Practical guide
How to write a job application follow-up email
Follow up after the employer’s stated timeline, refer to the exact role and your earlier application or conversation, and ask one clear question. If you already have an email thread, continue it so the recipient can see the context.
When should you follow up on an application?
Start with the instructions in the posting, confirmation email, or recruiter’s last message. If they promised an update by a date, wait until that date has passed. If they ask applicants not to contact them, respect that request.
Without a timeline, our editorial starting point is to allow about a working week before considering one concise follow-up. This is a judgment call, not a proven rule: holidays, closing dates, and the stage of the process can make a longer wait appropriate.
Template: ask about an application’s status
Use this with an appropriate hiring contact, not a guessed list of executives. Include the application date and exact vacancy so the person can distinguish your message from a general inquiry.
Subject: Follow-up on [role, requisition ID] Hi [Name], I applied for [role] on [date] and wanted to ask whether there is an updated timeline for the next steps. I remain interested in the team’s work on [specific area]. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide. Thank you, [Your name]
Template: follow up on an unanswered outreach email
Hi [Name], I’m following up on my note about [role]. One relevant detail I wanted to add is [brief, accurate information not in the first message]. If someone else handles this vacancy, I’m happy to use the appropriate contact or application channel. Thank you, [Your name]
Template: follow up after a promised update
Hi [Name], Thank you again for speaking with me about [role]. You mentioned an update around [date], so I wanted to check whether the timeline has changed. I’m still interested and would be glad to provide anything else the team needs. Best, [Your name]
How many follow-ups should you send?
Use restraint rather than an automatic sequence. One thoughtful follow-up is a reasonable starting point when contact is welcome. A second message should have a concrete reason, such as a deadline you need to communicate or a requested piece of information.
Stop if the person declines, the vacancy closes, or they ask you to use another process. Repeatedly changing channels does not add useful information. Track the date, recipient, and result so you do not accidentally contact the same person again.
- Do not invent another offer or deadline to prompt a response.
- Do not describe an unread message as a rejection.
- Do not ask several people for the same status update at once.
- Continue your search while you wait.