Ever hit "submit" on a job application and just... waited? Yeah, me too. That sinking feeling when days turn into silence? I once applied for my dream marketing role, crafted the perfect resume, and then crickets for two weeks. Turns out, my follow up email after applying was non-existent. Big mistake.
Let's cut the fluff: A follow up email after job application isn't just polite, it's strategic. It shows hustle, keeps you top of mind, and honestly? Many candidates just don't bother. That laziness is your opening.
What Exactly Is a Follow Up Email After Applying?
It's not a nag. It's not desperate. Think of it like a friendly tap on the shoulder. You're reminding the hiring manager: "Hey, I'm genuinely interested and I'm here, ready." When I finally started sending these properly, my callback rate jumped. Seriously.
"The single biggest mistake job seekers make isn't a bad resume; it's the silence after hitting 'send'. A timely follow up email after job application turns you from a PDF into a person." – Sarah, Tech Recruiter (Yeah, I asked my network because I wanted real insights).
Why Bother Sending a Follow Up Email After Application?
Beyond just avoiding the black hole? Let's break it down:
- You Stand Out: Roughly 60% of applicants don't follow up. Be the one who does.
- You Show Initiative: It signals you're proactive – a trait every employer wants.
- You Get Intel: Sometimes, you actually get a timeline update. Gold dust!
- You Fix Mistakes: Sent the wrong attachment? A polite follow up lets you sneak in a correction without panic.
I learned this the hard way after attaching "Cover_Letter_FINAL_v2_OLD.docx" to an application. My follow up email after that job application basically saved me.
When to Hit Send: Timing Is Everything
Sending your follow up email after job application too soon screams "desperate." Too late? You're forgotten. Here’s the messy reality:
| Situation | Best Timing | Why This Timing? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Application (No deadline mentioned) | 5-7 Business Days | Gives them time to process initial applications without feeling rushed. |
| Application with a Deadline | 2-3 Business Days AFTER the deadline | Shows respect for the process. They need time to collect ALL apps first. |
| Referred by Someone | 3-4 Business Days | Leverage the connection! "Touching base as [Referrer Name] suggested I apply..." |
| After a Career Fair/Networking Event | Within 24-48 Hours | The conversation is fresh. Strike while the iron's hot! Mention something specific you discussed. |
My rule of thumb? If the job ad says "NO PHONE CALLS," respect that. Email is your friend.
The "Did I Screw Up?" Check Before Sending
- Spelled the hiring manager's name RIGHT? (Triple-check. Seriously.)
- Used the job title from the ad EXACTLY?
- Proofread for typos? (Reading it backwards helps spot them!)
- Does the tone sound like a human, not a robot?
I once addressed an email to "Mr. Smith" when the hiring manager was a "Dr. Smith." Small detail, big oops. Don't be me.
Crafting Your Follow Up Email After Application: The Step-by-Step Breakdown
Forget generic templates. Let's build yours. Here's what actually works:
Subject Line: Your First (and Maybe Only) Impression
Make it impossible to ignore or delete:
- Good: "Following Up: [Your Name] - Application for [Exact Job Title] - [Job ID if possible]"
- Better: "Checking In - [Exact Job Title] Application - [Your Name]"
- Best (If Referred): "Following Up: [Your Name] for [Exact Job Title] - Referred by [Referrer Name]"
Avoid: "Just checking...", "Did you get this?", or worst of all, a blank subject line.
The Body: Short, Sweet, Punchy
Get to the point. Hiring managers are drowning in emails.
- Opening Salutation: "Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name]," or "Dear [Hiring Manager Name],". If unsure, "Dear Hiring Team," works.
- Quick Intro & Purpose: "My name is [Your Name] and I applied for the [Exact Job Title] position on [Date Applied]. I'm writing to enthusiastically reiterate my interest and confirm my application was received successfully."
- Value Add (Briefly!): "I remain particularly excited about this opportunity because of [Company Name]'s reputation in [Specific Area, e.g., sustainable innovation]. My experience in [Relevant Skill from Job Description] aligns directly with the requirements you outlined, especially [Mention One Specific Thing]."
