When and How to Follow Up After Applying for a Job

After applying for a job, waiting for a response can feel stressful. But if you follow up, you can relieve some of that stress and take advantage of an extra opportunity to get noticed. The key is understanding when and how to follow up on a job application the right way.

Job applicant smiling while on the phone, following up after an interview while holding paperwork in a bright office

You’ve sent in your job application, and now the silence sets in. Did they see it? Will they get back to you?

The uncertainty can feel discouraging, especially as time drags on. You may even feel like you’ve been ghosted by the employer, which is possible when hiring managers are dealing with hundreds of applications for a single position.

That’s why knowing when and how to follow up on a job application is invaluable. Done well, following up shows initiative, reinforces your enthusiasm, and demonstrates professionalism, which can help you stand out and make a positive impression while allowing you to focus your energy on the next steps in your job search.

In this guide, we’ll answer the question, “How long should you wait to follow up on a job application?” and offer steps, examples, and tips to help you craft an effective, well-timed follow-up message that could make all the difference in getting your next job.

When to Follow Up on a Job Application

Wait one to two weeks before following up on a job application to give the hiring manager adequate time to review applications. If you follow up too soon, the hiring manager may have nothing to say, and you risk coming across as pushy or impatient. Conversely, if you wait too long, they may have already made a decision, mitigating the purpose of following up.

In addition to timing your follow-up right, only send one message. Multiple inquiries may make you seem desperate or annoying to the hiring manager. Furthermore, never send a follow-up when the application explicitly states not to do so. Disregarding application instructions will only hurt your chances of getting the job.


Following up after a job interview can happen sooner. Always send a thank-you note within 24 hours after interviewing. If you haven’t heard back within the employer’s estimated timeline, you can send a polite check-in.

How to Follow Up: Email vs Phone Call

When deciding how to follow up on a job application, email and phone calls are both solid options, though each has advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Pros & Cons of Following Up via Email

Following up via email allows you to craft your words carefully and allows the hiring manager to respond at their convenience. What’s more, you can attach your resume and cover letter to your email, which may be read again with extra attention.

An email follow-up also provides a written record that can be a useful reference for the hiring manager if they want to revisit your email when deciding between applicants.

Unfortunately, an email risks being buried in a busy inbox. To avoid this possibility, send your follow-up email at an appropriate time. Aim for the first half of the workday in the middle of the week, vs Mondays or Fridays, when emails are more likely to be missed. Include a straightforward subject line with your name and reason for emailing.

Pros & Cons of Following Up via Phone Call

You can also follow up with a phone call instead of an email. A phone call is a great way to connect with the hiring manager directly. If someone picks up and you don’t have to leave a voicemail, you’ll know for a fact that your follow-up was received.

However, a phone call can seem more personal, which may or may not be an advantage, depending on the employer. Companies that value personability may appreciate the extra touch; other businesses may feel that a follow-up phone call is invasive and off-putting, forcing them to respond immediately.

If you do call, keep the conversation brief. Prepare your wording in advance to keep your message concise but impactful. Whether you speak to someone directly or leave a voicemail message, be polite and considerate of their time.


LinkedIn can be a good option for a follow-up, especially if you can connect directly with the recruiter or hiring manager. Follow up on LinkedIn just as you would via email or phone by keeping your message short and professional.

Crafting Your Follow-Up: 6 Steps to Perfect Your Message

Successfully following up hinges on the delicate balance between professional inquiry and personal advocacy. You’re asking for a status update while reminding the hiring manager that you’re a qualified, motivated professional. And, of course, you need to do so tactfully so you don’t appear pushy or overly confident.

Here’s how to follow up on a job application in six steps:

 1  Start With a Clear Subject Line (Email Only)

To stand out and prevent your follow-up email from getting buried in a hiring manager’s inbox, use a clear subject line to state your purpose for reaching out. The hiring manager should be able to understand at a glance why you’re emailing.

Your subject line should include your name, the job title, and your intent, such as:

  • Following Up on [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]
  • [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application Follow-Up
  • Question About [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]

Think of your subject line as a small courtesy that signals exactly why you’re initiating contact, saving the reader time and effort.

 2 Greet the Right Person by Name (When Possible)

A follow-up is most effective when it’s addressed to someone specific. Reaching out to the right person shows you’ve done your homework and makes your message feel more personal.

If the job posting doesn’t list the hiring manager’s name and contact information, you may be able to identify the hiring manager via the company’s website or LinkedIn page. Better yet, if you know someone at the company, don’t hesitate to ask them if they know who the hiring manager is. If you don’t know anyone, you can still call the company yourself and ask.

If all else fails, don’t let the lack of a name hold you back. A phone call with a simple “Hello” will suffice, and an email addressed as “Dear Hiring Manager” sent through the company’s general contact email is far better than not following up at all.

 3  Introduce Yourself and When You Applied

Don’t assume the recipient will recognize who you are or remember that you applied. Quickly remind them of your name, the job you applied for, and when.

Here are some examples you can use to provide a short introduction:

  • I’m [Your Name], and I applied for the [job title] role on [date].
  • My name is [Your Name]. I submitted my application for the [job title] position last week.
  • I’m [Your Name]. Two weeks ago, I submitted an application for the [job title] opening.

These details quickly refresh the hiring manager’s memory and can make it easier for them to locate your application materials.


If you’re sending an email, your introduction is also a good time to point out any attached documents, such as your resume and cover letter. You can simply add, “Attached are my resume and cover letter for reference.”

 4Ask for an Update

Get right to the point by asking about the status of your application. Be polite to underscore your professional curiosity.

Your request for an update can be as simple as the following messages:

  • Could you confirm that you received my application and provide its status?
  • I’m inquiring about whether there is any update regarding my application.
  • I hope you received my application. I would like to ask for an update, if possible.

