How to Follow Up After Applying for a Job (Templates Included)

You've submitted your application. Now what? Most job seekers do nothing — they wait, refresh their email, and hope. But a thoughtful follow-up can push your application to the top of the pile. Here's exactly when and how to follow up without being annoying.

Should You Follow Up?

In short: yes. A study by Robert Half found that 81% of hiring managers find follow-up emails helpful. It shows genuine interest, initiative, and professionalism — all qualities companies want in employees.

The exceptions:

• If the job posting says "no calls or emails" — respect that
• If you've already spoken with a recruiter and they gave you a timeline — wait for that timeline to pass
• Government and academic positions — follow their process exactly

When to Follow Up

Timeline After Applying Online

• Week 1: Do nothing. Your application is in the initial screening phase.
• Week 2 (Days 7-10): Send your first follow-up email or LinkedIn message.
• Week 3 (Day 14): If no response, send a brief second follow-up.
• After Week 3: Move on mentally. Keep them in your tracker but don't send more follow-ups.

Timeline After an Interview

• Same day: Send a thank-you email within 2-4 hours of the interview.
• Day 3-5: If they gave a decision timeline, wait for it to pass.
• Day 7: If you haven't heard back, send a polite check-in.
• Day 14: Final follow-up. After this, the ball is in their court.

Follow-Up Email Templates

Template 1: After Online Application (Day 7-10)

Subject: Following up — [Role Title] application

Hi [Hiring Manager/Recruiter Name],

I applied for the [Role Title] position on [date] and wanted to express my continued interest. With my background in [key qualification], including [specific achievement], I believe I could contribute meaningfully to your team.

I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with what you're looking for. Please let me know if there's any additional information I can provide.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [LinkedIn URL]

Template 2: Second Follow-Up (Day 14)

Subject: Re: Following up — [Role Title] application

Hi [Name],

I wanted to circle back on my application for [Role Title]. I'm still very interested in this opportunity and excited about [something specific about the company or team].

I understand you're likely evaluating many candidates. If the position has been filled or the timeline has changed, I'd appreciate a brief update.

Thank you,
[Your Name]

Template 3: Post-Interview Thank You (Same Day)

Subject: Thank you — [Role Title] interview

Hi [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for taking the time to discuss the [Role Title] position today. I enjoyed learning about [specific topic from the interview — a project, challenge, or team dynamic they mentioned].

Our conversation reinforced my excitement about [specific aspect of the role]. I'm particularly drawn to [something they described] and believe my experience with [relevant skill] positions me to make an immediate impact.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing about next steps.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Following Up via LinkedIn

If you don't have the recruiter's email, LinkedIn is your next best option:

• Find the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn
• Send a connection request with a brief note mentioning your application
• After connecting, send a longer follow-up message

Use our recruiter outreach guide for detailed LinkedIn messaging strategies.

What to Avoid

• Don't call: Unless the posting specifically invites phone calls, email or LinkedIn is preferred.
• Don't follow up daily: This will get you rejected, not hired.
• Don't sound desperate: "I really need this job" undermines your professional image.
• Don't send the same message: Each follow-up should add something new.
• Don't follow up on weekends: Send during business hours, Tuesday-Thursday.
• Don't forget to proofread: A typo in your follow-up is worse than no follow-up.

Tracking Your Follow-Ups

Keep track of every application and follow-up in a spreadsheet or application tracker. For each application, record:

• Date applied
• Follow-up 1 date and method
• Follow-up 2 date and method
• Response received (yes/no)
• Current status

This prevents duplicate follow-ups and helps you manage a multi-company job search efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• 81% of hiring managers find follow-up emails helpful — always follow up
• Wait 7-10 days after applying, then send a concise, professional email
• After interviews, send a thank-you email within 2-4 hours
• Maximum 2 follow-ups per application — then move on
• Track everything to stay organized across multiple applications