Following Up: Stay Proactive, Stay Professional

• Reinforces your interest in the role
• Helps you stand out in a competitive applicant pool
• Demonstrates professionalism and communication skills
• Opens the door for networking

After submitting an application:

• Wait about 7–10 days before following up, unless the posting specifies a timeline.

After an interview:

• Send a thank-you note within 24 hours. If you haven’t received any updates after 7–10 business days, consider sending a polite follow-up message.

• Email –  A professional, respectful email is the most common follow-up method.
• LinkedIn Message – If you connected with the recruiter, hiring manager, or interviewer on LinkedIn, a brief, courteous message works too.
• Phone (if appropriate) – If the employer provided a phone number and encouraged follow-up calls, a short, polite check-in call may be acceptable—though email is usually preferred.

The goal of following up after submitting an application is to reaffirm your interest and inquire about the status of your application.

Sample Email

Subject: Application Follow-Up: [Your Name], [Job Title]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. I recently submitted my application for the [Job Title] position on [Date], and I wanted to express my continued enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name].

I’m writing to inquire about whether there might be any updates regarding the hiring timeline or next steps. I would be grateful for any information you can share.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of connecting.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn profile link (optional)]

Sample LinkedIn Message

Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well. I applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company] on [Date], and I’m really excited about the opportunity. I wanted to kindly check if there are any updates you’re able to share. Thank you so much for your time!

The goal of following up after an interview is to express appreciation, reinforce interest, and stay on the employer’s radar.

Thank-You Email (within 24 hours)

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name], [Job Title] Interview

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me on [Date]. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about [Company] and the [Job Title] role.

I’m especially excited about [something specific you discussed] and how I could contribute to [a key project, goal, or value].

Please feel free to contact me if I can provide any additional information. I look forward to the possibility of working with your team.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Follow-Up Email (7–10 business days later, if no update)

Subject: Follow-Up: [Your Name], [Job Title] Interview

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. I wanted to follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position on [Date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and in contributing to [Company].

I know things can get busy, so I just wanted to follow up and ask if there might be any updates on the hiring process.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

• Be polite and concise. Keep follow-ups short and positive—no need to restate your entire application or interview.
• Double-check your spelling and tone. A small error can undo the professionalism of your effort.
• Don’t overdo it. One follow-up is usually enough. If the employer shares a timeline, respect it.
• Personalize your message. Reference something specific from your interview or company research to show genuine interest.