- The Gentle Ask: "I understand you're likely reviewing many applications. Could you provide a brief update on the timeline for the next steps?"
- Polite Close: "Thank you for your time and consideration. I've attached my application materials again for your convenience and look forward to the possibility of discussing my qualifications further."
- Signature: "[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Link to LinkedIn Profile (Optional but Recommended)]
[Link to Portfolio/Website (If Relevant)]"
Follow Up Email After Job Application: Sample Template (Steal This!)
Subject: Following Up: Alex Chen - Application for Marketing Manager (Ref: #MK2024)
Dear Ms. Rivera,
I hope this email finds you well.
My name is Alex Chen, and I applied for the Marketing Manager position (Reference #MK2024) at TechGrowth Inc. on October 26th, 2024. I'm writing to express my continued strong interest in this role and to confirm that my application materials were received successfully.
I've long admired TechGrowth's pioneering work in AI-powered customer analytics, particularly the recent case study on your website about boosting retention for SaaS clients. My experience leading similar data-driven campaign strategies at XYZ Corp, where we increased lead conversion by 22% year-over-year, aligns directly with the challenges and goals mentioned in the job description.
I understand your team is busy reviewing many applications, but I was hoping you might have a brief update on the expected timeline for next steps in the hiring process?
Thank you for your time and consideration. For ease of reference, I've re-attached my resume and cover letter. I'm very eager to discuss how I can contribute to TechGrowth's success and welcome the opportunity to speak further.
Sincerely,
Alex Chen
(555) 123-4567
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexchenmarketing
Portfolio: alexchen.design
See what I did there? Specific company mention? Check. Quantifiable result? Check. Direct tie to their needs? Check. Re-attaching docs? Super helpful for them. This isn't magic; it's strategy.
The Follow-Up Timeline: What If They Don't Reply?
Silence is brutal. Here's a realistic escalation plan for your follow up email campaign:
| Follow-Up Stage | Timing After Previous Contact | Goal & Action | Tone Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Follow Up Email After Job Application | 5-7 Business Days Post-Application | Confirm receipt, express interest, seek timeline. | Enthusiastic, professional, concise. |
| Second Follow Up | 7-10 Business Days After First Email | Gentle reminder, offer additional value (e.g., link to recent relevant project). | Slightly more direct but still polite. "Just circling back..." |
| Third (Final) Follow Up | 10-14 Business Days After Second Email | Seek closure. Express continued interest but imply you need to move forward. | Professional, decisive. "While I remain very interested... I would appreciate knowing if the position is still active." |
| Radio Silence? | After Third Email | Assume not moving forward. Focus elsewhere but leave door open. | N/A - Time to move on. |
I once did three polite follow up emails after an application. Got the interview on the third try. The hiring manager apologized – my emails had gotten buried. Persistence (done right) pays.
Should You Call? The Honest Truth
Generally? No. Most job ads scream "NO PHONE CALLS" for a reason. Unless you have a direct, warm connection *or* the job ad specifically invites calls, email is safer and less intrusive. Calling often feels pushy in today's workflow.
Beyond the Email: What Else Can You Do?
Your follow up strategy doesn't end in their inbox.
- LinkedIn: Find the hiring manager or recruiter. Send a brief connection request referencing your application: "Hi [Name], I recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company] and enjoyed learning about [Specific Project/Value]. I've sent a follow up email after my application but wanted to connect here as well. Hope to speak soon!"
- Network: Know someone inside? A *quick*, casual heads-up asking if they can mention your name carries weight. Don't abuse this.
But seriously, don't stalk them. One LinkedIn message is enough. Crossing the line from eager to creepy is easy.
