You've submitted your application and... silence. Should you follow up? When? How? Following up correctly can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but doing it wrong can hurt your candidacy. Here's exactly how to do it right.
"Candidates who follow up are 22% more likely to get a response than those who don't. But timing and tone matter—follow up too aggressively and you'll turn off the hiring manager."
— Robert Half Hiring Survey, 2025
When to Follow Up
The timing of your follow-up depends on the situation:
- After submitting an application: Wait 1-2 weeks before your first follow-up
- After an interview: Send a thank-you within 24 hours, then follow up after 1 week if no response
- After a referral: Wait 3-5 days before following up
- If they gave you a timeline: Wait until after that date has passed
Email Templates That Work
Template 1: Following Up on an Application
Subject: Following Up: [Job Title] Application - [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and wanted to express my continued interest in the role.
With my background in [relevant experience], I'm confident I could contribute to [specific company goal or project you researched].
I'd welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills align with your team's needs. Is there any additional information I can provide?
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [LinkedIn URL]
Template 2: Second Follow-Up (If No Response)
Subject: Re: [Job Title] Application - Quick Check-In
Hi [Hiring Manager's Name],
I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding the [Job Title] position. I understand you're likely very busy, but I remain very interested in this opportunity.
I recently [relevant accomplishment or news that adds value], which I believe makes me an even stronger fit for this role.
Would you have 15 minutes for a brief call this week? I'm happy to work around your schedule.
Thanks again for your time.
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 3: Following Up After an Interview
Subject: Thank You - [Job Title] Interview
Hi [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [Job Title] position yesterday. I enjoyed learning more about [specific topic discussed] and the team's goals for [project or initiative].
Our conversation reinforced my excitement about this opportunity. I'm particularly drawn to [specific aspect of role or company].
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing about next steps.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Follow-Up Best Practices
Find the Right Contact
Don't just email HR. Try to find the hiring manager's direct email through LinkedIn, the company website, or by calling the front desk.
Add Value in Every Message
Don't just ask for an update. Share a relevant article, mention a recent company news item, or highlight a new accomplishment that strengthens your candidacy.
Keep It Short
Your follow-up should be 3-4 sentences max. Busy hiring managers won't read long emails. Get to the point quickly.
Know When to Stop
After 2-3 follow-ups with no response, move on. Continuing to email won't help and may hurt your reputation for future opportunities at that company.
What NOT to Do
- Don't follow up multiple times per week — This comes across as desperate
- Don't call unless invited to — Unexpected calls can be intrusive
- Don't guilt-trip — Avoid phrases like "I haven't heard back" or "Did you get my email?"
- Don't follow up on weekends or late nights — Stick to business hours
- Don't connect on personal social media — Keep it professional (LinkedIn is fine)
Follow-Up Statistics
- 22% higher response rate for candidates who follow up
- Best time to send: Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-12pm
- 47% of hiring managers view follow-ups positively
- Average job search involves 100-200 applications