In today’s competitive job market, submitting an application is just the beginning. With hundreds of applicants vying for the same position, following up after you apply can be a strategic move that sets you apart. However, there’s a fine line between being proactive and appearing pushy.
Knowing how, when, and what to say in your follow-up communication can significantly impact your chances of landing an interview. This article explores professional and effective tips for following up after applying—helping you remain top-of-mind while maintaining respect and professionalism.
Why Follow-Up Matters
Following up after submitting a job application demonstrates initiative, interest, and professionalism. Employers often appreciate applicants who show genuine enthusiasm for the role. A well-timed follow-up can:
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Reinforce your interest in the position
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Help your application stand out
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Clarify or add information you forgot in your application
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Prompt a response from a busy recruiter
However, overdoing it or reaching out too soon can come across as desperate or intrusive. So how do you strike the right balance?
1. Wait the Right Amount of Time
Timing is everything. Following up too soon can appear impatient, while waiting too long may suggest disinterest.
Ideal waiting period:
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7 to 10 business days after applying is typically appropriate.
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If the job listing includes a closing date, wait about a week after that date to follow up.
Avoid reaching out within the first few days unless you’re responding to a time-sensitive opportunity or were invited to follow up sooner.
2. Choose the Right Method of Communication
Email is the most professional and non-intrusive method for following up. It gives the hiring manager time to respond on their schedule and allows you to communicate clearly and concisely.
If you have the hiring manager’s email:
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Send a polite, personalized message.
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Keep your tone professional and courteous.
If you don’t have their email:
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Use LinkedIn to locate the hiring manager or recruiter.
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Send a brief message expressing your interest and asking if they’d be open to a quick follow-up.
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Alternatively, call the company’s HR department and ask for the best point of contact for your application.
3. Craft a Professional Follow-Up Email
Your follow-up email should be brief, respectful, and well-written. Here’s a sample format:
Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] on [Application Date], and I wanted to follow up to express my continued interest in the role.
With my background in [briefly state relevant experience or skills], I believe I could contribute meaningfully to your team. I would greatly appreciate any updates you could share regarding the hiring timeline.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you further.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Keep it concise—around 150–200 words. Avoid reiterating your entire resume or asking questions that were already answered in the job description.
4. Use the Follow-Up to Add Value
If you’ve completed a project, earned a certification, or achieved a milestone relevant to the role after applying, mention it in your follow-up. This not only reinforces your enthusiasm but also updates your candidacy with new information.
Example:
“Since applying, I’ve completed an advanced certification in [relevant skill], which I believe would further benefit your team.”
This shows that you are proactive and continually improving, even during the application process.
5. Be Respectful of Their Time
Always acknowledge that hiring managers are busy. A simple sentence like, “I understand you are likely managing a high volume of applications” or “Thank you for taking the time to review my application” helps strike the right tone.
Don’t demand updates or express frustration about the lack of response. If you don’t hear back after a follow-up or two, it’s best to move forward rather than push repeatedly.
6. Know When Not to Follow Up
There are certain cases where following up may not be necessary or recommended:
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The job posting states “No calls/emails, please.” Respect this instruction.
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You already received a confirmation with a hiring timeline. Wait until that timeline has passed.
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You’ve followed up once and haven’t heard back after two weeks. It may be time to move on and focus your energy on other opportunities.
Being persistent is admirable—but being overly persistent can damage your professional reputation.
7. Follow-Up After the Interview Too
If your application leads to an interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you note within 24 hours. Express gratitude for the opportunity, briefly reiterate your interest, and highlight a key point from the conversation.
Example:
“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [Job Title] role. I enjoyed learning more about your team’s mission and the exciting challenges ahead. I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute and look forward to any next steps.”
This additional touch shows appreciation and reinforces your communication skills.
8. Track Your Applications
Keeping a spreadsheet or using a job application tracker can help you stay organized. Include columns for:
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Company name
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Job title
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Date applied
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Date followed up
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Method of follow-up
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Response received
This ensures you’re not duplicating efforts or forgetting to follow up in a timely manner.