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Sample Follow-Up Letter for a Job Application

How to Write a Follow-Up Email

When to follow-up, follow-up letter template, sample follow-up letter, follow-up letter format guidelines, sending an email follow-up message, more follow-up examples.

Emilie Dunphy / The Balance

It’s frustrating to send in a job application and not hear back from the company. When that happens, you have two options as an applicant: continue waiting or send a follow-up letter. 

What's the best way to follow up? If you choose to send a follow-up, you’ll need to walk a fine line. While you want to remind the hiring manager of your interest and qualifications, you do not want that person to feel hounded. 

Get tips on how to send a follow-up letter that strikes that perfect balance below, plus review a sample note and template to help you write your own persuasive message.

Remember: Job interviews are about fit to a certain extent—if the hiring manager doesn’t want to work with you, you won’t get the job. Pursuing them with endless follow-ups won’t help make your case.

Be polite.  Avoid accusing the employer of forgetting your application or ignoring you. Assume the best—that the hiring manager is simply busy and has not yet had time to read your application or respond to you . Be extremely polite throughout the letter. 

Keep it short.  The employer is likely very busy and has many applications to read through. Therefore, don’t add to his or her workload with a long letter. Get right to the point, explaining who you are and why you are writing.

Reinforce your skills (briefly).  While your letter should be short, it's a good idea to briefly reiterate one or two things that make you stand out as a candidate. Emphasize why you are right for the job and/or the company.

You can also use the letter to express your enthusiasm for the position or company. 

Carefully edit and proofread your letter.  This letter is a chance for you to make a first (or second) impression on the employer. Make sure it is professional and polished and in proper business letter format. Read through the letter carefully before sending it. Triple-check for typos (and in particular, make sure to spell the recipient's name and the company's name correctly). 

Send your email or letter promptly.  Wait a week or two after sending your job application. If you don’t hear back by then, consider sending a letter via email. If you are in a rush, consider  following up with a phone call.

Follow up again.  If another week or so passes after sending your letter and you still haven’t heard back, you can send another. At that point, you might also follow up in a different way, such as a phone call , if you sent a letter the first time.

This is a job application follow-up letter example. Download the follow-up letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or see below for more examples.

Use the sample letter below as a template for your own letter. Be sure to personalize the letter to fit the particular job and company.

Sample Follow-Up Letter to a Job Application (Text Version)

Jane Doe 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 jdoe@abcd.com

March 11, 2024

George Wyatt XYZ Company 87 Delaware Road Hatfield, CA 08065

Dear Mr. Wyatt,

I submitted a letter of application and a resume earlier this month for the programmer position advertised in the Times Union. To date, I have not heard from your office. I would like to confirm receipt of my application and reiterate my interest in the job.

I am very interested in working at XYZ Company, and I believe my skills and experience would be an ideal match for this position. In particular, my five years as an award-winning programmer at ABC Company make me a strong fit for this position and company.

Please let me know if you need any further materials from me.

I can be reached at (555) 555-5555 or jane.doe@.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your consideration.

Signature (hard copy letter)

This template shows the format to use when writing your letter. Edit it to fit your personal circumstances.

Your Name Your Address Your City, State Zip Code Your Phone Number Your Email

Name Title Organization Address City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:

Use the first paragraph to thank the hiring manager for considering your application. Mention your interest in the job and how enthusiastic you are about it.

The second paragraph of your follow-up letter should include the reasons you are an excellent candidate for the job.  List specific skills that relate to the job you applied for. The more detailed you are, the more the hiring manager will know about your qualifications.

The third paragraph (optional) can be used to mention anything else you'd like to bring to the attention of the employer.  This gives you another chance to make a good impression, especially if you remember something that may help your case for getting hired that you didn't include in your cover letter.

In your closing paragraph, reiterate your appreciation for being considered for the   job.  Also, let the reader know you are looking forward to hearing from him or her soon.

