How To Follow Up On a Job Application (Templates & Guide)

By Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW, Career Advice Expert •Last Updated: August 14, 2024

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In a competitive hiring climate, following up on a job application can set you apart from other candidates and improve your chances of securing an interview.

We’ll delve into how to follow up on a job application, including when to reach out, which communication method to use and how to structure your message.

Browse our expertly crafted application follow-up examples to get started. Perfect your resume with our ATS Resume Checker to further enhance your job search and get hired faster.

How to Follow Up After Applying for a Job

Perfecting the follow-up can significantly enhance your job search success, whether you're a first-time job seeker or a seasoned professional. Explore the steps below to get started.

Consider the Timing

Knowing when to follow up on a job application is essential for demonstrating enthusiasm and initiative without overwhelming the hiring manager.

Wait at least one to two weeks after applying before following up. This gives the hiring manager enough time to review your materials.

We recommend checking out our guide on writing a resume follow-up letter for additional tips and examples.

Find the Right Contact

When you're following up on a job application, contacting the right person in the organization is important to ensure your inquiry is handled efficiently and positively.

Here are some guidelines on whom to contact:

Hiring manager: If you know the hiring manager's name, they are typically the best person to contact. This individual is directly involved in the hiring decision and will have the most relevant information regarding your application status.
Recruiter: If your initial communication was with a recruiter, following up with them is appropriate. Recruiters can provide updates and might also offer additional insights into the hiring timeline.
Human resources (HR) department: If you applied through an HR department and haven’t had direct contact with a specific person, you can follow up with the general HR contact. This could be via an email address or phone number provided in the job listing.
Referral or internal contact: If you were referred by someone within the company, you could ask this person for advice on how to proceed with your follow-up. They might offer to check on your behalf or provide you with direct contact details.
Company contact information: If you can’t find a specific contact or if no names were provided in the job listing, use the general contact information listed on the company’s website. This might direct you to a contact who can then route your inquiry accordingly.

Choose Your Communication Method

Choosing the right communication method to follow up after a job interview is crucial for making a good impression. Below are a few of the primary communication methods to consider.

Email

Email is often the preferred method for following up because it’s professional, gives the recipient time to respond at their convenience and allows you to craft a thoughtful message.

Phone call

A phone call can be more personal and immediate. It might be appropriate if you have developed a rapport with the hiring manager or if they have encouraged you to call.

Professional networking platform

If you connect with the interviewer on a professional networking platform, sending a brief message can be a viable alternative. However, more formal channels are typically preferred.

If you are applying for additional roles, we recommend exploring our library of resume examples for professionally crafted samples tailored to different industries and jobs.

Craft an Engaging Message

When following up after a job application, always communicate professionally and politely.

Include your name, the position you applied for and any application reference numbers to help the person you're contacting quickly locate your application and provide you with an update.

Make a Resume with Our Resume Builder

The first step in the job application is crafting a resume that effectively showcases your skills and qualifications.

You can use our professional Resume Builder to quickly and easily make a resume that wins interviews. The sample below exemplifies what an effective resume looks like.

Explore the best hard skills and soft skills to feature on your resume and reiterate in your job application follow-up message.

How To Follow Up on a Job Application by Email

Following up on a job application via email is a professional way to express your continued interest in the position and keep your application on the radar of hiring managers.

Explore the essential components below to start crafting your message. See our guide on how to write a resume to continue perfecting your job applications.

Add a Subject Line

Keep the subject line clear and direct. Include your full name and the position you applied for, making it easy for the recipient to identify the purpose of your email.

Subject: Follow-up on Application for Marketing Manager – John Doe

Introduce Yourself

Address the recipient by name if you know it. If not, a general greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager" is appropriate.

Start by reintroducing yourself and stating the purpose of your email. Mention the position you applied for, the date of your application and any other relevant details.

Dear Mr. Carter,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my application for the Marketing Manager position, submitted on August 1st.

Express Your Enthusiasm

Briefly reiterate your interest in the role and why you believe you are a good fit for the position and the company.

I am very excited about the opportunity to bring my unique digital marketing and team leadership skills to GreenWorks, particularly after learning about your recent initiatives to expand into international markets.

