How to Follow Up After Submitting Your Application

The Importance of Following Up

Following up after submitting your job application can demonstrate enthusiasm and keep you top-of-mind with hiring managers. However, it's a delicate balance—follow up too soon or too frequently, and you risk appearing pushy or desperate. Follow up correctly, and you show professionalism and genuine interest.

When to Follow Up

Check the Job Posting First

Always read the application instructions carefully:

• "No phone calls": Respect this—follow up by email only
• Stated timeline: "We'll contact shortlisted candidates by [date]" - wait until after this date
• "Applications close [date]": Wait at least 1 week after closing date

General Timeline for Follow-Up

• 1-2 weeks: Standard follow-up time if no timeline given
• 3-4 weeks: For government or large corporations (slower processes)
• 3-5 business days: For startups or urgent hirings (if specified)
• After stated deadline: Wait 2-3 business days past their promised response date

How to Follow Up: Email Template

Follow-Up Do's and Don'ts

DO:

• ✅ Keep it brief (3-4 short paragraphs)
• ✅ Reiterate your interest and key qualification
• ✅ Be polite and professional
• ✅ Include your contact information
• ✅ Proofread carefully
• ✅ Send during business hours (9am-5pm)
• ✅ Use a clear, professional subject line

DON'T:

• ❌ Call unless specifically invited to do so
• ❌ Follow up multiple times
• ❌ Sound desperate or demanding
• ❌ Ask "Did you receive my application?" (they did)
• ❌ Complain about the wait time
• ❌ Send on weekends or late evenings
• ❌ Use casual language or emojis

What If You Don't Hear Back?

Unfortunately, many companies practice "ghosting"—not responding to applications. This is common and doesn't reflect on you personally.

After Your Follow-Up Email:

• Wait 1 week for a response to your follow-up
• Send ONE more email if you hear nothing (maximum)
• After that, move on professionally
• Continue applying to other positions
• Don't take silence personally

Alternative Follow-Up Methods

LinkedIn Connection Request

If you can identify the hiring manager, consider:

• Sending a connection request with a personalized note
• Mentioning your application
• Keeping it professional and brief
• NOT being pushy

Phone Follow-Up (Only If Appropriate)

Only call if:

• The job posting explicitly provides a phone number for inquiries
• You have a contact name and number
• The posting doesn't say "no phone calls"
• It's been 2+ weeks with no response

Phone script: "Hello, my name is [Name]. I recently applied for the [Position] role and wanted to express my continued interest. Is there any additional information I can provide to support my application?"

Following Up After an Interview

Thank You Email (Within 24 Hours)

• Send to everyone who interviewed you
• Thank them for their time
• Reiterate your interest
• Reference something specific from the interview
• Keep it brief

If You Haven't Heard By Their Timeline

• Wait 2-3 business days past their stated timeline
• Send a polite inquiry email
• Reiterate interest
• Ask if they need any additional information

Special Situations

Networking Referral

If someone referred you:

• You can follow up slightly sooner (1 week)
• Mention the referral in your follow-up
• Keep your referrer informed

Internal Applications

For internal positions at your current company:

• You may have more flexibility to follow up
• Can speak directly to hiring manager if appropriate
• Still maintain professionalism

Government Jobs

Public sector positions typically have longer timelines:

• Respect stated timelines strictly
• Expect 4-8 weeks for initial response
• Multiple rounds of approvals required
• Email follow-up only (rarely phone)

Reading the Response

Positive Signs:

• They respond to your follow-up
• They provide a timeline
• They ask for additional information
• They invite you to interview

Rejection Signs:

• "We've moved forward with other candidates"
• "The position has been filled"
• "We'll keep your resume on file"

Neutral/Waiting:

• "Still reviewing applications"
• "We'll be in touch if shortlisted"
• No response (unfortunately common)

Tracking Your Applications

Create a spreadsheet to track:

• Company name and position
• Date applied
• Follow-up date (planned)
• Response received
• Next steps
• Contact information

When to Give Up

It's time to move on if:

• You've sent 2 follow-up emails with no response
• It's been 4-6 weeks with no contact
• You received a rejection
• The job posting has been removed
• You've accepted another position

Don't burn bridges—remain professional even when moving on.

Final Tips

• Patience is key in job searching
• Continue applying to other positions while waiting
• Don't put all your hopes on one application
• Follow-up shows interest, but respect boundaries
• Maintain professionalism always
• Learn from each application and improve

Conclusion

Following up after submitting your application is a professional practice that can help keep you top-of-mind with hiring managers. The key is timing, tone, and knowing when to move on. One well-crafted follow-up email demonstrates enthusiasm and professionalism. Multiple follow-ups or pushy behavior will harm your chances. Strike the right balance, and you'll maximize your chances while maintaining your professional reputation.