Your Signature ( for hard copy letter )

If you're sending your follow-up message via email, list your name and the title of the job you applied for in the subject of the message. Your contact information should be listed in your signature. Here is an example of an email subject line for your follow-up: 

Subject:  Jane Doe - Programmer Position

Here's an example of an email signature:

Jane Doe jane.doe@email.com 555-555-5555

Here are more examples of follow-up emails and letters to send after applying for a job or after you’ve interviewed.

• Email Follow-Up Template
• Resume Follow-Up Email
• Interview Follow-Up Email
• Email Interview Thank-You Note With Follow-Up Information
• Follow-Up and Thank You for an Interview
• Follow-Up Letter After a Job Interview
• Phone Interview Follow-Up Email Message

Key Takeaways:

Follow up carefully. It’s fine to reach out to the organization, but don’t overdo it.

Reiterate your qualifications. Use your follow-up letter to remind the hiring manager why you’re an excellent candidate for the job.

Include the details.  Be sure to include your contact information to make it easy for the company to get back in touch.

Related Articles

Great Follow-Up Letter After Applying for a Job: 7 Samples

When you’ve sent out your job application, wait for a few days without hearing back from the company. You may feel like everything you said may have been for nothing. But you need to remember that for a wide variety of reasons, a recruiter or HR manager may not have responded right away. Hence, writing a follow-up letter is a must to understand where you stand in the application process.

In this article, we’ll cover what a Follow-Up Letter After Applying for a Job is, why it’s important, and suggest some templates to help you compose the perfect document.

What is a Follow-Up Letter After Applying for a Job?

A follow-up letter is a means of communication to inquire about the status of your job application. A follow-up usually comes after an applicant hasn’t received a response after a certain period. In short, it is a formal way of letting an employer know that you’ve applied, would like to touch base, and ask follow up questions.

Why are Follow-Up Letters After Applying for a Job Important?

A follow-up letter carries a significant weightage in the application process. It may help set you apart from other applicants or make a difference in the recruiter’s decision. It helps the candidate take control of the communication with employers and express their interest in the position. Moreover, if the recruiter has a positive take on the candidate, a follow-up letter can remind them why they should move forward.

Tips for Writing an Effective Follow-Up Letters After Applying for a Job

Before we move onto the templates, let’s go through some tips that will help you write an effective and professional follow-up letter.

• Keep it short, sweet, and straightforward: Your follow-up letter should be brief and to the point. Avoid long paragraphs, and get straight to the main point. The employer is busy, and keeping it concise can only help to get their attention.
• Professional Tone: It would be best if you maintained an official tone in your letter. Remember, this is a formal letter, and you’re trying to demonstrate your professional nature. Even if you’re following up on an informal chat, it’s important to maintain middle ground with your language.
• Express Gratitude: Even if you have troubles with how the company is handling your application, always maintain professionalism and gratitude. Taking a thankful approach can help them deduce that you’re still interested in the position.
• Emphasize your Skills: If your intent is to follow up after an interview, highlight your skills and the experience you have on the subject. Use helpful tips from the interview process to highlight why you’re the best person for this position.
• Signature matters: Finish off your letter effectively with your name, appropriate email signature with designation included. A formal signature can go a long way and leave a lasting impression.

Follow-Up Letter After Applying for a Job after Application

Follow-up letter after applying for a job after an interview.

For More: Best Follow-Up Letter After Job Application [5+ Templates]

Casual Touch-base Follow-Up Letter After Applying for a Job

Follow-up letter after applying for a job when the application has been withdrawn.

For More: Best Employment Follow-Up Letter: 9 Ready Samples

Follow-Up Letter After Applying for a Job after no response

Follow-up letter after applying for a job after a networking event.

For More: Creative Email Follow-Up Offer Letter: 5 Samples

Follow-Up Letter After Applying for a Job after a recommendation

Key Takeaway

Sending a follow-up letters after applying for a job is crucial. By doing so, you showcase your interest in the position and give the impression that you’re a proactive applicant. Remember to keep it professional and concise, express your gratitude, and emphasize your skills. These templates can help to get you started but make sure that you personalize them as per the situation.

