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How to Follow Up on a Job Application (Without Being Pushy)
You applied for a job you really want. A week goes by. Then two. Nothing.
It's tempting to keep waiting, but a short, polite follow-up can help. Recruiters and hiring managers are busy, and applications get buried. A well-timed note puts your name back in front of them and shows real interest. Most applicants never send one, so it's an easy way to stand out.
When to follow up
After applying: wait about one week, or until any date the posting gave for decisions.
After an interview: send a thank-you note within 24 hours, then follow up if you haven't heard back by the date they mentioned.
How many times: follow up once, and if there's still no reply, once more about a week later. After that, move on and keep applying.
Who to contact
The best person is the recruiter or hiring manager for the role. Check the job posting, the company's careers page or LinkedIn for their name. If you can't find a specific person, reply to the confirmation email you received, or use the contact listed in the posting.
What to say: keep it short
A good follow-up is three sentences:
Who you are and the role you applied for
One reason you're a strong fit
A friendly close that makes it easy to reply
Template 1: after applying
Subject: Following up on my application for [Job Title]
Hi [Name],
I applied for the [Job Title] role on [date] and wanted to follow up. With [X years] of experience in [key skill from the posting], I'm excited about the chance to help [Company] with [something from the job description].
I'd welcome the chance to talk. Thank you for your time!
[Your name] · [Phone] · [LinkedIn URL]
Template 2: after an interview
Subject: Thank you for the [Job Title] interview
Hi [Name],
Thank you for speaking with me today about the [Job Title] role. I especially enjoyed learning about [something specific you discussed], and I'm even more excited about the opportunity.
Please let me know if I can share anything else. I look forward to hearing from you.
[Your name]
Template 3: the final check-in
Subject: Checking in on the [Job Title] role
Hi [Name],
I wanted to check in once more on the [Job Title] position. I'm still very interested, and I'd be glad to answer any questions. If the role has been filled, I'd appreciate being considered for future openings.
Thank you again, [Your name]
Follow-up don'ts
Don't follow up more than twice
Don't send a long email or attach your resume again unless asked
Don't sound frustrated, even if you are
Don't call repeatedly; email is usually best
Keep your search moving
The best way to handle waiting is to keep applying. Recruit & Employ lists real, current jobs every day, and job alerts bring new matches straight to your inbox, so you're never waiting on just one application.