidates and keep you on the recruiter’s radar, thereby increasing your chances of getting invited for an interview.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best timing for follow-ups, tips for writing effective follow-up emails, and the most common mistakes to avoid. Let’s begin!
Key Takeaways
You should follow up on your job application within a week or two after submission to give recruiters enough time to review it.
To follow up on your application effectively, find the hiring manager’s contact details, select an appropriate communication method, and remain professional in restating your interest.
The most common mistakes in follow-up emails include ignoring instructions, forgetting to proofread, appearing pushy, and not tailoring the message to the job.
When Should You Follow Up on Your Job Application?
You should follow up on your job application within 5–10 business days after submitting it, as this gives recruiters enough time to review your resume, cover letter, and other documents. If you’re applying for a job during the holiday season or before a long weekend, you might want to wait a bit longer before checking in.
When it comes to job application follow-up etiquette, a good rule of thumb is to read the job listing thoroughly first. If it includes an application deadline, wait a few days after that date before following up.
While the best time to apply for a job is soon after it’s posted, following up too quickly can leave a bad first impression. Recruiters may perceive this as a sign of impatience, disrespect, or even desperation. Plus, a study by Stollberger et al. suggests that intense enthusiasm can make applicants seem less suitable for the job.
Nonetheless, you don’t want to wait too long, as another candidate may fill the position before you. While one to two weeks after applying is the perfect time to follow up on a job application, you should ideally follow up on a job interview within 24 hours after attending it.
Now that you know when to follow up on a job application, it’s time to learn how to do it effectively.
How to Follow Up on Your Job Application in 4 Steps
To follow up on your job application effectively, you need to find the right person to contact and select the most suitable communication method first. The follow-up message on your job application should be brief and clearly restate your interest in the position.
Let’s dissect each of these steps:
#1. Find the Right Contact
First things first, you should find the hiring manager’s contact details to ensure that your message reaches the intended recipient. You can usually find them by scanning the job posting. If it doesn’t mention any contact information, head on over to the company’s website, LinkedIn, or other social media profiles.
#2. Choose the Best Follow-up Method
The most common ways to follow up on a job application are to call the hiring manager via phone or write them an email. While some candidates believe that showing up in person allows them to express their enthusiasm better, it can catch recruiters off guard and disrupt their workflow.
Given that hiring managers have plenty of tasks beyond sourcing candidates, including conducting interviews and onboarding new employees, sending a follow-up email is typically the most effective approach. You should only communicate with the company via phone, LinkedIn, or other channels when explicitly asked to do so.
#3. Be Brief, Polite, and Professional
Whether you’re making a phone call or writing a follow-up email on the job application, you should keep your communication polite, professional, and concise.
Here are some tips to help you craft a follow-up email that gets you noticed:
Follow-up Email Tips
Use a clear subject line, such as “Job Application Follow Up – Business Analyst Position – John Doe”
Greet the hiring manager directly (e.g., “Dear Laura Smith”) to make your message stand out and show that you’ve researched the company.
Match the level of formality to the company to position yourself as a good cultural match (for example, if you’re applying for a job at a startup, the greeting “Dear Ralph” may work better than “Dear Mr. Ralph Becker.”)
#4. Restate Your Interest in the Role
To effectively follow up on your job application, reaffirm your interest in the position. You can do this by briefly describing what you admire about the organization, what makes you a good fit (relevant skills, achievements, etc.), or how you’d like to contribute to the company.
Then, politely ask for a status update before closing with a professional sign-off, such as “Sincerely,” followed by your full name.
Next, let’s see some examples of follow-up emails on job applications you can use for inspiration.
3 Compelling Follow-Up Email Examples
Below are three examples of compelling follow-up emails that can increase your chances of securing a job interview:
#1. Short Follow-Up Email After Submitting a Job Application
Subject: Follow Up on Software Developer Application – Robert Lee
Dear Patricia Thomas,
I hope this message finds you well. I submitted an application for the Software Developer position at XYZ Tech on August 1st and would like to express my continued interest in this opportunity.
As a software developer with 3+ years of experience in C# and a passion for machine learning, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my programming expertise to help XYZ Tech deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing about the next steps.
Sincerely,
Robert Lee
linkedin.com/in/markdouglas4658
+1 012 345-6789
#2. Follow-Up When Waiting for Interview Details
Subject: Follow Up on an Interview Invitation – Administrative Assistant Position – Alex Moore
Dear Keith Clarke,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to kindly follow up regarding the interview invitation for the Administrative Assistant position at Company XYZ. I would appreciate any updates on the interview scheduling.
I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my organizational skills to your team. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional details. I look forward to discussing my qualifications with you over an interview.
