Need to write a follow up email for a job application? So you’ve successfully finished another phase in your job search: a full day of interviews for your ideal job. You nailed it as far as you’re concerned!
You’re confident you’re the best fit and will hear from them soon with an offer. Weeks later, you feel terrible that the job interview wasn’t as easy as you thought.
At this point, you may believe that cutting your losses and moving on is the best option. But don’t do it!
Follow up with the company before you put that job interview in the past. Of course, remain seeking work until you’ve received—and accepted—a job offer, but there could be a variety of reasons why you haven’t heard from the hiring manager.
There will likely be several other candidates, and the process may take some time. There is a slew of other factors that can cause a delayed response.
Perhaps the person who has to approve your offer letter has been coping with a personal crisis. Or the entire organization was required to work on a critical project.
Perhaps the department head you applied for unexpectedly resigned, and the organization must first replace them.
You have no notion what is going on the other side, for whatever reason. Worrying about it won’t help, but communicating with your contact might.
While you don’t want to come across as obnoxious, you should do everything possible to stay on the employer’s mind.
Here’s how to write a follow-up email after a job application without sounding like a pest.
Table of contents
When You Should Follow Up on a Job Application
It’s normally acceptable to send a follow-up email one to two weeks after you’ve applied unless the job posting specifies a set timeline for the hiring process.
This gives employers enough time to review your CV, cover letter, and other documents you’ve sent. If you’re following up after an interview, you should do so as soon as possible—within three to five days.
In general, you should contact the team considering your application one to two weeks after submitting it to give them time to process it. You can, however, follow up sooner if you have a job offer on the table.
In this case, contact the hiring manager and inform them that you’ve received an offer from another organization but that they are your first option. This can expedite the interview process and move you forward.
What Do You Say When Following up on a Job Application?
After a job application, you can send an email or a thank you note. This should be done after
How Do You Follow Up on a Job Application?
Double-check and ensure that following up is the proper thing to do before sending an email or making a phone call.
Read the Job Description Again
Before you do anything else, go over the job description again. Toni Frana, a career adviser at FlexJobs, advises, “Pay attention to any deadlines or timetables that may be stated in the advertisement.”
A corporation may state when the application window closes in the job posting.
You don’t want to follow up before that date if you apply. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity to apply for other jobs!”
Be Respectful
In rare cases, the job description may say applicants should not call or email to inquire about their status.
If this is the case, you should respect the employer’s wishes and avoid contacting them. Even if it’s hard to wait, you shouldn’t follow up—no matter how much you want to.
If you ignore the request, the recruiter will assume that you either did not read the job description carefully or that you are not a good follower of instructions.
Even though employers are employing despite the pandemic, the hiring process has slowed.
As you follow up on your application, keep it in mind. Hiring managers may not have any information to share with you or may discover that they cannot hire you for the position you applied for.
Remember that everyone is going through a tough time right now, and recruiting supervisors may not have any valuable information for you.
It’s Important to Pick the Right Time
While you may be tempted to follow up on a job application immediately after submitting it, you should usually wait a few days.
“Wait around a week or two before following up on applications,” Frana advises, “unless the job advertisement expressly says the application closing window, which gives you a target date for follow-up.”
In general, this allows the hiring staff adequate time to analyze the applications that have been submitted.”
Choose the Best Day
You should avoid following up with someone on Mondays and Fridays. Monday is usually a busy transition day as people return to work.
If the recipient doesn’t read your email by Friday, it may be buried beneath a weekend’s worth of emails. Tuesday through Thursday are the best days to follow up on job applications.
Make Use of Your Network
Maybe one of the executives at the new company you wish to work for is acquainted with one of your previous coworkers (or Aunt Marty).
Examine your professional and personal networks to determine whether you know anyone to help you acquire a job—or bring your CV to the top of the pile.
Explain the position you want and everything that qualifies you for it, including your education, skill set, and work experience. But don’t stop there; make sure to offer the person your aid. They could be more willing to assist you if you do it this way.
You can also utilize online networking platforms like LinkedIn to see if anyone in your network knows someone who works for the company you want to work for.
If you do, you can always contact that person to check if they have any inside information on the job. You might be able to ask for a referral or for the person to put in a good word for you, depending on your relationship with them.
How to Write a Follow up Email for a Job Application in 2023
Ensure you’re following up on your job application appropriately once you’ve demonstrated that you can and should.
Professionalism is Essential
It doesn’t mean you’re best friends just because you submitted an application or chatted with the recruiting manager. It’s a mistake to be overly personal or informal.
Recruiters and hiring managers are pleasant people; it is their job to speak with various people about a job opening. On the other hand, they don’t have time to make friends with everyone they interview.
When following up on job applications, remain professional and respect personal limits, even if your original conversation was fantastic.
Locate the Correct Email Address
When following up on job applications via email, if possible, send your email directly to the hiring manager rather than a broad “[email protected]” email address.
If you’re lucky, the email address will be listed on the initial job posting, but if it isn’t, you’ll have to do a little more detective work to uncover it. Try going to the company’s LinkedIn page and selecting “People.”