Follow these tips and templates, and we’re confident that you’ll be equipped to write a follow-up letter that works. Best of luck, and we hope you land the job you deserve!

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Sample Follow-Up Emails After Job Application

By Biron Clark

Published: October 26, 2023

Applying for Jobs

Biron Clark

Writer & Career Coach

As a former recruiter , I’m going to share the best follow-up emails after a job application. I’ll also share how long after submitting your resume to follow up… and key mistakes to avoid (including one that will cost you the job opportunity).

Here’s everything you need to do when following up on job applications…

How to Write a Follow-Up Email After a Job Application

To send a follow-up email after a job application, write a short, clear message directly to the hiring manager, referencing the job posting and asking for an interview. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure how to find the hiring manager for the role you applied for. I’ll share the best method below:

How to Find the Hiring Manager’s Name and Contact Details

To find the hiring manager’s name, check the company website and job posting, as well as LinkedIn. Often, you can identify which team/department the job is in, and then identify the right hiring manager based on that team. You may even see the hiring manager posting the job on their personal social profiles, for example, on LinkedIn. However, this is less common in large corporations, where recruiters will likely be performing this task.

While not guaranteed for every job, you can often discover who the hiring manager is for the role by using the research steps above and comparing the job description and then looking through a company’s employees on LinkedIn (after narrowing down the list by keyword). Then, once you have the manager’s name and company name, you can use a tool like Hunter.io to track down their email address. The process of finding the manager’s name for a given job opening becomes more difficult in larger companies with multiple managers who have the same job title, though. If you can’t find the hiring manager, it’s okay to send a follow-up email to HR or a recruiter, but finding the hiring manager is best.

Then, include the following points in your job application follow-up email:

• A clear, relevant email subject line (I’ll share examples coming up)
• A greeting, using the hiring manager’s name
• The role you applied for
• What you can bring to the position; why you’re an ideal candidate
• A sentence reaffirming your interest in the position and asking for the interview
• Optional: Any new info/qualifications you want to bring to the hiring manager’s attention that weren’t presented in your original resume/cover letter

That last point is a good “excuse” to follow up after sending your resume, especially if a few weeks (or more) have passed. You can point to a new certification you obtained, a recent work project you completed that’s relevant to this role, etc. Essentially, anything new that isn’t on the resume you submitted with your job application. That way, you’re not just emailing the hiring manager to ask if they reviewed your resume, but instead, you’re providing new details. That strategy is optional, but it’s a great tactic to reach back out to a company that you applied to in the past and want to check in with!

Next, I’ll share follow-up email examples you can use after sending your resume or submitting a job application.

Sample Follow-Up Emails After Sending a Resume/Submitting an Application

Sample job application follow-up email #1:.

Dear <Name of hiring manager>, I’m writing to follow up on the application I submitted last <week/month> for the <job title> position. Given my recent work in <job requirements or key pieces of the job you’ve applied for>, I’m confident I can step into the role and contribute to the team’s efforts immediately. I’d welcome the chance to talk on the phone this week if the position is still available, and share a bit more about my recent work in <relevant topic/topics>. Also, if my resume hasn’t made its way to you yet, I’m happy to attach it here. Just let me know. Thanks, and I look forward to speaking with you. Kind regards, <Your name>

Sample Job Application Follow-Up Email #2:

Dear <Name of hiring manager>, I’m writing to follow up on the application I submitted last <week/month> for the <job title> position, which I believe reports to you. Given my recent work in <job requirements or important areas that you have experience in>, I’m confident I could step into the role and make an immediate impact. Am I right in thinking that you’re looking for somebody who can help the team with <important job duty 1> and <important job duty 2>? If so, I’d welcome the chance to talk. Best regards, <Your name>

When you use the second job application follow-up email sample above, you should be getting “important job duty 1” and “important job duty 2” from the company’s job description. What’s mentioned first/most? That’s what the employer cares about. Identify how you can help a company with their needs. That’s the best way to make a great first impression when submitting your resume or following up on your application. And the job description is without a doubt the best way to determine what employers are looking for in a candidate.

