How to Follow Up on a Job Application: Step-by-Step Instructions

Following up on a job application can help job seekers stand out and increase the chances of hiring managers reviewing their application materials. Complete these steps two weeks after applying:

1. 1. Contact the right person. Ensure the person you’re emailing or messaging is the correct person to contact, typically the hiring manager, human resources representative, or recruiter for the position. Check the job posting to see if it includes the recruiter or hiring manager’s name or contact information. If it has their name, you might be able to find their email on a professional networking profile or the company website. Always use your best judgment because sending the email to the wrong contact or multiple contacts on the same team might come across as unprofessional and count against you in the hiring decision.
2. 2. Create a clear subject line. The subject of your email should detail the contents of the email. Use subject lines like “job application status” or “application follow-up” to convey the message.
3. 3. Draft your email. When writing your follow-up email, include the company name, the position you’re interested in, and a brief description of your qualifications. Include your enthusiasm for the job title you’re after and any additional information not in your application—but keep your email short and to the point. Explain your wish to check in about your recent application, and reaffirm your interest in the job. Politely ask when you should expect to receive updates regarding the job interview process, and invite the person to ask you any additional questions should they have them. Include your résumé, cover letter, and contact information in the email.
4. 4. Write a polite, positive, and professional message. If you want further information regarding your application status, ask politely and remain professional. Hiring teams might disqualify an applicant because of a rude follow-up email. It’s essential to stay positive and gracious throughout your correspondence.

Follow these tips to ensure your job application follow-up is respectful and well-received.

1. 1. Be professional. Keep your email message positive and respectful, and always use a professional tone. A professional follow-up might improve your chances of securing a job interview and making an excellent first impression.
2. 2. Follow the directions in the job posting. Some job listings will explicitly ask you not to reach out to the hiring manager, so follow the company’s directions. Job descriptions might also include a date the application will close. It’s essential to keep that date in mind, as they might not reach out about an interview or reply to your email until after that date.
3. 3. Give them enough time to respond. It’s important to remain respectful of the hiring manager and recruiter and give them ample time to reply rather than continuing to follow up throughout the hiring process.
4. 4. Look for a personal connection. Use your network to determine whether you have a personal or professional connection to your potential employer. A mutual connection through a professional networking site or alumni group can tell you about the company culture. They also are a great secondary person to reach out to during the application process.
5. 5. Proofread your email. Reread your email multiple times to ensure it is free of typos, grammatical errors, or other mistakes. Hiring managers look for strong candidates with thorough and careful attention to detail. Proofreading can help you fix easy spelling or writing errors in your follow-up letter that could take you out of consideration for the position.

Here’s one example of a job application follow-up email:

Dear Ms. Lopez,

I’m writing to follow up on the application I submitted on November 12 for the position of marketing director at Network Agency. I want to confirm you received my application materials and restate my interest in the role.

I am excited about Network Agency’s recent experiential marketing projects and would love the opportunity to be part of your team. My creative thinking skills and ability to plan and execute strategic marketing campaigns would be a great asset to Network Agency’s marketing team. My five years of experience building successful digital marketing campaigns and planning pop-up events for ABC Marketing make me a strong candidate for the position.

Please feel free to contact me if you need additional references. I look forward to learning more about this opportunity.

Thank you for your consideration.

Stephanie Miller
123-456-7890
S.miller@email.com

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