You can then look for the hiring manager (or someone with a similar title if you don’t know their name) and see if they have an email address on their profile.
Be Succinct
Before following up on a job application, it’s a good idea to think about what you will say. So, whether you call the hiring manager, email, or send a LinkedIn message, try to keep your communication brief.
“It’s critical to keep your correspondence brief because hiring managers and recruiters are likely to be inundated with emails and notes from dozens of other candidates, so succinctness is essential.”
“You should communicate two things in your email or note: your continuous interest in the job and a question about when prospects may expect to hear about the next stages,” Frana suggests.
Subsequently, ask a Follow-up Question
Sure, you only want to know whether or not you got the job. However, you could wish to ask the employer a question to justify your follow-up.
If they’re still taking applications, you can inquire as to when they plan to begin narrowing down their choices and conducting interviews.
This can give you an idea of when you should expect a response.
Join the social media bandwagon by “liking” and following the company’s Facebook page and Twitter feed.
“In today’s job market, employers are looking for employees who have the proper professional qualifications and who fit into the company culture.
Engaging with the brand on social media is a great way to show and demonstrate interest. Follow the company’s LinkedIn and other social media pages.
“Like and comment on their postings to demonstrate to the team you’re interested in what they’re doing,” Frana advises.
Make It Clear That You’re in High Demand
If the company indicates an interest in you as a candidate for the job but you haven’t heard anything since that initial contact, you might try to speed up the process by informing them that you are being considered by other companies—if and only if that is true.
“If you have other organizations interested in you, but you’re looking for a specific position, you should let them know you’re in demand.”
“Simply noting in your follow-up email that you are still very interested in the role but are also researching other options” might be a gentle approach to prod a company along, according to Frana.
Don’t use any threatening language, and avoid coming out as pompous. On the other hand, subtly letting them know you’re in demand can be a wise strategy, as it may encourage them to take you more seriously and hasten the process forward.
Follow up Email for a Job Application Samples
It’s fine to send a professional email inquiring on the status of your application if you’ve applied for a job and haven’t heard back after two weeks.
Make a good follow-up email with the help of these email examples.
Sample 1: Email for Following Up on a Job Application
Subject: Following Up on Marketing Coordinator Application
Hello/Dear/Good Morning/Afternoon Ms. Harper,
I’m writing to follow up on the application I submitted May 7th for the Marketing Coordinator position with Your Company, and to reiterate how interested I am in talking to the hiring team about this particular position.
As was mentioned in the job description, you’re in need of a proactive self-starter with great communication skills, and I hope this follow-up serves as evidence of both. I also bring three years of related experience in marketing, and I’m truly excited about the work being done at Your Company. It would be my pleasure to assist the marketing team in their efforts.
Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I know the time and effort that takes. I look forward to hearing from you!
Best wishes,
Your Name
Sample 2: Email for Following Up on a Job Application
Subject Line: Regarding the Senior Web Developer Position
Dear ……..,
Two weeks ago I applied for the senior web developer position at Hays Corporation. I would like to kindly ask if you could share with me your decision timeline.
I am extremely excited about the opportunity to join the team at Hays Corp, leveraging my 10 years of web development and UX design to help you grow the company.
I’ve attached my application materials for your convenience. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide. I look forward to speaking with you.
Best regards,
Raymond Jones
Sample 3 Email for Following Up on a Job Application
Subject Line: Technical Writer Opportunity
Dear Hiring Manager,
I recently applied for the technical writer position at Stone Mountain Technology and am following up to check in on your decision timeline. I’m excited for the opportunity to join your team and I bring with me over 15 years of experience as a technical writer and copywriter.
I’ve attached my application materials for your convenience. Please let me know if you need any additional information as you move to the next stage of the hiring process.
Best,
Adam Smith
Tips for Following Up on a Job Application
These templates can help you write a follow-up email appropriate for your scenario. Here are a few more things to think about:
Adapt your writing style to the needs of the workplace
If you’re applying to a corporate position, your writing should be more formal. It’s fine to make things shorter and more conversational if you operate casually.
This can assist you in demonstrating that you are familiar with the workplace.
Repeated follow-ups should be avoided
If you haven’t heard back after a few days, double-check your information, call the employer, or look for other options.
Always remember to remain patient
Employers sometimes take long to complete the hiring process, especially during busy periods. You can follow up on your application, but don’t bother them.
It’s nerve-wracking to follow up but much more nerve-wracking to wait. It’s worth giving it your all if you’re pursuing a profession you’re passionate about.
If you follow up in a pleasant and professional manner, you will be able to reinforce a positive impression and learn what measures to do next.
Conclusion
While it may seem inconvenient, knowing how to follow up on a job application might mean the difference between receiving interviews and not moving further.
Following up is an expected part of the application process, so take charge of your job search! Know where to look based on your preferences and requirements.
If you seek work flexibility, for example, there are many work-from-home and part-time remote jobs that are looking for people like you.
References
- indeed.com – How to Follow Up on a Job Application (Phone and Email Samples)
- flexjobs.com – How To Write a Follow-Up Email After Submitting Your Application
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