Sample Follow-Up Email After Job Application #3 (Sharing New Info):

Dear <Name of hiring manager>, I’m writing to follow up on the resume I sent last <week/month/etc.> for the <job title> position. Since sending my resume, I completed <relevant project, certification, training, etc.> which I believe would help me make an immediate impact in this role. Given this new information, I thought it made sense to circle back and potentially set up a time to talk. I’ve attached a new, updated resume for your consideration. Here’s a summary of a few key pieces I can bring to the position: – Key skill or piece of experience 1 – Key skill or piece of experience 2 – Key skill or piece of experience 3 I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, <Your name>

Make sure you remember to attach a new resume if you use the sample email above, since it mentions that you’re attaching one.

Email Subject Lines for Following Up after Sending Resume

Using a clear subject line when following up about a job you recently applied for is important. Hiring managers get many emails about not just each job opportunity but also other aspects of their day-to-day work. So to get noticed, you need to stand out in the hiring manager’s inbox and make it clear why you’re writing. It’s a good idea to use the position title in your subject line in your email , since the hiring manager is likely familiar with the position title and is also receiving other emails about that position (from their internal team, HR staff, any recruiters working on that job opening, etc.) When they see the job title mentioned in yet another email, they’ll likely open it to see further information, which is the goal of your subject line: to get your email opened!

Use one of the following email subject lines when sending a follow-up email after a job application:

• Job follow-up: <position name>
• <Job title> position
• Re: <job title>
• <Job title>: quick follow-up
• <Job title> follow-up letter

Always Check Your Email for Grammatical Errors

Before sending your follow-up email after an application, always proofread carefully. If your email contains spelling, punctuation, or other grammatical errors, it could cost you the chance to get to the next stage in the hiring process. Employers want detail-oriented people, and while a small email error may seem insignificant to you, they often judge you for this. So ensure everything is error-free, from your email subject line to your body and signature/conclusion.

Using Social Media to Follow Up on Your Job Application

If you’re in a modern industry like software/technology, consider finding the hiring manager on LinkedIn or Twitter, and follow up on one of those websites after you’ve sent your resume. This is a great, modern alternative to following up by email after submitting your job application. A social media follow-up is easier because it doesn’t require you to find the direct email address of the hiring manager. Sending an email also allows you to write a message that’s shorter and more casual. Since you’re likely sending out many job applications each day/week, this can save you a lot of time.

Sample LinkedIn Message to Follow Up on a Job Application/Resume Submission:

Hello <Name of hiring manager>, I submitted my resume last <week/month> for the <job title> position, which I believe reports to you. Given my recent work in <what you’ve done recently that aligns well with this job’s requirements>, I’m confident I could step into the role and make an impact immediately. I’d love to discuss the position with you if the opportunity is still open. If my resume didn’t reach you, I’m happy to attach it here, too. Just let me know. I look forward to talking. Best regards, <Your name>

Following Up by Phone Call After Sending a Resume

If you’re feeling particularly bold and want to do something that nobody else in the hiring process is doing, you can also use a phone call to follow up about a recently submitted resume. I recommend/prefer email or social media, though. It could be because my recent recruiting background is in software technology. In that industry, nobody wants to receive a cold call, and you’ll have more success by writing on LinkedIn or using one of the email templates above to reach out.

Consider Using a Combination of Follow-Up Methods

You don’t want to pester hiring managers with many messages, but you can certainly send a LinkedIn message, see if it gets seen/read, and then move to a follow-up email a week later if you haven’t received a response from the hiring manager on LinkedIn.

Check Whether You Have a Personal Connection to the Company Before Sending Your Email

If you’re active on LinkedIn (which I recommend to job seekers for a few reasons ) then always check your network to see if you have any mutual connections to a company before following up. In fact, do this before applying for the job in the first place, if possible. You’re more likely to hear back on your application if a colleague within the company puts in a good word for you. And if you already applied, someone within the company can help you check on your application status and get the interview/job offer with fewer hassles potentially.

