You just hit “submit” on what feels like the perfect job application, and now you’re sitting there wondering… should I follow up? When? How? And honestly, the whole thing just feels weird and awkward, doesn’t it?
I get it. Following up after applying for a job can feel like you’re being pushy or desperate. But here’s the thing – and this might surprise you – most hiring managers actually appreciate a well-timed, thoughtful follow-up. It shows you’re genuinely interested and, frankly, that you’re organized enough to remember to circle back.
So let’s talk about how to do this without making yourself cringe or coming across like that person who texts “hey” twelve times in a row.
Why Following Up Actually Matters (More Than You Think)
Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. Because honestly, if you’re going to put yourself out there, you should know what you’re hoping to achieve.
First off, your application might have gotten lost in the shuffle. And I don’t mean literally lost – though that happens too – but more like buried under a mountain of other applications. Hiring managers are swamped. They’re dealing with hundreds of resumes, back-to-back interviews, and probably about fifty other urgent things on their plate.
A gentle follow-up can be that little nudge that brings your application back to the top of their mind. It’s like saying, “Hey, remember me? I’m still here and still interested.”
But here’s what’s really interesting – following up also gives you a chance to add something new to your application. Maybe you just completed a relevant course, or you thought of a great example that shows why you’d be perfect for the role. It’s another touchpoint to reinforce why you’re the right fit.
The Golden Rule: Timing Is Everything
This is where a lot of people mess up, to be honest. They either follow up way too soon (like, the next day – yikes) or they wait so long that the position has probably been filled three times over.
So what’s the sweet spot? Most experts suggest waiting about one to two weeks after submitting your application. I know, I know – those two weeks can feel like an eternity when you’re excited about a role. But trust me on this one.
Here’s why this timing works: Companies need time to collect applications and start their review process. If you wait less than a week, you risk looking impatient. And if you wait more than two weeks, well, they might think you’re not that interested after all.
But – and this is important – always check the job posting first. Sometimes they’ll say something like “we’ll be in touch within three weeks” or “no calls please.” If they give you a timeline, respect it. Add a few extra days to whatever they said, then follow up.
What If They Specified a Timeline?
If the job posting mentioned they’d get back to applicants within a certain timeframe, give them that time plus a few extra business days. So if they said two weeks, wait about 2.5 weeks. It shows you can follow instructions and respect their process.
How to Follow Up Without Being “That Person”
Alright, so you’ve waited the appropriate amount of time. Now what? This is where the rubber meets the road, and honestly, where most people either nail it or completely blow it.
Email vs. Phone: Pick Your Battle Wisely
Let’s talk about your options here. You can email, call, or even reach out on LinkedIn. But let’s be practical about this.
Email is usually your best bet. It’s less intrusive, gives the hiring manager time to respond when they can, and you have a written record of what you said. Plus, let’s face it – most of us are better writers than we are spontaneous speakers.
Phone calls can work, but they’re riskier. You might catch someone at a bad time, or you might stumble over your words. Only go this route if you’re really comfortable on the phone and if the company culture seems more traditional or relationship-focused.
LinkedIn can be great for certain industries, especially if you’ve already connected with the hiring manager or if they’re active on the platform. But don’t use LinkedIn as your first follow-up – use it as a secondary touch point if needed.
Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Email
Here’s where I see people overthink things. They write these long, elaborate emails that basically rehash their entire resume. Don’t do that. Keep it simple, friendly, and focused.
Your email should have three key elements:
- A reminder of who you are and what position you applied for
- A brief expression of continued interest
- A gentle ask about the status or next steps
Here’s a template that feels natural and not too stiff:
Subject: Following up on [Position Title] application
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I submitted my application for the [Position Title] role about two weeks ago, and I wanted to follow up to express my continued interest in the opportunity.
I’m really excited about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to [mention something specific about the company or role]. If there’s any additional information I can provide or if you’d like to discuss my background further, I’d be happy to chat.
Thanks for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best, [Your Name]
See? Not too formal, not too casual. Just right.
The Art of the Second Follow-Up
So what happens if you don’t hear back after your first follow-up? This is where things get a little tricky, and honestly, where you need to read the room.
If you don’t hear back, you can follow up again about a week later. But – and this is crucial – your second follow-up needs to add value. Don’t just send the same email again.
Maybe you can mention a recent industry development that relates to the role, or share an article you wrote, or mention a new skill you’ve acquired. Give them a reason to open your email beyond just “checking in again.”
