How to Follow Up After Applying for a Job
Following up after a job application can show continued interest and keep communication professional. The key is choosing an appropriate time, contacting the right person, and keeping your message concise and useful.
Quick Answer
Wait for an appropriate period before following up unless the employer provided a specific timeline. Keep your message short, mention the position you applied for, reaffirm your interest, and ask whether any additional information is needed. Avoid sending repeated messages when you receive no response.
In This Guide
Should You Follow Up After Applying?
A follow-up can be appropriate, but it isn't always necessary.
Consider following up when:
● The employer provided a contact person
● The job posting gives an expected timeline
● You have a legitimate reason to provide additional information
● A recruiter or hiring manager previously invited further communication
If the employer specifically says not to contact them directly, respect that instruction.
When to Follow Up
There is no universal waiting period.
The appropriate timing depends on:
● The employer's stated hiring timeline
● The application instructions
● Whether you have already communicated with someone
● Whether the position has a closing date
● How long it has been since your application
If a Timeline Was Provided
Follow the stated timeline.
For example, if the employer says "We expect to contact shortlisted candidates within two weeks," waiting until that period has passed is usually more appropriate than contacting them immediately.
If no timeline was provided, give the employer reasonable time to review applications before sending a concise follow-up.
Who to Contact
If the job posting provides a recruiter or hiring contact, that person may be the most appropriate contact.
Possible contacts include:
● Recruiter
● Hiring manager
● Recruitment team
● Contact person listed in the job posting
Avoid contacting multiple employees about the same application simply to increase your chances of getting a response.
How to Write a Follow-Up Message
A good follow-up generally includes:
● Your name
● The position you applied for
● When you applied
● A brief statement of continued interest
● An offer to provide additional information
Keep it concise. The recipient should understand your reason for contacting them within a few seconds.
Follow-Up Email Example
Subject: Follow-Up – [Job Title] Application
Hello [Name],
I recently applied for the [Job Title] position and wanted to follow up regarding my application. I'm very interested in the opportunity, particularly because of my experience in [relevant area].
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Adjust the message to your situation rather than copying it word for word.
LinkedIn Follow-Up Example
If you've already connected with the recruiter or hiring manager, a short LinkedIn message may be appropriate:
Example LinkedIn Message
"Hi [Name], I recently applied for the [Job Title] position and wanted to express my continued interest. My experience in [relevant area] aligns closely with the role. I appreciate your time and would be happy to provide any additional information."
Don't send a long sales pitch.
Following Up After an Interview
Interview follow-up is different from following up on an initial application.
After an interview, you can:
● Thank the interviewer
● Mention something specific from the conversation
● Reaffirm your interest
● Provide any information they requested
Example
"Thank you for taking the time to discuss the [Job Title] position. I particularly enjoyed learning about [specific topic]. Our conversation reinforced my interest in the role, and I would be excited to contribute my experience in [relevant area]."
What If You Receive No Response?
No response doesn't necessarily tell you why an employer hasn't replied.
The hiring process may be:
● Delayed
● Paused
● Still reviewing candidates
● Waiting for internal approval
● Already moving forward with another candidate
● Closed without notifying every applicant
After an appropriate follow-up, continue applying elsewhere. Don't allow one application to stop your entire job search.
How Many Times Should You Follow Up?
There is no universal number.
The important principle is to avoid becoming persistent to the point of being disruptive.
A reasonable approach is:
Apply → Wait → Follow up once when appropriate → Continue your job search
If the employer responds with a timeline, follow that timeline instead.
A Follow-Up Should Add Value, Not Pressure
A useful follow-up communicates:
I'm still interested + I'm available + I'm easy to contact
It should not communicate:
"Why haven't you replied yet?"
Professional persistence is different from repeatedly demanding an answer.
Common Mistakes
Avoid:
● Following up immediately after applying without a reason
● Sending multiple messages across different channels
● Writing a very long email
● Asking whether you've been rejected
● Sounding impatient
● Contacting unrelated employees
● Ignoring instructions in the job posting
● Sending generic messages with no position identified
● Stopping your job search while waiting for one employer
Follow-Up Checklist
Before Sending
✓ Check the employer's instructions
✓ Confirm you're contacting the right person
✓ Mention the exact position
✓ Keep the message concise
✓ Reaffirm genuine interest
✓ Offer additional information if useful
✓ Check spelling and contact details
After Sending:
✓ Record the follow-up in your application tracker
✓ Note the date
✓ Follow any response timeline provided
✓ Continue pursuing other opportunities
Best Practices
● Follow the employer's stated timeline
● Keep messages short
● Personalize the message appropriately
● Focus on genuine interest
● Contact the most relevant person
● Respect communication preferences
● Track follow-ups
● Don't send repeated messages without a reason
● Continue your broader job search while waiting
Strengthen the Application Behind the Follow-Up
A follow-up works best when the original application clearly demonstrates your fit for the role. Resumee helps you create tailored ATS-friendly resumes and application materials aligned with the job you're applying for.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait before following up on a job application?
It depends on the employer's stated hiring timeline. If one is provided, follow it. If not, allow reasonable time for the employer to review applications before contacting them.
Should I follow up by email or LinkedIn?
Use the channel the employer provides or has already used to communicate with you. Don't contact someone through multiple channels unnecessarily.
What should I say when following up?
Mention the position, your application, your continued interest, and your availability to provide additional information. Keep the message brief.
What if I don't know who the hiring manager is?
You can follow the application instructions or use the contact information provided in the job posting. You don't need to identify a specific hiring manager at all costs.
Should I follow up more than once?
Sometimes another follow-up may be reasonable if the employer gave you a specific timeline or requested further contact. Otherwise, avoid repeatedly messaging someone who hasn't responded.