2026-02-15
|5 min read
|Job Search
How to Follow Up After Submitting a Job Application
Wondering whether to follow up on a job application and what to say? Here is a practical guide on timing, tone, and what actually works.
Should you follow up at all
The honest answer is: it depends, but in most cases, yes, a single well-timed follow-up is a good idea. Hiring processes are messy. Applications get buried, recruiters get pulled onto other priorities, and sometimes your email lands in a folder that nobody checks for two weeks. A polite follow-up can move your application back to the top of the pile.
That said, there is a big difference between following up and being a pest. One follow-up email is professional. Three follow-up emails in a week is not. If the job posting explicitly says "do not contact us about the status of your application," respect that.
When to send your follow-up
The sweet spot for most applications is seven to ten business days after submitting. This gives the hiring team enough time to review initial applications but is early enough that your follow-up is still relevant. If the job posting includes a specific closing date, wait until three to five business days after that date.
If you had an interview and are waiting to hear back, send a brief thank-you email within 24 hours. If you have not heard anything by the date they said they would get back to you, follow up the next business day.
What to say in your follow-up email
Keep it short. Your follow-up email should be five to seven sentences at most. Open by referencing the specific role and when you applied. Express continued interest. Briefly reiterate one thing that makes you a strong fit. Ask if there is any additional information you can provide. Close politely.
Here is a template: "Dear [Name], I submitted my application for the [Job Title] position on [Date] and wanted to follow up to express my continued interest. With my experience in [specific relevant skill], I believe I could contribute meaningfully to [specific aspect of the role]. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide." Simple, professional, and to the point.
What to do if you still do not hear back
If your follow-up goes unanswered, you can send one more follow-up after at least another week. Keep it even shorter. If that gets no response, accept it and redirect your energy to other applications. Three unanswered messages is the absolute maximum.
The broader lesson is that your job search should never depend on a single application. Even when you have a great feeling about a role, keep applying to other positions. Track your applications so you know when follow-ups are due, and use tools like AutoApplier to keep your application volume high without sacrificing quality.
Put these ideas into practice
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