How often should you check in on the status of your job application?

1 Initial Wait

After submitting your job application, give the hiring team some breathing room. Typically, if a company is interested, they will respond within one to two weeks to acknowledge receipt of your application or to inform you about the next steps. During this initial period, resist the urge to follow up. This shows that you respect the company's process and time. If you haven't heard back after two weeks, it's reasonable to send a polite email inquiring about the status of your application. Ensure your communication is professional and concise, expressing your continued interest in the position.

2 Follow-Up Email

If you decide to send a follow-up email after the two-week mark, make sure it's well-crafted. Your email should be brief and to the point, reiterating your interest in the job and asking for an update on the hiring process. It's important to personalize your message and mention any specific discussions or connections from your initial application or interview. This shows that you're genuinely engaged and not just sending out a generic message. Remember, this is not the time to be aggressive or demanding; think of it as a gentle nudge to keep your name in the mix.

3 Interview Stage

Once you've had an interview, the follow-up timeline changes. It's customary to send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reinforcing your interest. After this, wait for the timeline they've indicated for next steps. If they haven't given one, wait at least a week before reaching out again. This gives them time to deliberate and shows that you're patient and professional. If you've been given a specific date by which they said they would contact you and that date has passed, it's appropriate to send a polite inquiry.

4 Second Follow-Up

If you've already sent an initial follow-up and haven't received a response, it's acceptable to send one more email. Wait another one to two weeks after your first follow-up before reaching out again. In this second follow-up, politely ask for an update and if there's any additional information needed from your side. It's crucial to remain courteous and not convey frustration. Remember that hiring processes can be lengthy and complex, and your patience can reflect positively on your professional demeanor.

5 Networking Contacts

Leveraging your network can be a subtle way to inquire about your job application status without directly contacting the employer. If you have a contact within the company or someone who can introduce you to a key decision-maker, reach out to them informally. Ask for insights into the company's hiring timeline or if they can offer any advice. This approach can sometimes yield information or even expedite the process without you seeming pushy to the hiring team.

6 Professional Persistence

It's important to understand that there's a fine line between persistence and pestering. You want to show that you're enthusiastic and proactive without becoming a nuisance. After two follow-ups without a response, it's best to move on and continue your job search elsewhere. Continuing to pursue the role aggressively can be counterproductive and may harm your reputation in the industry. Trust that if an employer is interested and you are the right fit, they will get back to you in due course.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?