You sent your application, and then… nothing. Should you follow up, or will it look pushy? A short, well-timed follow-up can put your name back in front of a recruiter without annoying anyone. Here's when to do it, what to say, and when to move on.
Should you follow up at all?
Usually, yes — once. Recruiters handle many roles at the same time, and applications get buried. A polite follow-up shows real interest and gives them an easy reason to look at your profile again. What hurts you is following up too soon, too often, or with a demanding tone.
Skip the follow-up if the job advert clearly says "no calls or emails" or "only shortlisted candidates will be contacted."
When to follow up
| Situation | When to follow up |
|---|---|
| Online application, no reply | About 1–2 weeks after applying |
| The advert gave a closing date | A few days after the closing date |
| A recruiter said "we'll be in touch by Friday" | One working day after that date |
| You applied through a referral | Ask your contact first, then follow up after about a week |
Who to contact
Follow up with a real person if you can: the recruiter named in the advert, the hiring manager, or the HR contact who replied to you. If there's no name, check the company's LinkedIn page for a recruiter or talent acquisition contact. Avoid sending the same message to five different people at the company.
What to write: a simple template
Subject: Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]
Hi [Name],
I applied for the [Job Title] role on [date] and wanted to confirm my application was received. I'm very interested in this position because [one specific reason linked to the role or company], and I believe my experience in [relevant skill or result] would help the team.
I'd be happy to share any further information. Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone number] | [LinkedIn profile]
Keep it under 120 words. Attach your CV again only if you're writing to a new contact who may not have seen it.
Following up after an interview
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview (see our thank-you email guide). If the date they gave for a decision passes, send one short check-in:
Hi [Name], I hope you're well. I wanted to follow up on my interview for [Job Title] on [date]. I'm still very interested in the role — is there any update on the next steps? Thank you.
How many times should you follow up?
A good rule: one follow-up after applying, and at most one more after another week or two if there's still no response. After that, move on and focus your energy on other applications. Silence usually means the company has moved forward with other candidates or paused hiring.
Mistakes to avoid
- Following up the day after applying
- Calling repeatedly or messaging on personal social media accounts
- Sounding entitled ("I haven't heard anything, please respond")
- Sending a generic message that doesn't mention the job title
- Spelling the person's name or the company name wrong
Common questions
Is it better to call or email?
Email is usually best. It's easy for the recruiter to answer when they have time and keeps a written record.
Can I follow up on LinkedIn instead?
Yes, a short, polite LinkedIn message to the recruiter works well, especially if you can't find an email address.
What if they reply with a rejection?
Thank them, ask to be considered for future roles, and keep the door open. Recruiters remember good manners.
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