Don’t overthink or overcomplicate your request for an update. You’re simply asking the hiring manager for any further news about your application.

 5  Reaffirm Your Interest and Highlight a Relevant Strength

Reiterating your enthusiasm for the position with a relevant qualification makes your message more meaningful. You’re no longer just asking about your application; you’re taking this moment to explain what makes you hireable.

However, don’t overstay your welcome. Keep your message short and intentional, like these examples demonstrate:

  • I’m especially excited by the potential to bring my background in [relevant skill] to support your [company or team goal].
  • With my experience in [job-related area], I’d love to help your team achieve [objective].
  • The possibility of joining your organization to support [a team goal or responsibility] with my [relevant qualification] would be an amazing opportunity.

Think of this as a spotlight that shows you’re invested in the position. You’re asking about the job application because you’re motivated to make an impact.


Research the company and carefully read the job description to identify the values or goals the employer wants the candidate to contribute to.

 6  End With a Polite Call to Action

The final lines of your follow-up message should end with a call to action that shows you’re respectfully eager for a response.

Often, concluding with a call to action means inquiring about next steps, such as:

  • I’d be happy to provide any additional information if it would be helpful.
  • Please let me know if there are any next steps in the process.
  • I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you about this role.

Pair your call to action with a brief thank-you and a professional sign-off (“Best regards,” “Sincerely,” etc.). That way, you’ll close on a note of gratitude and leave the hiring manager with a positive impression and a clear reason to reply.

Follow-Up Template & Example

The six steps above provide a simple yet effective formula for how to follow up on a job application. The follow-up template and example below show you how to put those steps into practice in an email message but can be easily adjusted for a phone call.

Use this follow-up template as a guide to craft your own message:


Subject: [Your Name] – Following Up on [Job Title] Application

Dear [Hiring Manager],

My name is [Your Name]. I applied to the [Job Title] opening on [date you applied]. I’m curious to learn if there are any updates regarding my application. I’m excited by the opportunity to use my [qualification] to help [Employer’s Name] achieve its goals.

Please let me know if there are any next steps in the process.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Now, here’s an example of how the template above can be customized:


Subject: Robert Boucher – Following Up on Event Coordinator Application

Dear Ms. Lopez,

My name is Robert Boucher, and on May 15th, I applied for the Event Coordinator position. For your convenience, I have attached a copy of my resume and cover letter. Would you be able to provide any updates on the hiring process?

With my background in fundraising strategy and project coordination, I’m excited by the possibility of contributing to your team’s upcoming event schedule. I’d be glad to provide any additional information you need.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,
Robert Boucher

5 Common Follow-Up Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing when and how to follow up on a job application also means staying clear of common pitfalls that can undo everything you’re trying to accomplish.

Be mindful of these mistakes to keep your message professional and impactful:

Being Too Casual

Even if the workplace seems laid-back, your follow-up should remain professional. Avoid overly informal language (“Hey, just checking in…”), and don’t be too forceful. Stick to a tone that shows respect for the hiring process. Casualness can be mistaken for carelessness or overconfidence.

Sending a Generic Note

Copy-and-paste follow-ups don’t stand out. Employers can tell when a message is impersonal, which can signal a lack of interest. Always personalize your message with the company name, the job title of the role you applied for, and a relevant detail, such as an in-demand skill that relates to your interest in the opportunity.

Overexplaining

Your follow-up shouldn’t read like a second cover letter. Keep your message simple and concise. Focus on checking in and reaffirming your interest. Too much detail can dilute your message. Worse, a long email may be ignored by hiring managers who don’t have a lot of time to respond.

Forgetting to Proofread

Typos, formatting errors, and sloppy writing can undermine your professionalism in seconds. Proofread your message carefully, and read it out loud before sending. A polished follow-up shows attention to detail and reinforces that you’re serious about the opportunity.

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Not Following Up

If it’s been over a week since you submitted your application and you haven’t heard back, don’t hesitate to reach out. Even if you don’t have the hiring manager’s name, you can most likely find the employer’s general contact information on its website and get in touch that way. Proactively making contact is better than missing out on an opportunity to solidify your interest.

How to Stay on Top of Job Applications

When you’re applying to multiple roles, it’s easy to lose track of where you’ve applied and when you should follow up, but there are some strategies to stay organized:

  • Create a spreadsheet: Simple columns to track company names and roles you’ve applied for, including the date you applied and date of response (if any), can keep you on track and prevent you from following up too soon or too late.
  • Set calendar reminders: Block off 10 minutes each week to review your applications and send follow-ups for any you haven’t heard back from. Calendar reminders can ensure you follow up within the ideal one-to-two week window.
  • Use a tracking tool: Automated resources like Sonara’s AI job search & ExpertApply tools take care of monitoring applications all in one place, giving you extra time and energy to focus on crafting a great follow-up message.

By keeping yourself organized and monitoring which opportunities could benefit from a follow-up, and when to send it, you’ll put yourself in a better position to succeed.

The Extra Step Makes a Difference

Following up on a job application doesn’t guarantee a response, but it does give you an edge. By reaching out with professionalism, timing your follow-up thoughtfully, and crafting a targeted message that highlights your interest and strengths, you can increase your chances of standing out in a crowded job market.

The key is balance. Be persistent enough to show enthusiasm but patient enough to respect the employer’s hiring process. With the right follow-up strategy, you’re not just chasing a reply; you’re showing that you’re the kind of candidate who takes initiative, communicates well, and genuinely wants to do great work.

Take your job search to the next level and start following up on your applications. You never know what doors the extra effort may open.


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Conor McMahon, CPRW Avatar

Career Advice Writer

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