You just submitted your resume to an exciting new opportunity and need to know how to follow up on a job application. Don’t worry — we’ve got you! We’ll share everything you need to know to increase your chances of turning your application into an interview. That way, you land your ideal role faster.
If you are applying for jobs, you should check out ZipRecruiter! ZipRecruiter allows you to apply for jobs with a single click. Additionally, you can upload your resume to their resume database so that recruiters and employers can easily find you!
How To Follow Up On A Job Application
Ask for Help
Following up doesn’t have to be a solo sport! If you know someone at your target company, ask if they can refer you to the hiring manager. Your chance of having your application reviewed will go way up. Plus, your contact may receive a referral bonus if the organization hires you.
Lean Towards Email
While some hiring managers don’t mind getting follow-up phone calls, sending an email is generally your best bet. The hiring manager can respond to your inquiry at their convenience and when they have an update to share. You’ll also have a record of the conversation for future reference, which may be helpful later in the hiring process.
Pro Tip: Write a clear subject line so your recipient knows what to expect when they open your message.
Nail the Timing
Typically, you should wait two weeks before following up on your job application. That’s because a hiring manager likely won’t see it the moment you hit submit, so you need to give them some time to receive and evaluate it. You should also consider sending your follow-up email during the middle of the week when it’s less likely to get lost in the hiring manager’s inbox.
Pro Tip: Review the job posting for instructions on how to check the status of your application because some companies may request that you don’t follow up.
Reach the Right Person
While the recruiter may know when the firm will interview for your desired role, it’s more efficient to go right to the source: the hiring manager. The hiring manager will have the latest information on the hiring process and can better assess your candidacy for the position.
Pro Tip: You can usually find the contact information you need by checking the job posting, the company’s website, or the hiring manager’s LinkedIn profile.
Reiterate Your Interest
Your follow-up message should make it clear that you’re highly interested in the role. Showing your enthusiasm will increase your chance of having a productive conversation with the hiring manager and getting invited to an interview.
Pro Tip: Follow the organization on social media and like, comment, or share the content. The hiring manager or recruiter may recognize your name when they see your application.
Brag (A Little)
Your follow-up message should also explain why you’re an ideal candidate for the role. So, share your top credentials and a few brief career highlights. For best results, align what you include here with the requirements listed in the job posting.
Ask for the Timeline
The whole point of following up on your job application is to learn how the hiring process is going and where you stand. So, don’t be afraid to ask the hiring manager when they expect to extend invitations to interview for the role.
Pro Tip: If you’re interviewing elsewhere, it’s okay to mention that when you follow up. Doing so may prompt the hiring manager to respond to you quickly.
Join The Break Community
Watch Your Tone
Your follow-up email or phone discussion should be conversational and professional. You can let your personality come through, but make sure you don’t come across as overly friendly or pushy.
Say Thank You
The hiring manager may get bombarded with 100+ emails daily, which can be exhausting. Give them a reason to smile and remember you favorably by thanking them for their time at the end of your email or phone call.
Related Reading: How To Write A Follow-Up Email After An Interview
Job Application Follow-Up Examples
Here are two job application follow-up email examples you can use for inspiration and adapt to your situation:
Example Email #1:
Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Two weeks ago, I applied for the HR Generalist position I saw listed on ZipRecruiter. Do you know when you’ll be scheduling interviews for the role?
I’ve been following the company closely for years, and I’d love to be part of the team. I bring 10+ years of experience, an MBA, and both SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications to the table. I’m confident I could fit seamlessly into your department and make positive contributions soon after hire.
I’m happy to send any additional information you may need to evaluate my candidacy. I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding the next steps in the hiring process. Thank you in advance for taking the time to review my application and respond to my email.
All the best,
[Your Name]
[Your contact information]
Example Email #2:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I applied for the Content Marketing Director position two weeks ago. Can you please share your hiring process timeline with me?
I ask because I recently interviewed with another company, but I’d much prefer to work for you if given the opportunity. Your organization’s mission really resonates with me, and I know I’d bring a lot to the role. I’ve been a Content Manager for seven years, have successfully led a team of 25 content creators, and have increased the Content Marketing department’s ROI ten-fold.
Please don’t hesitate to ask for any other information you need to determine if I’d be a good fit for your team. I look forward to hearing back from you soon, and I thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your contact information]
What To Avoid When Following Up On A Job Application
We’ve shared a lot about what you should do to follow up on a job application, but here are a few things you must avoid doing:
Following Up Too Much
If you’ve followed up twice and haven’t gotten a response, assume you’re out of the running for the position and move on. Contacting the hiring manager more than that could leave a bad impression and disqualify you for future opportunities.
Putting Your Job Search on Hold
You may feel like you're the perfect fit for your desired job, but the hiring manager may think otherwise. Therefore, it’s wise to keep looking for other roles that excite you while you wait to hear back about your application.
Disrespecting The Hiring Manager’s Time
The hiring manager is extremely busy leading their team, solving problems, and interacting with other job candidates. Writing long emails or dragging out phone conversations is disrespectful — and will likely get your resume tossed in the trash. So, try to keep your emails to three short paragraphs and your phone calls to a few minutes.
Remember: The worst follow-up strategy is not following up at all. As you make following up a regular part of your job search process, it will become second nature to you.
The Bottom Line
After reading this article, you should know how to follow up on a job application. But, if you want to send out a few more resumes, we encourage you to search for your dream job on ZipRecruiter. And, if you feel like your resume could improve, check out our picks for the best resume writing service.
