How to Follow Up on a Job Application: Email Templates and Timing

The Short Answer

Follow up on a job application when you can be brief, specific, and respectful of the employer's process. A good first follow-up usually goes out about 5 to 10 business days after you apply, or after the date the posting says applications will be reviewed. If the employer says not to call or email, follow that instruction.

Your message should remind them which role you applied for, restate one clear reason you fit the job, and ask about the decision timeline or next steps. It should not repeat your whole cover letter or pressure the recruiter for an immediate answer.

When to Follow Up After Applying

Use this timing as a practical default:

• If the posting lists a review date: wait until one or two business days after that date.
• If there is no timeline: wait about 5 to 10 business days after applying.
• If you applied through a referral: ask your referral whether a direct follow-up would help.
• If you already interviewed: send a thank-you note within 24 hours, then follow up after the timeline they gave you has passed.
• If you already followed up once: wait another 7 to 10 business days before sending one final note.

After two polite follow-ups with no response, move on with your search. You can still be interested, but your time is better spent tailoring resumes, networking, and applying to other roles.

What to Include in a Follow-Up Email

Keep the email short enough that a busy recruiter can answer it quickly. Include:

• The job title and company name
• The date you applied, if you know it
• One sentence showing why the role fits your skills or experience
• A simple question about the hiring timeline or next step
• Your phone number, LinkedIn URL, or portfolio link if relevant

Avoid long career summaries, repeated attachments, emotional language about how badly you need the job, or a subject line that hides what the email is about.

Subject Lines That Work

• Follow-up on [Job Title] application - [Your Name]
• [Your Name] - [Job Title] application
• Checking in on [Job Title] application
• Application follow-up: [Job Title], [Your Name]

If the job posting includes a requisition number, add it to the subject line.

First Follow-Up Email Template

Use this when you applied online and have not heard back yet:

Subject: Follow-up on [Job Title] application - [Your Name]

Hi [Name],

I applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company] on [Date] and wanted to follow up briefly. I am still very interested in the position, especially because my experience with [relevant skill, project, or industry] aligns with [specific responsibility from the job description].

Could you share whether there is an updated timeline for next steps? I would be happy to provide any additional information if helpful.

Thank you for your time, [Your Name] [Phone] [LinkedIn or portfolio]

Why this works

It is direct, specific, and easy to answer. It also connects your fit to the job description instead of only saying that you are excited.

Shorter Template for a Recruiter

Subject: [Job Title] application - [Your Name]

Hi [Name],

I recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company] and wanted to check whether there are any updates on the hiring timeline. My background in [relevant skill or experience] seems closely aligned with the role, and I would appreciate the chance to be considered.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can provide.

Best, [Your Name]

LinkedIn Follow-Up Message

LinkedIn can work when you have a clear recruiter or hiring manager contact. Keep it shorter than email and do not send a long pitch in a connection request.

Hi [Name], I applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company] and wanted to introduce myself briefly. My experience with [specific skill or project] matches the role's focus on [specific responsibility]. If you are the right contact, I would be grateful for any guidance on the hiring timeline. Thank you.

If you are not sure the person is involved in the role, say so politely. Do not message several people at the same company with the same note.

Second Follow-Up Template

Send this only if you already followed up once and another week or more has passed:

Subject: Re: [Job Title] application - [Your Name]

Hi [Name],

I wanted to check in one final time on my application for the [Job Title] role. I remain interested in the opportunity and would welcome any update on whether the position is still moving forward.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best, [Your Name]

This should be your last message unless the company replies or gives you a new timeline.

When Not to Follow Up

Do not follow up if:

• The job posting says no calls or emails
• You applied yesterday or earlier this week
• You cannot find a relevant contact and would need to guess
• You already sent two messages with no response
• Your message would mainly repeat your resume without a clear question

Silence is frustrating, but it is often about hiring workload, delayed approvals, or changing priorities. A follow-up can help you stay visible, but it cannot force a decision.

Track Follow-Ups So You Do Not Overdo It

Before you send anything, record the company, job title, application date, resume version, contact person, first follow-up date, and next follow-up or move-on date. This prevents duplicate messages and helps you see which resumes and job types are getting responses.

FAQ

How long should I wait before following up on a job application?

Wait about 5 to 10 business days after applying, unless the employer gave a different timeline. If the posting has a closing or review date, wait until shortly after that date.

Should I attach my resume again?

Only attach it if the employer asked for it, if you applied by email, or if it would genuinely make the recruiter's job easier. If you applied through an applicant tracking system, a short note with your name and role is usually enough.

Is it okay to follow up by phone?

Usually email is safer. Call only if the job posting lists a phone contact, the recruiter invited calls, or you already have a relationship with the person.

What if I still get no response?

Send one final follow-up after another 7 to 10 business days, then move on. Keep applying elsewhere while you wait so one silent application does not stall your search.