Following Up On a Job Application | Full Guide for 2026

Table of Contents#

1. Understanding the Importance of Following Up
2. When to Follow Up
3. How to Follow Up
   • Email Follow - Up
   • Phone Follow - Up
   • Social Media Follow - Up
4. What to Say in Your Follow - Up
   • General Template for Email
   • Example Script for Phone Call
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid
6. Conclusion
7. References

1. Understanding the Importance of Following Up#

Common Practices#

In today's job market, many hiring managers receive a large number of applications for each position. Your application might get buried in the pile, or it could simply be overlooked. Following up shows your enthusiasm for the role and your initiative. It also gives you an opportunity to stand out from other candidates.

Best Practices#

By following up, you can demonstrate your interest in the company and the position. This can leave a positive impression on the hiring manager and increase the likelihood of your application being considered. Additionally, it allows you to get more information about the hiring process, such as the timeline for interviews or the status of your application.

2. When to Follow Up#

Common Practices#

• After the Application Deadline: If there is a specified application deadline, it's a good idea to wait about one week after the deadline to follow up. This gives the hiring team enough time to review all the applications.
• After an Initial Screening: If you had an initial phone or video screening, follow up within 2 - 3 business days to express your continued interest and ask about the next steps.
• Based on the Company's Timeline: Some companies may provide an estimated timeline for the hiring process. If they say they will make a decision in two weeks, follow up after one week to show your interest.

Best Practices#

Always be patient. Don't follow up too soon, as it may seem pushy. On the other hand, don't wait too long, or the hiring manager may have already made a decision.

3. How to Follow Up#

Email Follow - Up#

Common Practices#

• Use a professional email address.
• Keep the subject line clear and concise, such as "Follow - up on [Job Title] Application - [Your Name]".
• Address the email to the hiring manager by name if possible.

Best Practices#

• Keep the email short and to the point. Start by reminding the hiring manager of your application and the position you applied for. Then, express your continued interest in the role and briefly mention your relevant qualifications. End with a polite request for an update on the status of your application.

Phone Follow - Up#

Common Practices#

• Find the correct phone number of the hiring manager or the human resources department.
• Call during normal business hours, typically between 9 am and 5 pm.
• Be prepared to leave a voicemail if the person doesn't answer.

Best Practices#

• Introduce yourself clearly and state the position you applied for. Keep your message brief and enthusiastic. If leaving a voicemail, include your name, phone number, and a short message expressing your interest in the position and asking for an update.

Social Media Follow - Up#

Common Practices#

• LinkedIn is the most common platform for professional follow - ups. Send a connection request to the hiring manager or relevant employees at the company. In the connection request, mention your application for the position.
• Keep your social media profiles professional.

Best Practices#

• After connecting, you can send a short, personalized message expressing your interest in the role and asking for an update on the application process.

4. What to Say in Your Follow - Up#

General Template for Email#

Subject: Follow - up on [Job Title] Application - [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which I submitted on [Date of Application].

I remain highly interested in this role and believe my [List relevant skills or experiences] make me a strong candidate. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]'s success.

I would greatly appreciate an update on the status of my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

Example Script for Phone Call#

Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I'm calling to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I submitted my application on [Date of Application].

I'm really interested in this role and think my [List relevant skills or experiences] would be a great fit for the team. I was wondering if you could give me an update on the status of my application.

Thank you so much for your time. If you need any more information from me, please don't hesitate to call me back at [Your Phone Number].

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid#

• Being Too Pushy: Don't come across as desperate or overly aggressive in your follow - up. This can have a negative impact on your chances.
• Not Personalizing Your Message: Generic follow - up messages are less likely to make an impression. Tailor your message to the specific position and company.
• Following Up Too Frequently: Bombarding the hiring manager with multiple follow - up messages in a short period can be annoying. Stick to a reasonable schedule.

6. Conclusion#

Following up on a job application is an important part of the job - hunting process. By understanding when and how to follow up, and what to say, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by the hiring manager. Remember to be professional, enthusiastic, and patient throughout the process.

7. References#

• "The Complete Job Search Guide" by [Author Name]
• Various career advice articles from well - known job search websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and Monster.