How to follow up on a job application without being pushy
When to follow up, how many times, and what to write: a simple guide with follow-up email templates.
You sent your application and since then… nothing. Should you follow up? In most cases, yes. A good follow-up shows your interest and puts your application back in front of a recruiter who simply ran out of time. A bad one gets on their nerves.
Why follow up
No reply doesn't necessarily mean "no". Often your email landed on a busy day, the person was on vacation, or the hire wasn't a priority yet. A polite follow-up is often all it takes to restart the conversation.
When to follow up
- After a cold application or a reply to a job posting: wait about one working week.
- After an interview: a short thank-you note the same day or the next, then a follow-up if the timeline they gave has passed.
- If you were given a timeline ("we'll get back to you by Friday"): wait until it has passed, plus a day or two.
How many times
One follow-up for an application with no reply. If that goes unanswered too, move on: your energy is better spent elsewhere. You can always reach out again later if your profile changes or the company posts a role.
How to write it
A good follow-up is:
- short: three or four sentences;
- sent in the same thread as your application, so the context is right there;
- positive: no "I haven't heard back" reproach;
- useful: restate in one sentence what you bring, or add something new (your availability, a recent project).
Template after an application
Hi Ms. Martin,
I'm following up on my application for a property manager role, sent on October 6. Your approach to property management really appeals to me, and I'd be glad to discuss it in a short call.
Best, Alex
Template after an interview
Hi Mr. Dupont,
Thanks again for our conversation on Tuesday. I wanted to check in on how your hiring process is going. I'm still very motivated by the role and happy to share anything else you need.
Best regards, Alex
What to avoid
- Following up every two days.
- Following up on several channels at once (email, phone, social media).
- Resending the exact same email as the first time.
- A guilt-tripping or impatient tone.
Keeping track
The hard part isn't writing the follow-up, it's remembering who to follow up with and when, especially once you've contacted lots of companies. A simple table (company, date sent, follow-up date, reply) prevents missed or double follow-ups.
In short
Wait a week, send one short, polite follow-up in the same thread, then move on. Simple, respectful, effective.
With Seeklet, this part is automatic: your agent follows up once if a company doesn't reply, detects replies and lets you know as soon as one arrives. Then you're the one who answers and books your interviews.