Following up on a job application is one of the most effective—yet most overlooked—steps in the job search process. Many candidates assume silence means rejection, but in reality, hiring teams are often overwhelmed, slow to review résumés, or still finalizing decisions. A thoughtful follow-up message can bring your application to the top of the pile and significantly increase your chances of getting an interview.
This guide explains when, how, and what to say when following up on job applications so you can get more responses, stand out professionally, and keep your job search moving forward.
1. Why Following Up Matters
In today’s competitive job market, hiring managers often receive dozens—sometimes hundreds—of applications for every open position. Even highly qualified candidates can get lost in the volume of submissions. That’s why following up is not just a courtesy—it’s a strategic move that can significantly improve your chances of being noticed.
A thoughtful follow-up helps you:
- Demonstrate initiative and genuine interest in the role
- Remind the hiring team that you applied and remain enthusiastic
- Gain clarity on the hiring timeline or next steps
- Reopen applications that may have stalled or slipped through the cracks
- Differentiate yourself from candidates who never reach out
A simple, well-timed follow-up message can often spark a quicker response, keep your application top of mind, and in many cases, lead to an interview invitation.
2. How Long to Wait Before Following Up
Timing your message correctly is crucial. Reach out too soon, and it may come across as impatient or overly persistent. Reach out too late, and the hiring team may assume you’ve moved on—or worse, the role may already be filled.
Here’s a practical timeline to follow:
For online applications: Wait 7–10 days before sending a follow-up
After a referral: Wait 5–7 days, since referred candidates are usually reviewed more quickly
- After an interview (different process):
- Send a thank-you email within 24–48 hours
Send one additional follow-up about one week later if you haven’t heard back
If the job posting includes a closing date, wait 1–2 days after the deadline to follow up—this ensures the employer has completed their initial review.
3. Where to Send Your Follow-Up Message
A follow-up is most effective when it reaches the right person. Ideally, you want to connect directly with someone involved in the hiring decision.
Your best options include:
- The hiring manager (this is the strongest and most impactful choice)
- A recruiter listed in the job posting
- An HR contact found on the company’s website
- A recruiter or team member on LinkedIn
If you cannot locate a direct email address, sending a courteous LinkedIn message is a professional alternative. Many recruiters actually prefer LinkedIn because it keeps job-related communication in one place.
4. What to Say in Your Follow-Up
Your follow-up message should be concise, polite, and clearly written. Avoid sounding frustrated or demanding—even if you’re anxious for an update. Instead, keep the tone positive and professional.
Include these key elements:
- A brief introduction of who you are
- The job title you applied for
- The date you submitted your application
- A short reminder of your qualifications or relevant strengths
- A courteous request for an update or next steps
- Your contact information
A well-crafted message shows professionalism and keeps the conversation easy for the hiring team to respond to.
5. Sample Follow-Up Email for Job Applications
Subject: Following Up on My Application for the [Job Title] Position
Hi [Name],
I hope you're doing well. I’m reaching out to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] role, which I submitted on [date]. I’m very enthusiastic about this opportunity and believe my experience in [mention a key skill or achievement] would make me a strong fit for the team.
If possible, I’d appreciate any updates regarding the hiring timeline or next steps. I’d be happy to provide additional information to support my application.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile]
6. Sample Follow-Up Message on LinkedIn
Hi [Name],
I hope you're doing well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company], and I wanted to reach out to express my continued interest in the role. With my background in [skill/achievement], I believe I could bring strong value to your team and contribute meaningfully to upcoming projects.If you have any updates regarding the hiring process—or if there’s someone else I should follow up with—I would truly appreciate your guidance. Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to the possibility of connecting further.
7. Tips to Make Your Follow-Up More Effective
Following up is most effective when done thoughtfully and professionally. Here are ways to increase your chances of receiving a positive response:
Keep it professional
Even if you’ve waited longer than expected, maintain a calm, respectful tone. Messages that sound frustrated or impatient can turn hiring managers away.
Keep it concise
Hiring teams review high volumes of emails daily. A clear, straightforward message has a better chance of being read and answered.
Add a value reminder
Highlight one specific skill, achievement, or measurable result related to the role. This makes you memorable and reinforces why you’re a strong candidate.
Use a clear subject line
Strong subject lines improve open rates and help the recipient understand your purpose immediately. Examples:
- “Application Follow-Up: Marketing Coordinator”
- “Checking In on My Application – UX Designer”
- “Following Up on Submitted Application”
Double-check your résumé and LinkedIn
Many recruiters will look you up right after reading your follow-up. Make sure your profiles are updated, professional, and aligned with the job you’re pursuing.
Don’t overdo it
One follow-up is standard practice, and a second after another 7–10 days is acceptable. More than that can seem overly persistent and may hurt your chances.
8. When You Should Not Follow Up
There are certain scenarios where following up may be inappropriate or counterproductive. You should avoid following up if:
- The job posting clearly states “No calls or follow-ups.”
- The employer has shared a specific timeline and you are still within it.
- The application process is fully automated, offers no contact information, and is intentionally designed for no manual follow-up.
Respecting boundaries and instructions shows professionalism and attention to detail—qualities employers value highly.
9. What to Do If You Receive No Response
Even after sending one or two follow-ups, you may still receive no reply. This is common and often has nothing to do with your qualifications. If that happens:
- Move forward and continue applying to other roles
- Stay connected with the company by following them on LinkedIn
- Engage with their posts occasionally to remain visible
- Identify another internal contact who might be relevant
- Keep building your pipeline—never rely on a single application
Remember, silence does not mean rejection. Hiring teams frequently deal with shifting priorities, long approval processes, delayed budgets, or sudden changes in needs.
10. Follow-Up After an Interview (Short Version)
Although this guide focuses primarily on applications, interview follow-ups are just as important:
- Always send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview.
- If you still haven’t heard back, send a polite follow-up after 5–7 days.
This demonstrates professionalism, gratitude, and continued enthusiasm.
11. The Bottom Line: Follow Up Strategically
A thoughtful follow-up can significantly influence your job search results. When done correctly, it:
- Increases your visibility
- Demonstrates genuine interest
- Helps move your application forward
- Sets you apart from silent candidates
- Improves your chances of landing an interview
Most applicants never follow up—so taking this small extra step can give you a powerful advantage in a competitive job market. Use follow-ups wisely, stay professional and keep your momentum strong.