Politely Request an Update

Ask politely for any updates regarding your application status and express your eagerness to proceed to the next steps.

I would appreciate any updates you might have on the progress of my application or the next steps in the hiring process.

Include a Professional Sign-off

Thank them for considering your application and their time. Mention that you look forward to the possibility of discussing the role further. End with a professional closing and your full name.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team and help GreenWorks achieve its goals.

Best regards,

John Doe

Sample Email Follow-up Template

Subject: Inquiry on Application Status – [Your Name] – [Job Title]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Full Name], and I recently applied for the [Job Title] position on [Application Date]. I am writing to kindly inquire about the selection process's progress and express my continued interest in joining [Company Name].

With a background in [Your Field/Industry] and hands-on experience in [Relevant Experience], I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team, especially given your recent [mention any relevant company initiative or project that excites you].

I understand the challenges involved in finding the right candidate and appreciate the time and effort that goes into this process. Please let me know if you need any further details or documents from my side to facilitate the decision-making.

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and am eager to bring my skills in [Mention a Key Skill or Two] to the [Team or Department] team.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]

How to Follow Up on a Job Application by Phone

Hiring managers generally prefer to follow up on a job application by email, as it provides a written record of your conversation and allows them to respond at a convenient time.

However, in some contexts, a phone call can be an effective method of communication. Here are a few scenarios when a phone conversation might be appropriate for following up:

Clarification needed: If there are complex issues to clarify that might be too cumbersome to explain in writing, a phone call can be a direct way to discuss them.
Follow-up to previous communication: If a previous email has gone unanswered for an unusually long time, a phone call can ensure your application wasn't overlooked.
Cultural or industry norms: In some industries or cultures, phone calls might be more expected or customary than in others, such as small businesses or startups.

Prepare and Choose the Right Time

Before the call, prepare a brief script or outline of what you want to say. This should include a greeting, your introduction, the purpose of the call and any questions you might have.

Always consider the business hours of the company's time zone. Time your call for mid-morning or mid-afternoon, avoiding Mondays and Fridays.

State the Purpose of Your Call

Start by introducing yourself. Mention your full name, the job title you applied for and when you submitted your application. This helps the hiring manager quickly recall or find your details.

Clearly state why you are calling: to follow up on your application and express your continued interest in the position.

“Good morning, my name is [Your Name]. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position on [Date of Application], and I am calling to check on the status of my application. I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with [Company Name] and would like to inquire if there have been any updates regarding my application.”

Thank the Recipient

Whether you speak to a person or leave a voicemail, always end your call by thanking them for their time and consideration.

“Thank you for your time and help today. I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Sample Phone Call Follow-up Template

“Hello, this is [Your Full Name]. I applied for the [Job Title] on [Application Date] and was hoping to speak with [Hiring Manager’s Name] to follow up on my application.

I am very interested in the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and would appreciate any updates you could share regarding the hiring process.

I can be reached at [Your Phone Number], or via email at [Your Email Address]. Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.”

Use one of our professional resume templates to quickly and easily craft a resume that showcases your unique skills and qualifications.

Tips for Following Up on a Job Application

Timing is key: Wait about one to two weeks after submitting your application before following up. This gives the hiring team enough time to review your application without feeling pressured to rush their decision.
Choose the right medium: Follow up using the communication method indicated in the job listing or the one previously used by the employer. Email is typically the safest and most professional option if no preference is stated.
Use your network: If you have a contact within the company, consider reaching out to them for insights on the hiring process or to help facilitate your follow-up. Make sure any contact is done tactfully and respectfully. See our networking tips for guidance.
Proofread your follow-up: Before sending an email or making a call, double-check your message for any spelling or grammatical errors. A clean and error-free follow-up reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
Be concise and professional: Keep your communication brief and to the point. Ensure your tone is polite and professional. You want to come across as enthusiastic and interested without being overbearing.
Prepare for different responses: Be ready for any response, from an immediate update to a note that the process is still ongoing. Whatever the feedback, respond graciously and thank the person for the update.

What to Do if You Don’t Hear Back After Following Up

After your follow-up, allow some time for a response. Depending on the company's hiring process, it may take a few weeks to hear back. Patience is crucial during this period.