And here’s some tough love: if you don’t hear back after two follow-ups, it’s time to move on. I know it’s disappointing, but continuing to follow up beyond that point starts to feel pushy, and you don’t want to burn any bridges.
When Silence Speaks Volumes
Look, not hearing back after your follow-ups doesn’t necessarily mean your application was terrible. Companies ghost candidates all the time – and I mean ALL the time. It’s not personal, even though it feels personal.
Sometimes they’ve already filled the position internally. Sometimes the role got put on hold. Sometimes they’re just overwhelmed and terrible at communicating. It happens.
The best thing you can do is keep applying elsewhere and not put all your eggs in one basket.
Who Should You Actually Contact?
This is something a lot of people get wrong. You should contact the hiring manager rather than the human resources department. The hiring manager is the one who actually needs to fill the position, so they’re more invested in finding the right candidate.
But how do you figure out who that is? Check the job posting first – sometimes they’ll mention a name or department. If not, do a little LinkedIn stalking (I mean, research). Look up the company and see if you can identify who would likely be managing this role.
If you can’t figure out a specific person, addressing your email to “Hiring Manager” or “Recruiting Team” is fine. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than sending it to the generic “info@company.com” address where it might disappear forever.
Common Mistakes That Make You Look Desperate
Let me share some things I’ve seen people do that made me physically cringe:
Following up the next day. Just… no. You look impatient and like you don’t understand how hiring works.
Sending the same email multiple times. If they didn’t respond to the first identical email, why would they respond to the second?
Being too casual or too formal. Match the company’s tone. If they’re a hip startup, you can be more relaxed. If they’re a conservative law firm, keep it professional.
Making demands. “I need to hear back by Friday” is not a great look when you’re the one asking for something.
Getting emotional. I get that job searching is stressful, but your follow-up email isn’t the place to vent about how hard it’s been to find work.
Making Your Follow-Up Stand Out (In a Good Way)
Want to make your follow-up memorable? Here are some strategies that actually work:
Mention something specific about the company that you learned recently. Maybe they just announced a new product, or you saw an article about their company culture. It shows you’re genuinely interested and paying attention.
Reference a mutual connection if you have one. “Sarah Johnson suggested I reach out to you” carries a lot more weight than a cold email.
Share something relevant you’ve done since applying. Completed a course? Attended a relevant webinar? Won an award? It’s fair game.
Ask a thoughtful question about the role or the company. But make sure it’s something you couldn’t easily Google – show that you’ve done your homework.
Following Up in Different Industries
Here’s something people don’t always consider: different industries have different expectations when it comes to follow-ups.
In creative fields, a little personality in your follow-up can actually work in your favor. In more traditional industries like finance or law, stick to the professional script.
Tech companies might appreciate a quick LinkedIn message, especially if you’re applying for a role where networking and relationship-building are important.
Startups often move fast, so following up after a week might be appropriate. Larger corporations might need more time.
You know what? Trust your gut here. If the company culture feels laid-back and personal, your follow-up can reflect that. If they seem more buttoned-up, keep it formal.
The Follow-Up After the Follow-Up
So you’ve followed up twice and still haven’t heard back. What now?
Honestly? Most of the time, it’s time to move on. But there’s one exception: if something significant changes that makes you an even stronger candidate for the role.
Maybe you just got certified in something directly relevant to the job. Maybe you landed a freelance project with one of their competitors and learned something valuable. Maybe you read about a challenge the company is facing and you have a great solution.
In those cases, one more follow-up might be worth it. But frame it around the new information, not around checking in on your application status.
When Following Up Goes Wrong
Let’s talk about what happens when you mess up a follow-up. Because honestly, we all make mistakes, and it’s not usually the end of the world.
If you realize you sent a follow-up with the wrong company name (been there), or you came across as more desperate than professional, don’t panic. Don’t send another email trying to fix it – that usually makes things worse.
Just learn from it and do better next time. Most hiring managers have seen it all, and one awkward email probably isn’t going to ruin your chances if you’re otherwise a strong candidate.
The Bottom Line
Following up after submitting a job application doesn’t have to feel awkward or desperate. It’s actually a normal, professional part of the job search process – when done right.
Wait one to two weeks, keep your message brief and friendly, add value where you can, and don’t take silence personally. Most importantly, don’t put all your energy into following up on one application. Keep applying, keep networking, and keep moving forward.
Remember, the right job will want to hear from you. And until you find that job, following up thoughtfully and professionally can only help your chances.
You’ve got this. Now go send that follow-up email – but not until it’s been at least a week, okay?