Follow Up Email Mistakes That Scream "Amateur"
I've seen it all (and done some myself early on):
| Mistake | Why It's Bad | How to Fix It |
|---|---|---|
| The Novel (Way too long) | Hiring managers scan. Walls of text are ignored. | Keep it under 150 words. Bullet points are your friend if needed. |
| The Generic Blob | "I'm a great fit!" (No specifics) | Mention ONE specific skill/responsibility from the job ad and how you've done it. |
| The Desperate Plea | "I need this job so badly!" | Focus on THEM – what value YOU bring to solve THEIR problems. |
| The Nag (Following up daily) | Annoying. Signals poor judgment. | Stick to the timeline outlined above. Patience is a virtue. |
| The Typo Trap | Misspelled names/company/job title. | Proofread obsessively. Use spellcheck, then read aloud. |
| The Ghost Attachment ("See attached...") | ...but you forgot to attach! | ALWAYS attach resume/cover letter AGAIN, even if you think they have it. Systems fail. |
"The worst follow up email after job application I ever got? 'Did you get my resume? I really need health insurance.' Instant delete. Show us you care about the *role*, not just the paycheck." – Mark, Engineering Hiring Lead
FAQ: Your Burning Follow Up Email After Job Application Questions Answered
Q: Is sending a follow up email after job application actually annoying?
Honestly? One well-timed, professional email is EXPECTED and appreciated by most hiring managers. It shows initiative. What's annoying is being spammed daily or getting a rude, demanding message. Follow the guidelines above, and you'll be golden.
Q: Should I send a follow up email after job application if the job posting says "No calls/emails"?
This is tough. Generally, respect the instructions. They likely have a high volume or a rigid process. Your best bet in this case is to ensure your initial application is flawless. If you have a truly exceptional reason (e.g., a major portfolio update directly relevant to the role), proceed with extreme caution and humility: "I apologize for contacting you directly given your instructions, but I wanted to share this significant update regarding my application for [Job Title]..." Keep it ultra-short.
Q: What if I haven't heard back after my follow up email?
Send one polite reminder after 7-10 business days (as per the timeline table). If still nothing after that? It sucks, but move on mentally. Continue applying elsewhere. If they eventually get back to you, great. If not, you haven't stalled your search. Don't put all your hopes on one application. I learned this after waiting weeks for one "perfect" job that ghosted me.
Q: Can a follow up email hurt my chances?
A bad one absolutely can (see the "Mistakes" table!). A rude, pushy, or error-filled email leaves a terrible impression. A well-crafted, professional, concise follow up email after job application, sent at the right time, almost always helps or is neutral at worst. It demonstrates professionalism and enthusiasm.
Q: Should I follow up after an interview too? Is it different?
ABSOLUTELY! That's a whole different (and crucial) email. Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. That's non-negotiable. Then, if you haven't heard back by the timeline they gave you, a separate follow up email after the interview is appropriate. Focus on reiterating your interest and fit based on the conversation. Don't reuse your application follow up template!
Q: What email address should I send my follow up to?
Best case: The hiring manager's direct email (if you can find it via LinkedIn, company website, or network). Next best: The recruiter's email listed on the job ad. Last resort: A generic address like "[email protected]" or "[email protected]". Always try to find a specific person first – it drastically increases the chances your follow up email after job application gets seen by a human.
The Final Checklist Before Sending Your Follow Up Email
Run down this list. Every. Single. Time.
- Subject Line Clear? Includes Name, Job Title, Maybe Ref ID?
- Correct Recipient? Name spelled RIGHT? Right title (Mr./Ms./Mx./Dr.)?
- Company & Job Title Exact? Matched the ad perfectly?
- Concise? Under 150 words? Bullet points used sparingly?
- Specific Value Mentioned? Did you connect ONE skill/experience to their need?
- Attachments? Resume AND cover letter attached? (Even if you sent before!)
- Proofread? Zero typos? Grammar clean? Read it ALOUD.
- Professional Tone? Not desperate, pushy, or casual?
- Contact Info? Name, Phone, LinkedIn/Portfolio link included?
Wrapping It Up: Your Follow Up Email After Job Application Mindset
Think of this email not as a chore, but as your secret weapon. Most people won't send one at all. Many who do screw it up. Doing it right – timely, professional, specific, concise – instantly puts you ahead of probably 70% of applicants. It transforms you from a name on a resume into a proactive, interested professional.
Remember: Hiring is messy. Applications get lost. Hiring managers get swamped. Your polite, persistent follow up email after job application is simply ensuring you stay in the game. It demonstrates the exact kind of ownership and communication skills they want to hire.
Now go hit send (after you proofread it again, right?). Good luck out there. You got this.
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