You Don’t Need to Follow Up After Every Resume You Send

Time is valuable in your job search, and while I do recommend you follow-up for feedback after each interview , I don’t recommend you follow up on every unanswered job application. Especially if you’re applying for many positions on job boards , LinkedIn, etc., it’s just too time-consuming to circle back and send a job application follow-up to each employer.

And that time could be spent applying for more jobs. In most cases, an employer will see your application/resume and will respond within a few weeks if they’re interested.

So I recommend being selective and writing a follow-up email after sending your resume only when:

• The role is particularly interesting/exciting to you
• The company is your dream employer
• You have new information about your recent work/qualifications to share with the company — details that weren’t included in the resume you submitted
• You applied in the past, gave up on the role, and saw the position recently posted again
• You already received an initial response from the company and just need an update on the decision timeline, interview process/scheduling, etc.

Or, I recommend you find the hiring manager on LinkedIn or Twitter immediately after you apply for the job, and send them a quick message there to draw attention to your application.

That can boost your odds of hearing back and getting an interview quickly after submitting your application. It can help you move to the interview stage quickly. While HR and company recruiters may be bogged down by piles of resumes and cover letters, you could be the only person who directly messaged the hiring manager on LinkedIn about a job. If they like what they see in your LinkedIn profile, you could be invited to interview faster and receive that job offer before others have interviewed! That’s a great way to stand out and get your resume seen after you apply for the job.

Sample LinkedIn Message Immediately After Sending Your Resume:

Hi <Hiring manager’s name>,

I just submitted my resume and cover letter for the <job title> position, which I believe reports to you, and wanted to follow up.

Given my recent work in <what you’ve done recently that aligns well with this job’s requirements>, I’m confident I could step into the role and contribute right away.

Is the role still available? If so, I’d love to discuss more with you.

Also, if my resume didn’t reach you yet, I’m happy to attach it here. Just let me know.

I look forward to talking.

Thank you, <Your name>

How Long After Applying for a Job Should You Follow Up?

As a general rule, you should wait one to two weeks after submitting your resume to follow up with the company. The hiring process takes time, and if you haven’t heard back for a few days after applying for a job, it may just mean that the employer is still reviewing your application materials. Every company’s decision timeline is different but it’s rarely the same day or even same week. They’ll often let applications pile up, review them all at once, and then take a few more days to reach back out to send you a request to interview. So whether you applied via a job board, directly on the company site, or through another channel, it’ll likely be a few days or more until your cover letter and resume are read.

For this reason, it’s best to wait one to two weeks before you send a job application follow-up email. Job seekers who follow up sooner run the risk of overwhelming the hiring manager before they’ve had a chance to review recent job applications on their normal schedule.

One Exception:

If you use the social media strategy above and message a hiring manager on LinkedIn or Twitter, you can follow up right away, without waiting for them to follow the standard application process. A message on social media can add to your application right away. You can show enthusiasm for the job opportunity, mention that you just applied and are eager to discuss the role since it seems like a great fit for your job search and career goals, and then state that you look forward to hearing back.

Conclusion: Job Application Follow-Up Emails

Writing a follow-up email after sending your resume can help you:

• Stand out in the hiring process
• Show the hiring manager you’re highly interested in the role
• Make sure your application doesn’t get lost or forgotten

But only if you do it right. If you’ve read the steps and email examples above, you know how (and when) to write a follow-up email after applying for a job. In your follow-up message, mention the specific job you applied for, briefly remind the reader why you’re a great fit based on specific skills and experience, and then directly ask for an interview.

Personalize your messages to include the company name, job title, and the name of the manager if you can. All of the above will help your email message stand out and help influence the hiring decision. And finally, be selective about when in your job search you follow up on an application. Making contact to check in after submitting your application shows interest and initiative. However, it’s also time-consuming, and still won’t guarantee you hear back from the employer.

…Especially if you applied via a job board, where the position may be already filled, on hold, etc.

