When and How to Send a Follow-Up Email After Applying for a Job

The Waiting Game: How to Follow Up Without Being a Nuisance

You've spent hours tailoring your resume and writing a perfect cover letter. You hit 'submit,' and then... silence. The waiting game is one of the most stressful parts of the job search. You're left wondering: 'Did they receive my application? Have they even looked at it? Is the position already filled?'

A polite, professional follow-up email can be a great way to bring your application back to the top of the pile and show your continued interest. However, timing and tone are everything. A follow-up that is too aggressive or sent too soon can do more harm than good.

When Should You Follow Up?

Timing is the most critical element of a good follow-up.

If the Job Posting Has a Closing Date:** Do not follow up before this date has passed. Wait at least *5 business days after the application deadline. This gives the HR team time to process the initial batch of applications.

If the Job Posting Has No Closing Date:** A good rule ofthumb is to wait *10-14 business days (two full weeks) after you submitted your application. This is a respectful amount of time that shows you are patient but still engaged.

Following up too soon can make you seem impatient or demanding. Following up too late might mean the first round of interviews has already happened and decisions have been made.

Who Should You Contact?

Sending your email to the right person increases your chances of getting a response.

1. The Recruiter: If you have been in contact with a specific recruiter at the company, they are your best point of contact.

2. The Hiring Manager: If you can identify the hiring manager for the role (the person who would likely be your boss), they are the ideal person to email. You can often find this person on LinkedIn by searching for the job title (e.g., 'Director of Marketing' at [Company Name]).

3. A Generic HR Email: If you can't find a specific contact, a general HR or careers email address is your last resort. This is less effective but still better than not following up at all.

The Perfect Follow-Up Email Template

Your follow-up email should be short, professional, and to the point. The goal is to gently remind them of your existence and reiterate your interest, not to demand an answer.

Subject: Following up on my application for the [Job Title] position

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well.

I submitted my application for the [Job Title] position via [Platform, e.g., your careers page, LinkedIn] on [Date of Application]. I am writing to politely follow up on the status of my application and to reiterate my strong interest in this opportunity.

I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name]. I believe my experience in [Mention 1-2 key skills or experiences from your resume] would make me a valuable asset to your team.

I understand you are likely reviewing a large number of applications, but I would appreciate a brief update on the timeline for the hiring process when you have a moment.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Link to your LinkedIn Profile]

[Your Phone Number]

This template is respectful, adds value by reminding them of a key skill, and has a clear but polite call to action. If you don't hear back after this one follow-up, it is generally best to focus your energy on other applications. The ball is in their court.