How to Write a Follow-up Email After Application? (+4 Examples)

You've submitted your resume for a job and... crickets. So what's your next move? Writing a follow up email after application is a smart way to find out where things stand (i.e., you) in the hiring process. At minimum, you'll get clarity on your status. Best case scenario, your follow-up email reminds them to take a second look at your application.

Here's the reality: hiring managers are busy, and emails get overlooked – even those with your carefully crafted resume attached. A polite reminder can be exactly what's needed to get your application the attention it deserves.

This article will show you exactly how to write a follow-up email after application, including follow-up email after application examples you can copy and customize for your job search.

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When should you send a follow-up email after application?

In general, you should send your follow up email between one to two weeks after you've submitted your application. Here's why this timing works:

If you wait less than a week, you risk looking impatient. Most companies need time to collect applications and start their initial review process. 

If you wait longer than two weeks, your application might already be buried under newer submissions or the position could be moving forward with other candidates.

However, if the job posting mentioned a specific timeline (like "we'll contact qualified candidates within 10 business days" or “we’ll let you know by the end of July”), give them that full time plus a couple extra days before reaching out. 

One exception: if you applied on a Friday, start counting from the following Monday. Hiring managers rarely review applications over the weekend.

Why send a follow-up email after the application?

The obvious answer is that you have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain. A follow-up email after job application helps you in two important ways:

• You get an update on your application. Instead of wondering if your application disappeared into a black hole, you'll know where you stand. Maybe they're still reviewing applications, maybe they've moved to interviews, or maybe the position got put on hold. At least you'll have clarity instead of endless speculation.
• You can potentially influence their decision. Your follow-up email doesn't just remind them you exist – it shows initiative and genuine interest in the role. This can tip the scales when they're choosing between similar candidates. Plus, your email might arrive right when they're creating their interview shortlist, putting you back in consideration at the perfect moment.

How to write a follow up email after application?

Writing a follow up email after job application is simpler than you think. Here's the 6-step formula that works:

1. Write a clear subject line. Keep it straightforward and specific. Use something like "Following up on [Job Title] application" or "Checking in: [Job Title] position." Avoid vague subjects like "Quick question" or "Following up" – hiring managers get dozens of emails daily and need to know what yours is about immediately.
2. Open with a professional greeting. Address the hiring manager by name if you have it. "Dear Ms. Johnson" works better than "Dear Hiring Manager," but if you don't know their name, "Dear Hiring Team" is perfectly acceptable. Skip overly casual greetings like "Hey" or "Hi there."
3. State your purpose right away. Get to the point in your first sentence. Mention the specific position you applied for and when you submitted your application, and include the job ID if available. Something like: "I'm writing to follow up on my application for the Marketing Coordinator (Job ID: MC-2024-15) position I submitted on January 15th."
4. Keep the body short and professional. Express continued interest in the role and briefly reiterate why you're a good fit. Don't rehash your entire resume – just highlight one key qualification or mention something new that's happened since you applied. Ask politely about the timeline or next steps.
5. Attach your resume again. Include your resume as an attachment for easy reference. Mention it briefly in your email: "I've attached my resume again for your convenience." This saves the hiring manager from having to dig through old emails or application systems to find your information.
6. Close with a clear call-to-action. End with something specific but not demanding. "I'd appreciate any update on the hiring timeline" or "Please let me know if you need any additional information from me" works well. Thank them for their time and sign off professionally with "Best regards" or "Sincerely."

Follow-up email after job application examples

Here are two follow up email after application examples and templates you can use as your foundation.

Remember to personalize each email with specific details about the position and company.

And here's another option for you: 

Follow-up email after job application template

Let's be honest – staring at a blank email can be intimidating. That's where a reliable template comes in handy. You can use the same basic structure for any job, just swap out the details, and you're done. No overthinking required.

Here's a universal follow up email after job application template you cannot go wrong with:  

Second follow-up email after still no response

Nobody wants to send a second follow-up email. It means your first attempt didn't work, and frankly, it's not the ideal situation to be in. But sometimes you need closure – you want to know if you should keep hoping or move on to other opportunities.

At this point, you're not just expressing interest anymore, you're politely asking them to either move forward or let you know it's time to focus elsewhere.

Keep it brief, professional, and acknowledge that you understand their time constraints. Don't sound desperate or frustrated, even if that's how you feel.

Here's an effective second follow-up email after getting no response to your job application:

Common mistakes to avoid in your follow-up email after application

Even with the best intentions, it's easy to sabotage your chances with a poorly written follow-up email.

Here are the most common mistakes that can hurt rather than help your job prospects:

• Being too pushy or demanding. Your follow-up should feel like a gentle inquiry, not a demand. Avoid phrases like "I need to hear back immediately" or "You should have responded by now." Express interest and ask politely for updates, but don't make demands or set ultimatums.
• Sending too many follow-ups. One follow-up after two weeks is professional. A second after another two weeks shows persistence. A third email shows poor judgment from your end. So, stick to two follow-ups total.
• Generic, copy-paste messages. "Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to follow up..." sounds like spam. Use the hiring manager's name, mention the specific position and job ID, and reference something about the company. Generic emails get ignored.
• Poor timing and unprofessional tone. Following up after three days looks impatient. Using casual language like "Hey!" or "Just checking in 😊" looks unprofessional. Stick to business hours, avoid busy periods, and maintain professional tone.

Example of what NOT to send:

This email seems polite on the surface, but it makes several mistakes: following up after only one week, creating artificial urgency with "other interviews," being presumptuous about getting an interview, and the tone also comes across as slightly pushy despite trying to sound friendly.

What to do when you still don't get a response?

So you've sent two professional follow-up emails and... still nothing. It stings, but it's not necessarily personal.

Here's your 6-step action plan for moving forward professionally:

1. Stop sending follow-ups. Two emails is the absolute maximum. More than that damages your professional reputation and hurts your chances for future positions at the company.
2. Wait one more week, then move on. Give it seven days after your second follow up email after job application, then mentally close the door on this opportunity. Your energy is better spent elsewhere.
3. Keep the company on your radar. Connect with employees on LinkedIn, follow their updates, and watch for future job postings. Companies often have multiple openings throughout the year.
4. Leverage your network. Ask for introductions at companies you're interested in. A referral from a current employee carries much more weight than a cold application.
5. Keep your pipeline full. Apply to multiple positions so you're not emotionally invested in any single opportunity. Maintain momentum in your job search.
6. Make your resume more tailored. Review and customize your resume for each application. Use keywords from job descriptions and highlight the most relevant experience for each specific role.

Key takeaways

At the end of the day, you can’t control whether a company responds, but you can control how you present yourself. A thoughtful follow-up email demonstrates that you’re engaged, proactive, and considerate — qualities every employer values.

And this is how you craft one that's effective: 

• Wait 1–2 weeks after applying (unless the posting says otherwise)
• Keep it short, polite, and relevant
• Show interest without being pushy
• Limit yourself to two follow-ups
• Personalize with names, job titles, and company details

And while it may feel a bit awkward, in such a competitive job market, that extra effort can be the difference between fading into the background and landing the interview.