Submitting your job application feels like a relief, but then comes the waiting game. You refresh your inbox daily, hoping for a response that never seems to come. Following up after submitting a job application can feel awkward, but it's actually a smart career move that shows initiative and genuine interest in the role.

A well-crafted follow up email after job application can set you apart from other candidates who simply hit "send" and hope for the best. Most hiring managers expect professional follow-ups, and many appreciate candidates who demonstrate persistence and communication skills.

Best Practices for Crafting Your Follow Up Email After Job Application

Creating an effective job application follow up email requires strategy, timing, and the right tone. Your follow-up should feel natural and professional, not pushy or desperate.

Key Elements of an Effective Follow-Up Email

Your follow up email after applying should include specific components that make it memorable and actionable:

Essential Elements:

• Clear, specific subject line referencing the position
• Brief reminder of your qualifications
• Expression of continued interest
• Professional closing with next steps

Start with a subject line like "Following up on Marketing Manager application - [Your Name]" rather than vague phrases like "Checking in." Hiring managers receive dozens of emails daily, so specificity helps your message stand out.

Keep your follow up email after job application concise, aim for three to four short paragraphs maximum. Hiring managers are busy professionals who appreciate brevity over lengthy explanations.

Personalizing Your Message to the Hiring Manager

Generic follow-up emails get deleted. Personalized messages get responses. Research the hiring manager's name through LinkedIn or the company website. If you can't find a specific name, "Dear Hiring Manager" works better than outdated greetings like "To Whom It May Concern."

Reference specific details from your conversation, the job posting, or recent company news. This shows you're genuinely interested in the organization, not just mass-applying to every available position.

When crafting your job application follow up email, mention one key accomplishment that directly relates to the role requirements. This reinforces why you're a strong candidate without repeating your entire resume.

Timing Your Follow-Up: When Is It Appropriate?

Timing your follow up email after job application correctly can make or break your chances. Too early seems impatient; too late suggests lack of interest.

Timeline	Action	Purpose
1-2 weeks after applying	First follow-up email	Show continued interest
3-4 weeks after first follow-up	Second follow-up (if no response)	Maintain visibility
After interview	Within 24-48 hours	Thank interviewer, reiterate interest

Most companies take 2-3 weeks to review applications, especially for competitive roles. Sending your follow up email after applying within this window shows professionalism without appearing pushy.

For roles at smaller companies, you might follow up sooner, around one week. Larger organizations often have longer review processes, so waiting two weeks demonstrates understanding of their workflow.

Scale Jobs understands these timing nuances and applies to positions on behalf of job seekers, handling follow-ups professionally while you focus on interview preparation and networking.

Sample Follow-Up Email Templates

Having proven templates makes writing your job application follow up email much easier. These examples work across different industries and career levels.

Template for Initial Follow-Up After Application

Subject: Following up on [Position Title] application - [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope you're doing well. I submitted my application for the [Position Title] role two weeks ago and wanted to express my continued enthusiasm for the opportunity.

After learning more about [Company's recent project/news/goal], I'm even more excited about contributing to your team's success. My experience with [relevant skill/achievement] aligns perfectly with your needs for [specific requirement from job posting].

Would you be available for a brief conversation about how I can contribute to [specific company goal/project]? I'm happy to work around your schedule.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number]

Template for Following Up After an Interview

Subject: Thank you for the [Position Title] interview

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you for taking the time to discuss the [Position Title] role with me yesterday. Our conversation about [specific topic discussed] reinforced my excitement about joining your team.

I'm particularly drawn to [specific project/challenge mentioned] and believe my background in [relevant experience] would help achieve [specific goal discussed].

Please let me know if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing about next steps.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Template for Checking Status After No Response

Subject: Checking on [Position Title] application status

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope you're well. I wanted to check on the status of my application for the [Position Title] role, which I submitted on [date].

I remain very interested in the opportunity and believe my skills in [relevant area] would benefit your team. If you need any additional materials or have questions about my background, please let me know.

I understand you're likely reviewing many qualified candidates and appreciate your time.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Many job seekers struggle with follow-up timing and messaging. Scale Jobs handles these communications professionally, ensuring consistent, well-timed follow-ups that maintain your professional image while increasing response rates.

Alternative Follow-Up Methods

While email remains the most common approach, other follow-up methods can be effective in specific situations.

