Job Application Follow-up Emails
Submitting a job application often feels like sending your resume into a black hole. With hundreds of applicants for a single open role, it is easy for your materials to get lost in an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Sending a polite, direct follow-up email to the recruiter or hiring manager can be the differentiator that gets your application pulled from the bottom of the virtual pile and placed directly on their desk.
A strong application follow-up should be concise and highly targeted. You must clearly state the role you applied for, the date you applied, and a single, compelling reason why your background makes you a strong candidate. Avoid sounding frustrated or demanding. The goal is simply to bring attention to your previously submitted application and express your continued enthusiasm for the opportunity.
These templates offer strategies for following up when you know the hiring manager’s contact information, reaching out to an internal recruiter on LinkedIn, or checking in after being referred by a current employee. Personalize them to ensure your follow-up is as impactful as possible.
When to use these emails
Knowing exactly when to send a job application follow-up emails is critical for getting a positive response. You should deploy these templates when you need to communicate clearly and professionally within the Job & Career sector. Timing is everything—ensure you send these during appropriate business hours and tailor the variables perfectly to your recipient's current context.
Ready-to-Use Email Templates
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Subject: Following up on application for [Job Title] - [Your Name] Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I hope this email finds you well. I recently applied for the open [Job Title] position on your team via [Company Website/LinkedIn]. I am writing to reiterate my strong interest in the opportunity. With over [Number] years of experience in [Key Skill], specifically focusing on [Specific Niche/Project], I am confident in my ability to immediately contribute to [Company Name]’s goals for this year. I have reattached my resume here for your convenience. Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me at this stage. Best regards, [Your Name] [Contact Info]
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Subject: Application follow-up: [Job Title] via [Referral's Name] Hi [Recruiter's Name], I hope you’re having a great week. I submitted my application for the [Job Title] position last Tuesday, following a great conversation with [Referral's Name] regarding the role. Given my background driving [Specific Metric/Goal] at [Previous Company], I am very excited about the prospect of joining your team. I wanted to quickly check in to see if you had all the materials you needed from my end. I would welcome the opportunity to connect briefly to discuss the role in more detail. Best, [Your Name]
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Subject: [Your Name] - [Job Title] Application Dear Hiring Team, I am following up on my application for the [Job Title] role submitted on [Date]. I’ve been thoroughly impressed by [Company Name]’s recent launch of [Product/Initiative]. I believe my expertise in [Skill] aligns perfectly with the direction the company is heading, and I would love the chance to help support that growth. I’m sure you are reviewing many applications, but I wanted to briefly confirm that my materials were received and express my continued enthusiasm for the position. Thank you for your time, [Your Name]
Next Steps in Your Journey
After sending this email, you will likely need to send one of the following:
Best Practices & Tips
- Only follow up once or twice; do not become a nuisance to the recruiting team.
- Always attach your resume to the follow-up email so they don't have to search for it.
- Include the specific title of the job you applied for in the subject line.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When drafting this type of email, many professionals make critical formatting and psychological errors. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Being overly verbose: Do not write a five-paragraph essay. Keep your request strictly focused and visually scannable.
- Assuming context: Always provide a brief sentence reminding the recipient who you are or why you are reaching out.
- Weak Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Never end with "Let me know what you think." Give them a specific, frictionless next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait after applying to follow up?
Wait at least one to two weeks after you submit your application before sending a follow-up.
Should I call the company to follow up?
No. Cold calling a company to check on an application is generally seen as overly aggressive. Stick to email or a polite LinkedIn message.
Who is the best person to contact?
Try to find the specific hiring manager for the department. If that fails, contact an internal corporate recruiter.