Sincerely,
Alex Moore
#3. When You Applied via Referral
Subject: Job Application Follow Up – Retail Manager – Chris Evans – Referred by Andrew May
Dear Emily Bert,
I hope you’re well. I’m writing to follow up on my application for the Retail Manager position, to which I was referred by one of your colleagues, Andrew May. I submitted my application on July 28th, and I wanted to express my continued interest in joining your team. I particularly admire your commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly packaging.
With over 7 years of experience in sales and strong visual merchandising skills, I’m confident in my ability to help XYZ Store increase both sales and customer loyalty. At my previous job, I implemented a loyalty program that resulted in a 40% increase in repeat sales within one year.
Thank you for considering my application. Please contact me by phone or email if you need any further information. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Chris Evans
+1 012 345-6789
4 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Sending a Follow-up Email
The four main mistakes you should avoid when sending a follow-up email on a job application include being too pushy, ignoring instructions, sending a vague message, and forgetting to proofread it.
Here’s a more detailed overview of each of them:
#1. Being Too Pushy
Being demanding is among the most common mistakes in follow-up emails. There’s a difference between assertive and aggressive communication; while the former can show recruiters that you’re taking your job search seriously, the latter can deter them from considering your candidacy.
Therefore, you should mind your tone, be polite, and avoid phrases that can make you come across as overly pushy. A bad example would be:
Bad Example
“I expect to hear back from you tomorrow.”
Also, try not to send multiple emails in a short period, as this can overwhelm recruiters and come across as disrespectful.
#2. Sending a Vague, Generic Message
Given that hiring managers receive dozens of emails every day, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they’re more likely to open and read a tailored message than one that’s vague and generic.
While a clear subject line and a personalized greeting are crucial, the body of your follow-up email should also be tailored to the job and the company.
For instance, you can mention something specific about the organization or emphasize an achievement from your resume that you’re particularly proud of to set yourself apart and entice the hiring manager to review your application.
#3. Ignoring Instructions
If the job listing includes specific instructions (e.g., “Only contact via email,” “No phone calls,” etc.), you have to follow them. Otherwise, you risk having your application rejected; some companies even put specific instructions to gauge how well candidates pay attention, and whether they’ll be capable of complying with company policies.
#4. Forgetting to Proofread
Attention to detail is a must-have soft skill. Besides ignoring instructions, you can also demonstrate a lack of detail orientation by leaving grammatical errors in your follow-up email.
Although it may seem dramatic, even a single typo can harm your chances of landing your dream job, as it signals unprofessionalism. Therefore, you should always proofread your follow-up emails or have someone do it for you.
Should You Follow Up on a Job Application via LinkedIn?
You can follow up on a job application via LinkedIn, especially if the job listing indicates that the company prefers to communicate via this platform. You can also send a brief follow-up message if you’ve applied for a job directly on LinkedIn but haven’t received a response from the hiring manager.
However, you shouldn’t follow up on a job application via LinkedIn if you’ve already done so using a different communication method, as this can make you seem pushy. If you choose to message the hiring manager on LinkedIn, ensure that your message is clear, professional, and concise.
Sample Follow-Up Message
Hi Julie,
I applied for the Marketing Specialist position at ABC Inc. via LinkedIn on July 28th. I’ve always admired how ABC Inc.’s campaigns connect with customers on an emotional level, and I’d love to leverage my expertise in content marketing and brand awareness to help your products reach an even wider audience.
Let me know if there are any updates on the hiring process. I’d be happy to share more about my background and discuss my suitability for the role.
Thank you for your time,
Olivia
Speed Up Your Job Search With Resume.co
Create a winning document with our AI-powered resume builder.Closing Thoughts
Following up on a job application requires thoughtfulness and a strategic approach. Simply asking about the status of your application isn’t the best approach; you should reiterate your interest in the position and highlight the qualities that make you the perfect fit. This ensures that the follow-up reflects positively on your character and presents you as a strong candidate.
One follow-up email is usually enough; if you want to send another one, ensure it adds value as well. And if there’s anything valuable you haven’t included in your resume, take the follow-up as an opportunity to mention it!
Follow Up on Job Application FAQ
#1. How long should I wait before following up on a job application?
You should wait at least five business days before following up on a job application to ensure they’ve had enough time to review your application. If you reach out earlier than that, you risk appearing impatient.
#2. What should I say in a follow-up email?
In a follow-up email, you should say the position you applied for and express your interest in it. You can briefly mention any skills or other qualifications that make you a strong candidate before politely asking for an update.
#3. Is it OK to follow up twice?
It is generally OK to follow up twice, but you don’t want to do it too early. Send a second follow-up email on the job application at least one week after the first one.
