If done well, this can boost your application, showing the recruiter that you’re proactive and confident. However, if you don’t hit the mark with your message it could come across as rude or annoying. This means you need to get it right. Below, we guide you on the best way to follow up on a job application.
Decide on the format
There’s more than one way to follow up a job application. You could choose to send an email, letter or make a phone call. Sending an emailing is the best way to follow up without bothering the recruiter. After all, you don’t want to disturb whoever is reviewing your application and have them look at you unfavourably.
Alternatively, while letters are becoming outdated, they are still an option if you want to add a personal touch. However, remember to factor in the time it will take to get to the recruiter, compared to an email.
The other more direct approach is giving the recruiter a call. If you do choose this approach, you must handle it correctly, or you risk coming across as intrusive. If you want to call in, make sure you choose a good time, such as late morning or early afternoon. Recruiters are busy people so a call right before they leave the office won’t be appreciated.
On this point, it’s not advised to show up at their office to make your case. This suggests you don’t respect their time and could ruin your chances. Not to mention that it can come across as a little stalker-ish.
Get the timing right
Timing is key in this situation. To get this right, wait at least a week but no more than two weeks, before you follow up. Remember to keep an eye out for the closing date on the job description and avoid sending your follow up if it hasn’t reached the day yet. You need to give the recruiter time to make their decision.
If you don’t hear back from this initial follow up, give it some more time. Some jobs may receive hundreds of applicants and it can take a while for recruiters to shortlist candidates. If you haven’t heard back within a week or two from your follow up you could choose to chase them again. But try and be as patient as possible.
Be polite
Above all, you need to be polite. If you follow up demanding a response or come across as too pushy, it can be rude. Make sure you thank them for taking the time to read your email or letter. Use a polite, friendly tone, rather than making it sound like you’re just asking ‘did I get the job?’ Here is a template below:
Dear (hiring managers name),
I hope you are well. I recently applied to the (job name) position and wanted to check in with your decision timeline.
I am very interested in working at (company name) and have confidence that my skills and experience would be fitting for this position. Above all, my experience in (name relevant experience) makes me a strong match for your role.
Thank you for taking the time to read my email and I hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
(Your name)
(Your number)
Watch out for errors
When following up on your application, you don’t want to give the recruiter a reason not to hire you. After all, this would defeat the point in sending the follow up!
Your spelling, grammar and punctuation need to be perfect. A small mistake will be noticeable and could have a big impact on your entire job application. It’s not just typos to watch out for either – make sure you get the hiring manager’s name and the company name correct.
To help, ask a friend to proof read the message first and double-check everything before you send it off. Remember to proof read the subject line too as this can easily be missed.
Don’t stalk the recruiter
Never follow up more than twice. At this point there may be a reason why the recruiter is not replying. Either they could be on annual leave, are still reviewing applications or you unfortunately haven’t been successful.
Remember that if they’ve chosen to ignore you, it might not be the right company for you. Any company that respects their candidates will make an effort to let you know their decision. To avoid getting caught up on one job, make sure you stay open to looking and applying for other roles.
In summary
It can be nerve wracking to follow up a job, but if you send the right message to the recruiter, it could help to sell your application. Take note of our advice above to make this happen and you’ll come across as a proactive individual.
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