How to Follow Up On a
Job Application

If you haven’t heard back about a job application, it’s like likely not personal. Many hiring managers don’t reply simply because they’re still evaluating candidates (34%) or dealing with too many applications (33%), which is exactly why sending a follow-up email can boost your chances.

We’ll show you how to follow up on your job application the right way with some examples and tips.

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When to follow up on your application

As a general rule, wait 1–2 weeks before following up on a job application.

Check the job listing first to see if it provides any information about the application window or when applicants can expect to hear back. Some hiring managers may even suggest following up after a certain period of time has passed.

If you can’t find any specific guidelines, use your best judgment, but wait at least one week before sending a follow up email to give the hiring manager some time to review your application.

Getting the timing right

To maximize visibility, aim for Tuesdays–Thursdays between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM or between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

If you’re following up via phone, timing is even more critical to avoid catching someone during a “rush” period, such as the lunch hour in a restaurant. Calling during these quieter windows increases your chances of reaching the right person when they actually have the bandwidth to speak. You can also request a call back if they’re not available to talk immediately.

How to find the hiring manager’s contact information

If possible, contact the hiring manager directly as they’re the one to review your application. To find the right person, start by searching the company’s LinkedIn page:

1. Go to the “People” tab
2. Filter by keywords such as “Recruiter,” “Talent Acquisition,” or the “Head of [Department]”

If LinkedIn doesn’t provide a clear lead, visit the company’s official website and check the “About Us,” “Our Team,” or “Leadership” pages. These sections frequently list department heads or managers who would likely oversee your prospective role. Identifying a specific name helps you avoid a generic greeting and shows your attention to detail and genuine interest in the company.

How to write a follow up email after sending your resume

To follow up on your application, use this basic structure for your email:

1. Subject line that states the purpose of your email
2. Introductory paragraph requesting an update about your application
3. Body paragraph reiterating your interest
4. Conclusion thanking the hiring manager
5. Professional sign-off

Remember to keep your email brief and straightforward — your request should be simple and to the point, so there’s no need to drag it out.

Follow-up email template

Here’s a basic email template you can use to follow up with the hiring manager or recruiter about your application:

Sample follow-up email

To give you more inspiration, here’s an example of a professional follow-up email:

Tips for following up after a job application

Here are some tips for making your follow-up as effective as possible:

Choose an effective subject line

The subject line of your email should be professional yet attention-grabbing.

Summarize the purpose of your email with something like this:

• Following up on application for [position title]
• [your name] – application status for [position title]
• Checking in: [position title] application status

Be courteous

The way you communicate with hiring managers and recruiters makes up a big piece of their first impression of you, so remember to be polite and professional. Thank the hiring manager for their time at the end of your email.

Restate your interest in the position

Sending a follow-up email shows hiring managers you’re especially interested in this position. Take this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm and remind them why you’re a great fit.

If possible, bring up one of your qualifications that really makes you stand out. If they already read your application, this will help refresh their memory and make them much more likely to get back to you.

Keep it brief

Now isn’t the time to detail all of your qualifications. Hiring managers appreciate a concise email, so leave them with just enough information to direct them back to your application.

Don’t be too pushy

Avoid contacting the employer more than twice, and space out your follow-up emails appropriately (typically two weeks between emails is safe).

Even though it’s unprofessional of an employer to ignore your emails after polite attempts to check on the status of your application, there’s not much more you can do.

Instead, put your energy into updating your resume and continuing your job hunt.

Know when to hold back

While persistence is often rewarded, there are specific scenarios where following up can actually damage your reputation. Always respect the instructions listed in the original job advertisement; if a listing explicitly requests “no phone calls” or states that follow-ups are unnecessary, ignoring these rules suggests a lack of attention to detail.

Similarly, if an employer gives a specific timeframe for an update, such as “we will contact you in two weeks,” sending an inquiry before that window has closed makes you appear impatient and unprofessional.

Consider following up with a phone call

For some jobs, (like food & beverage, construction, or retail) it’s easier to get in touch with managers by phone. It’s usually best to try contacting the employer by email first, but you can also call to follow up if you feel it’s appropriate in your industry.

Call at a time of day when the manager is likely the least busy. They’ll be more likely to take your call and will appreciate the consideration.

You should also prepare what you want to say. Keep it simple, give them your name and the date you submitted your application, and let them know you want to check the status of your application. If possible, briefly restate your interest in the position.

Here’s a sample phone script for calling to follow up on a job application:

Stay organized with a job application tracker

To manage multiple leads effectively, create a structured tracking system using a spreadsheet or digital tool. Include essential columns for the company name, job title, application date, contact person, and specific notes about your interactions. Adding a dedicated “follow-up” column is particularly useful for ensuring you reach out at the optimal 1–2 week mark without losing track of individual timelines.

For a better visual overview, color-code your tracker based on application status. Use distinct colors for stages like “Applied,” “Follow-up Sent,” “Interview Scheduled,” and “Closed.” This system lets you see your progress at a glance and helps you prioritize which hiring managers to contact next, preventing any opportunity from falling through the cracks.