When to Consider a Phone Call Instead of an Email

Phone calls work best for smaller companies, urgent hiring needs, or roles requiring strong verbal communication skills. Consider calling when:

Appropriate situations for phone follow-ups:

• Job posting mentions "immediate hire" or "urgent need"
• Company has fewer than 50 employees
• You have a direct connection or referral
• The role involves sales, customer service, or client interaction

Avoid phone calls for large corporations, government positions, or companies that explicitly state "no phone calls" in their job postings.

How to Prepare for a Follow-Up Call

Preparation transforms a potentially awkward phone call into a professional conversation. Write out key points beforehand, including:

• Your name and the position you applied for
• One compelling reason why you're interested
• A specific question about the role or company
• Your availability for an interview

Practice your introduction until it sounds natural. Keep your call brief, aim for 2-3 minutes maximum. If you reach voicemail, leave a concise message with your name, the position, and your phone number repeated twice.

LinkedIn can also serve as an effective follow-up platform. Professional LinkedIn follow-up messages can complement your email strategy, especially for connecting with hiring managers or recruiters.

Common Questions About Following Up

Job seekers often have similar concerns about follow-up etiquette and timing.

How to Politely Follow Up on a Job Application?

Politeness in follow-ups means being respectful of the hiring manager's time while expressing genuine interest. Use phrases like "I wanted to check in" rather than "I haven't heard back." Acknowledge their busy schedule and offer flexibility.

Your follow up email after job application should feel like a helpful reminder, not a demand for attention. Express appreciation for their consideration and avoid sounding entitled to a response.

How Do I Politely Check the Status of My Application?

Frame your status inquiry as continued interest rather than impatience. Instead of "Why haven't you responded?" try "I remain very interested in the role and wanted to check if you need any additional information."

Provide value in your status check by mentioning a new achievement, relevant article, or connection to recent company news. This makes your follow-up useful rather than just another request.

Is It Okay to Follow Up After Submitting an Application?

Absolutely. Following up shows professionalism and genuine interest. Most hiring managers expect at least one follow-up, and many appreciate candidates who demonstrate initiative.

However, respect boundaries. If a company states "no follow-up communications" in their posting, honor that request. One to two follow-ups spaced appropriately apart is professional; daily emails become harassment.

Understanding why job applications get rejected can help you craft more effective follow-up messages that address potential employer concerns.

Conclusion

Following up after submitting job applications requires balance between persistence and patience. Your follow up email after job application should feel natural, professional, and genuinely interested, never desperate or pushy.

The Importance of Maintaining a Positive Attitude

Job searching tests your resilience, especially when responses don't come quickly. Maintain professionalism in all follow-up communications, regardless of frustration or disappointment. A positive attitude shows emotional intelligence and professionalism that employers value.

Remember that hiring processes involve multiple decision-makers, budget approvals, and internal priorities that extend far beyond your application. Delays rarely reflect your qualifications.

Continuing Your Job Search While Waiting for Responses

Don't pause your job search while waiting for responses. Continue applying to new positions, networking, and developing your skills. This approach reduces anxiety around any single opportunity and increases your chances of success.

Consider using job application timeline planners to organize your search effectively. Managing multiple applications becomes easier with proper tracking systems.

Professional job search services can handle application submissions and follow-ups while you focus on interview preparation and skill development. Scale Jobs' free tools can help streamline your application process and improve your overall job search strategy.

Remember, following up is just one part of a successful job search. Combine effective follow-up strategies with strong application materials, targeted networking, and consistent effort for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How long should I wait before sending a follow up email after job application?

Wait 1-2 weeks after applying for your first follow-up. This gives hiring managers time to review applications while showing your continued interest in the role.

Q. What should I include in my job application follow up email subject line?

Use a clear, specific subject line like "Following up on [Position Title] application - [Your Name]." Avoid vague phrases like "Checking in" that don't provide context.

Q. How many times can I follow up after applying for a job?

Send a maximum of two follow-up emails spaced 2-3 weeks apart. More than this can appear pushy and may harm your candidacy.

Q. Should I follow up if the job posting says "no phone calls"?

Yes, you can still send email follow-ups even if phone calls are discouraged. Email follow-ups are generally more accepted and less intrusive than phone calls.

Q. What tone should I use when following up on job applications?

Maintain a professional, polite, and enthusiastic tone. Express genuine interest without sounding desperate, and always thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.

Q. Can I follow up on a job application through LinkedIn?

Yes, LinkedIn can be an effective follow-up platform, especially for connecting with hiring managers. Keep messages brief, professional, and focused on your interest in the role.