- How long should you wait to follow up on a job application?
- 1. The job posting
- 2. Non-working days
- 3. Industry
- Tips for following up on a job application after no response
- Following up on a job application via phone versus email
- How to follow up on a job application sample
- Key takeaways
After interviewing for a job, it’s only natural to excitedly wait for a job status update. However, you don’t always receive one in a timely fashion. This blog covers how to follow up on a job application by phone and by email and includes samples of what to say.
The job application process doesn’t end with the interview. Everything you do after will also affect your chances of landing the job. Learning how to follow up on a job application is important because it shows you have initiative and are enthusiastic about the job. It also keeps you at the forefront of the interviewer's mind.
In this article, we’ll discover some of the best ways to follow up on a job application whether by phone or email. Here’s what we will cover:
How long should you wait to follow up on a job application?
Tips for following up on a job application after no response
Following up on a job application via phone versus email
How to follow up on a job application sample
How long should you wait to follow up on a job application?
While there isn’t a specific amount of time you should wait before you follow up on your job application, there are some general rules. For example, it’s standard to wait at least a full week before checking in. However, there are other factors to keep in mind as well.
Expert Tip
Keep in mind that the waiting period for following up after an interview doesn’t apply to the initial post-interview note. You should always send a note within 24 hours of an interview to express your gratitude and display professionalism.
When deciding how long to wait before you follow up on a job application, here are three considerations to make:
1. The job posting
Sometimes a job posting itself may indicate when you should expect to hear back after interviewing. For example, if the position has an “open until” date, you may not hear anything before that date has passed.
2. Non-working days
While calculating how long you should wait, factor in any weekends and holidays. These can delay the application process and increase the number of days you should wait before reaching out.
3. Industry
The industry itself could be an indicator of how long the hiring process will take. Certain industries have more application requirements than others, which can make the hiring process take longer.
Tips for following up on a job application after no response
Receiving no response after you’ve interviewed is frustrating, but it can also be confusing. You may be wondering if following up is the right answer or if you should search for a job elsewhere. Following up is always in your best interest. However, be polite and professional when you reach out.
Here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to following up on a job application when you haven’t received a response:
- Be grateful and polite.
- Ask for a specific timeline for future updates.
- Be specific about why you are excited about the role and your qualifications.
- Provide any updates you have regarding additional experience or achievements.
- Change the way you communicate.
- Come across as impatient or frustrated.
- Expect an update in an unreasonable amount of time.
- Be afraid to follow up again, if needed.
- Pressure the employer for an update or become demanding.
Following up on a job application via phone versus email
Deciding whether you should follow up on a job application with an email or a phone call depends on the company’s communication preferences. In addition to adding a personal touch, phone calls award you with an immediate response. They also show a level of proactiveness and a desire to build a connection.
However, in today’s digital world, emails are much more common and are often the preferred way of communicating. The great thing about it is that you have the opportunity to perfect your follow up. An email is also a great opportunity to include additional information that was missed during an interview.
Regardless of how you choose to follow up on a job application, here are some of the top things you should do:
Be clear on why you are reaching out. At the very beginning of your call or in the subject of your email, be specific about who you are and what position you have applied for.
Have a professional greeting. When possible, always use your contact’s name when inquiring about an application update.
Express your gratitude and interest. During the phone call or in the body of your email, start by voicing your gratitude for the opportunity before expressing your interest in the position. Be specific about why you are the right candidate.
Request a timeline. It’s always good practice to politely ask about the next steps in the hiring process and what the timeline for an update looks like.
How to follow up on a job application sample
Now that we know a little more about what goes into following up on a job application, let’s look at a couple of samples. Below, you will find an example prompt you may use when you are requesting an update via phone as well as a sample email you can send.
Here’s some language you could use in a phone call, but it really depends on how your contact responds to your inquiry. No matter how the call goes, remember to politely ask for a timeline estimate and express your gratitude one last time before ending the call. You should also confirm your correct contact information is on file.
Hello, this is [Your Name]. I interviewed with you [or interviewer name] for the [position name] on [Interview Date]. I appreciate [Company Name] taking the time to consider me for the position and to interview me. I’m still very interested in the [position name] role. I wanted to follow up and ask if there are any updates concerning my application status.
I’m very excited to continue the hiring process. If you need additional information from my end or would like to discuss any of my qualifications in further detail, please let me know.
When following up on a job application with an email, include much of the same information. Here is an example of how you might structure that email:
Subject: Follow-Up for [Position Name] Application - [Your Name]
Dear [Contact’s Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I interviewed for the [Position Name] role with [Company Name] on [Date]. I appreciate [Company Name] taking the time to review my application and am excited to move forward with the application process.
I wanted to follow up regarding the status of my application and ask if any updates are available. I am especially excited to join the [Company Name/Department Team] because I believe my [specific skills] skills will help the team solve their issue of [the specific problem you discussed in your interview].
Do you know when I can expect to hear back about my application?
Thank you again for talking to me about the role, and I look forward to hearing back from you. If you need any additional information, just let me know. You can contact me at [contact information].
Best regards, [Your Name]
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Key takeaways
You should wait at least a week following your interview before you follow up on a job application.
When following up with a potential employer, be consistent in your forms of communication and always be professional and polite.
Whether you are following up via phone or email, express your gratitude for the opportunity and politely ask for a timeline.