So pick and choose which applications you follow up on. Do so if the job listing is particularly exciting, if you believe you’re uniquely qualified for the role, or if you have new information that was not on your resume.

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

Job application follow-up email — Example and template

Following up on a job application after no response is a must. Here's how you do it.

You’ve spent hours crafting a job application email , a resume , and cover letter, but you’ve not received a reply. What’s going on?

Recruiters are busy people, and even the best-laid plans can be torn up. Unexpected delays are expected, say the experts .

It can take months to fill even junior positions. You'll only know what’s happening by sending a job application follow-up email.

And the good news is that sending a follow-up is not hard. Here's how you dot it!

How to follow up on a job application

Some people are afraid of follow-up emails. Others mistakenly believe they’re unprofessional, pushy, and rude. If you write follow-up emails properly and professionally, you could strengthen your application – not damage it. 

Should you follow up on the job application after no response

Look at it this way. You’ve spent hours crafting a cover letter and CV and had the confidence to apply, so the least you should expect is a response.

OK, it might be a simple no, but how will you know unless you ask?

If you write a brief and business-like follow-up email, you have no reason to be concerned about sending it. 

Will it work? We can’t guarantee a response. But by following our best practices for job application follow-up emails, you’ll give yourself the best chance. 

Best practices for following up on job application 

Here are some tried and tested tips from professionals to write follow-up emails that get a response. 

1. Keep it clear and concise

You’ve already sent a detailed email application, so you don’t need to go into detail in your follow-up messages. In fact, job application email follow-ups can be just a few lines. The purpose of this is to request a response. Often, the shorter and simpler, the better! 

2. Show interest

Even in your follow-up emails, you should show interest, enthusiasm, and excitement at the opportunity.

You’re sending a follow-up because you’re interested in the opportunity but build on that by adding a bit of detail. A statement such as this is good:

• “I’m excited to apply for this opportunity, and I wanted to follow up to find out what was happening!”

3. Display your strengths

You don’t need to boast, but displaying your strengths can boost your application. You can highlight your previous experience, professional qualifications, or anything else that could offer you an advantage. Again, you don’t need to go into huge amounts of detail, but highlighting a few key points can grab the reader’s attention. 

4. Express gratitude

Sometimes, saying thank you is the best way to get a response. You can be friendly without fawning. Simply adding a statement such as this below can help ensure you get an answer:

• “I know you’re dealing with a large number of applications, and I wanted to say thank you for considering mine.”

Choose your follow-up method

Let’s say you sent an application for a job a couple of weeks ago; how should you follow up? There are three approaches (and three stages). 

• Start with a follow-up email
• Follow-up with a call
• Consider a visit in-person

1. Follow up on a job application by email

If you’ve sent your application by email (which you will have as it’s 2022, not 1972), then the first approach is to follow up with an email. You’ll find that email is the best approach and is likely to get the best response. 

2. Follow up on a job application by calling

If you've submitted an application and a follow-up email but have not received a reply, it’s worth giving the recruiter a call. Following up on a job application by calling is absolutely acceptable. When you follow up an email with a call, ensure you have all the details. 

3. Follow up on a job application in person

It’s a bold move, but sometimes it pays to take a risk. If you don’t receive a response to an email, a call, or anything else, consider following up in person. OK, so you’ll need to be in the same area to do this, but if you want the job, why not?

Job application follow-up email sample

This is where we illustrate the hints, tips, and advice outlined above. This email is short, simple, and to the point. While we can’t guarantee a 100% response rate, you’ll stand a great chance using this job application follow-up sample. 

Job application follow-up email template

OK, here’s our job application follow-up business email templates . Edit, update, and amend this for your circumstances before sending it. You can fill in the gaps in each section to build your follow-up email template. 

That's it!

Sending a job application follow-up is not so hard after all.

Remember to keep it short, show your interest and strengths, and leave with a bit of gratitude.

Thank you so muc hfor reading this far. We hope you learned a thing or two that can help you land your dream job.

Good luck with sending job application emails!

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