How to Follow Up on a Job Application

Tired of submitting job applications and then hearing nothing? It might seem as if your résumé vanishes into a black hole. Many job seekers just wait, but is there anything you can do to increase your chances?

Yes, there is! It's a strong method to demonstrate your commitment to the position, keep in mind, and set yourself apart from the competition by following up on your job application.

This guide provides a step-by-step instruction on when and how to follow up. Let's get your applications noticed instead of letting them just sit there!

Why Following Up Is Important (It's More Than Just Waiting!)

Being proactive can make a big difference, even if it's difficult to wait. The reason a courteous follow-up is so crucial is as follows:

Be Unique: The majority of people don't follow up. It demonstrates initiative and makes you memorable when you do.

Demonstrate Genuine Curiosity: The follow-up demonstrates that you're genuinely enthusiastic about the position and not simply submitting applications at random.

Remind hiring managers that: There are hundreds of applications that recruiters and hiring managers evaluate. You can put your name and qualifications back at the forefront of their thoughts with your follow-up.

Increase Value (Quickly!): It offers you a very little opportunity to bring up a crucial talent or experience you have.

When is the Best Time to Follow Up? (Timing is Key!)

Knowing when to follow up is as crucial as how. The following times are the most ideal:

Following the Submission of Your Application (No Interview Yet)

Wait: Give it around a week or two after the initial application.

The reason: It allows them time to analyze the first submissions. It could come across as aggressive to send an email too soon.

Following an Interview (EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!)

Wait: Within 24 hours of your interview, send an email expressing your gratitude.

The reason: This is a crucial step! While they still have the conversation in their minds, it allows you to reaffirm your interest, express gratitude, and demonstrate professionalism.

Following the Promised Response Time

Wait: It's alright to send a polite follow-up if they told you, "we'll get back to you next week," and that week has gone by (e.g., it's been 8 or 9 days).

Why: This demonstrates your engagement while also respecting their timeline.

If You Haven't Received a Response (Long Silence)

Wait: A courteous follow-up is acceptable if two to three weeks have passed since your initial application and you haven't heard anything.

Hold on: If it's been more than three weeks since an interview and you haven't heard anything after sending your thank you message, you might attempt another extremely mild push.

What to Say and How to Follow Up with Easy Actions

Here's a step-by-step approach for writing a compelling follow-up message:

1. Select Your Method

Email (Best Option): This is often the most professional and preferred approach.

LinkedIn Message: It's good if you made direct contact with the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn.

Phone Call (Use with Care): Only if the business promoted it or if the position is highly casual. Email is typically safer.

2. Create Your Subject Line

The first thing they notice is the subject line! Keep it brief, simple, and straightforward:

Examples:

Following Up: [Work Title] Application - [Your Name]
[Job Title] - Thank You Interview with [Your Name]
Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]

3. What Should Be Included in Your Email

Your email should be courteous, informative, and professional.

Always use the person's name in your greeting, such as "Dear Ms. Smith." If you don't know the precise name, use "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team."

Tell Them Who You Are: Describe the position you applied for and the dates of your application or interview in a few words. They witness a large crowd!

Reiterate Your Interest: Clearly state that you are still very interested in the position.

Include a Quick Value Point (Optional but Good!): Bring up one minor detail that shows you're a good match, or anything you liked learning about throughout the interview.

Respectful Call to Action: Inquire about the next steps or the timing of their decision.

Use "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Thank you," followed by your entire name, as your professional closing.

4. Model Templates (Modify These for Your Needs!)

Template 1: After Application (No Interview Yet)

Subject: Re: [Job Title] Application - [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name or Hiring Team],

I hope you're doing fine.

I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] post, which I sent on [Date you applied].

I'm still quite interested in this opportunity, and I think my talents in [list one or two of your most important abilities from your resume, such as "project management" or "customer service"] would be a great match for your team at [Company Name].

Please let me know if I can give any further information. I would like to know what the next steps are in the hiring process.

I appreciate your time and consideration.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

Template 2: Following an Interview (Send Within 24 Hours)

Subject: Interview Thank You - [Your Name], [Job Title]

Dear [Interviewer Name],

I really appreciate you taking the time yesterday/on [Date] to discuss the [Job Title] position with me. "The team culture" or "the new marketing project" are two examples of the topics you discussed that I really enjoyed learning more about.

My enthusiasm for this position and [Company Name] was reinforced by our conversation. I'm particularly excited to put my [specific ability, such as "problem-solving skills"] to work in [specific area/project, such as "your customer success goals"].

If you need anything more from my side, please let me know. The chance of joining your team excites me greatly.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

What NOT to Do When Following Up

Just as important as knowing what to do, is knowing what to avoid:

Don't Be Impatient or Demand an Answer: Don't send multiple emails every day or every few days. Give them space.
Don't Be Needy or Desperate: Keep your tone confident and professional, not begging.
Don't Send a Blank Email: Always include a clear, polite message.
Don't Forget to Proofread: Typos make you look careless. Read your email twice before sending!
Don't Just Say "Checking In": Always add value or reiterate your interest – don't just say "checking in on the status."

Stay Organized with Your Applications and Follow-ups!

Managing multiple job applications, remembering when you applied, and knowing when to follow up can be a lot to handle. This is where tools like ApplyTrackr.com become your best friend!

With ApplyTrackr, you can:

Keep all your job applications in one place.
Set reminders for when to follow up.
Track all your communication, so you know exactly who you've spoken to and when.

Staying organized makes your job search less stressful and much more effective, helping you send that perfect follow-up at just the right time!

Conclusion

Following up on a job application is a simple yet powerful step in your job search journey. It shows off your professionalism, enthusiasm, and can truly help you stand out from the many other applicants.

Be patient, be polite, and use these tips to boost your chances of getting that dream job. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long should I wait before sending a follow-up email after applying for a job?

A1: It's generally best to wait 1 to 2 weeks after you submit your application before sending your first follow-up email, unless the job posting gives a specific timeline.

Q2: Should I always send a thank-you email after an interview?

A2: Yes, absolutely! Always send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. It's a key part of good job search etiquette and helps you stay top of mind with the interviewer.

Q3: What if I don't have the hiring manager's email address?

A3: First, try to find it on the company's website (often on their "About Us" or "Team" pages) or on LinkedIn. If you still can't find a specific name, you can usually send your follow-up to the general HR email address provided in the job posting, or to the person who initially contacted you (e.g., a recruiter).

Q4: Is it okay to follow up more than once for the same job?

A4: Yes, but be careful not to send too many. After an initial application, one follow-up is usually enough. After an interview, send a thank-you note, and then one more gentle follow-up if you haven't heard back after the promised timeline. Don't be too pushy.

Q5: What if I don't hear back even after my follow-up?

A5: It's disappointing, but sometimes companies receive many applications and can't respond to everyone. Don't take it personally. If you've followed up once or twice after an interview and still no response, it's usually best to focus your energy on other applications. Keep a record of it with a tool like ApplyTrackr so you don't accidentally apply for the same role again too soon.

Q6: Should I follow up if the job status online says "Application Received"?

A6: "Application Received" simply means they got your application. Wait the recommended 1-2 weeks before a general follow-up. There's no need to follow up just because the status hasn't changed from "received." Give them time to review it.