Send a Polite Second Follow-up

If you haven’t received a response after two weeks from your first follow-up email, it’s reasonable to send a second follow-up email.

Keep this email polite and concise, expressing your continued interest and asking if there have been any updates regarding your application.

If you’ve already followed up twice and haven’t received any feedback, it’s usually a sign to hold back and wait for the employer to respond.

Continue Your Job Search

While you wait for a response, continue applying for other opportunities. Consider any areas that you’d like to improve or adjust for future applications.

We recommend using our Cover Letter Generator to craft a compelling cover letter that complements your resume and strengthens your candidacy.

Network for Additional Insight

If you have contacts within the company, you might consider reaching out to them for insight into the hiring process.

Sometimes, internal employees can offer valuable context or even expedite feedback on your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Following Up

Following up too soon: Wait at least one to two weeks after submitting your application before following up for the first time.
Using an overly casual tone: Maintaining professionalism in your communication is crucial. Avoid colloquial language or overly casual phrases.
Not personalizing your message: If possible, address the hiring manager by name and reference specific details about the job to demonstrate your interest.
Forgetting to check spelling and grammar: Always proofread your messages before sending them to ensure they are free of spelling and grammatical mistakes.
Disregarding instructions: If the job listing specifically says not to follow up, it is important to respect that request.
Pressuring for a response: While asking for an update is acceptable, avoid language that demands an immediate response or puts undue pressure on the recipient.

Explore the best resume formats for tips on crafting a resume that aligns with your career goals and professional history.

Key Takeaways

Follow up one to two weeks after submitting your application. This shows your interest without being overbearing.
Whether you choose to follow up by email or phone, keep your communication brief, polite and professional.
If the job posting requests no follow-ups, respect that instruction. Overstepping could negatively impact your application.
Following up can help you build a connection with the hiring manager or recruiter, which can be beneficial regardless of whether you get the job.

FAQ

Should I follow up on a job application?

Following up on a job application can demonstrate your interest in the position and keep you on the hiring manager’s radar.

Wait about one to two weeks after submitting your application before following up. Reiterate your interest in the position and politely ask for any updates regarding the hiring process.

Checking in on your application can differentiate you from other candidates who don’t take that extra step, but it’s crucial to do it thoughtfully to ensure you’re making a positive impression.

Check out the templates on this page for examples of what to say to follow up on a job application. See how to write a follow-up email after an interview to prepare for the next steps.

How long should you wait to follow up on a job application?

The ideal time to wait before following up on a job application is typically about one to two weeks after submitting your application.

This time frame allows the hiring manager or recruiter sufficient time to review applications without feeling rushed or pressured.

If you have already sent a follow-up email and haven’t received a response, consider waiting another week or two before reaching out again. This shows persistence without being pushy.

While you wait, browse our library of cover letter examples to craft a job-winning application tailored to your target role.

Can you follow up on a job application in person?

Following up on a job application in person can be effective in certain situations, but it often requires careful consideration of the context and company culture.

If you’ve applied for a position in a retail store, restaurant or similar setting, dropping by in person might be seen as proactive and a good way to show your enthusiasm.

Here are a few tips on how to follow up on a job application in person:

Dress appropriately: Make sure you’re dressed professionally or in a manner that aligns with the company’s dress code.
Prepare a brief message: Have a clear and concise statement ready about who you are, the position you applied for and why you’re following up.
Bring a copy of your resume: Have a copy of your resume on hand to give to a manager or the person in charge.
Be respectful of time: Acknowledge that you understand they’re busy. Ask if it’s a good time to talk, or if you should come back at a more convenient time.

Be attentive to the reactions you receive. If the staff seems busy or the manager appears uninterested, keep the visit brief and professional.

How do you politely follow up on a job application?

Polite follow-up shows your professionalism and reinforces your interest in the position, helping you stand out as a thoughtful and persistent candidate.

Your email or phone call should maintain a professional tone throughout. Use formal language and be courteous in your communication.

Clearly express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention a specific aspect of the job or company culture that particularly appeals to you to show genuine interest.

Request an update on the status of your application politely. Frame it as a request for information rather than a demand.

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Elizabeth Muenzen, CPRW

Career Advice Expert

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Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches. She is passionate about delivering information that empowers job seekers to achieve their professional goals.

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