How To Follow Up On A Job Application

It may feel extremely risky to follow up on a job application since you want to avoid coming across as pushy or disrespectful if you do; if you don’t, another applicant might take your place.

Even though following up on a job application is a crucial phase in the job-search process, many people find it difficult. Fortunately, there are certain tried-and-true methods for increasing your chances of being hired after submitting a job application.

In this detailed guide, we’ll review some of the best techniques to follow up on a job application, such as when to contact potential employers and how to construct your message and make a lasting impression on them.

Why do you need to follow up?

You can express your interest in the position and get feedback that your application was received by politely following up on your application. Double-check that your job application reaches the appropriate people because job applications might occasionally get forgotten or lost.

Additionally, it gives you a chance to find out whether the recruiting manager requires any additional information from you that may or may not lead to a job offer letter.

When should you follow up?

Always reread the job advertising before following up; it can provide information about the company’s hiring timeline. The best course of action is to postpone following up until after the period they designate has elapsed.

However, it’s normal (and wise) to follow up if the company’s specified time frame expires or if you haven’t heard anything after roughly a week of applying.

Who should you speak with?

It would help if you typically contacted the hiring manager or whoever else is mentioned in the job posting; they most likely oversee the hiring procedure. If that isn’t an option, you can also get in touch with a recruiter or an HR representative; you can find their contact information on the business website or LinkedIn.

Consider your message and timing carefully for a good follow-up. The following guidelines should help you decide what to say when responding to a job application:

Hold off for two weeks – Giving the hiring staff two weeks to accept and review applications increases the likelihood that they will have pertinent information to discuss regarding the interview process with you.
Be clear and concise – Keep your correspondence with a prospective employer as brief and to the point as you can. Limit the phone call to no more than three minutes and your email to three concise paragraphs.
State your interest – Confirming your interest in the role should be the first step in your job application follow-up. Start by mentioning your application for the job and making it clear that you are still very interested in the role.
Reiterate your highest credentials – Reiterate your essential qualifications for the position after expressing your interest. Concentrate on your most notable abilities, credentials, or experience to promote yourself as a strong candidate.
Show your appreciation – Thank the hiring manager for their patience and consideration as you draw your follow-up to a close. You can gently nudge them to go on to the next hiring phase, which might involve calling your references or setting up an interview.

How to Follow-Up on a Job Application via Mail (Example)

It’s acceptable to write a professional follow-up email asking about the status of your application if you’ve applied for a job and haven’t heard anything after two weeks.

Use this sample email as a template to create your follow-up email for a job application.