You've applied for a job that seems perfect for you. You've tailored your resume, written a compelling cover letter, and hit the submit button. Now what? How soon should you follow up on your application and show your interest and enthusiasm? Here are some tips to help you navigate the tricky timing of following up on a job application.
Before you follow up, try to find out how the hiring process works for the company you applied to. Some employers may have a clear timeline and communication policy for applicants, while others may be more vague or flexible. You can look for clues on the job posting, the company website, or the confirmation email you received after applying. If possible, try to get the name and contact information of the hiring manager or recruiter who is handling your application.
Immediately! You want to bring attention to your application. And to bring your name to the top of the pile. Don't be shy. But make sure you aren't a pest. Be mindful and courteous. And memorable for the right reasons. You got this!
You should be following up immediately! It shows your interested and engaged. It also allows you to further highlight your qualifications and engage with the recruiter for the role. This leads to your resume making it to the “top of the stack” regardless of your qualifications and stand out from those that maybe haven’t followed up. It doesn’t have to be anything special, just reach out and remind them that you’ve applied, you’re highly interested in the role, and invite them to contact you to have an introduction and to discuss the role!
At the end of the interview always ask what the process will be going forward. This should give you a good idea when you would hear if you are moving forward in the interview process. Having this information will allow you to know how soon you can reach out to see if you are still in the running. Always send a thank you note after the interview. That should be the first time you reach out after the interview. The second time should be after the time period they gave you regarding their interview process has passed. Be kind, interested and curious about the open position. Express your continued interest in the position. And ask if any final decisions have been made.
Follow up on a job application about one to two weeks after applying. This timeframe allows for initial screening and shows your interest. Send a concise and polite email expressing your continued interest and inquiring about the application status. Being proactive demonstrates enthusiasm while respecting the hiring process.
First off, don't follow-up if you don't have a person to reach out to. Unmonitored email addresses are common on job postings. It's the old - don't call us, we'll call you approach. All's fair in love and war, so do all you can to network and try to determine who would be hiring for the role you want. Then reach out to them to let them know you applied... like greasing the wheels on a cart to take things further, having a hiring manager asking HR "Where is this particular background ?" never hurts.
As a general rule, you should wait at least a week before following up on your application, unless the employer specifies otherwise. This shows that you respect their time and process, and that you are not desperate or impatient. However, you don't want to wait too long either, as you might miss the opportunity to stand out from the crowd or get an interview. If you haven't heard back from the employer after two weeks, it might be time to follow up and express your continued interest and availability.
When it comes to following up on your application, it's important to show professionalism and respect for the employer's time. Waiting around a week strikes a good balance, showing patience and interest. If you haven't heard back within two weeks, it's probably safe to reach out, but in most cases, it means you didn't get the job. Remember, being proactive can really boost your chances of success and set you apart from others. So go ahead, take action, and make a difference in your job search journey!
Longer the wait , delayed will be your interview process. Send a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview (preferabley the next day), which will act as a first reminder. Send a followup email within 5 business days of the interview. No big paragraphs or sentences , just "needed to get an idea of the timeline I am extremely interested in the role andhappy to provide more information as needed"
I recommend my clients inquire about the expected duration of the hiring process from the recruiter at the end of their interviews, and based on that information, they have an opinion to decide when to send their follow-up email. If they don't have this information, in my opinion, in today's fast-paced work environment, allowing a window of 10 days to 2 weeks acknowledges the demands of our busy lives. It enables recruiters and hiring managers to assess each candidate thoroughly while handling their other tasks at the same period.
Waiting 3-5 days is a good time period to follow up. You want to show interest in the position, but at the same time, you want to respect the time of the interviewing team. The 3-5 day mark shows patience and interest. If you don't hear anything, get proactive and follow up on next steps
It seems to be a general rule to wait 1-2weeks before reaching out after you've sent through an application. A lot of job descriptions will have a date on which they will be taking applications till, so it can also be used as a good indicator on how to time when to send your follow up. Sending a follow-up on an email application can be a very good way to bump your application to the top again and bring the recruiter's attention back to your resume. In saying this though, do respect the recruiter's time as they will have a lot of applications to go through, and don't put all your eggs in one basket banking on one job.
The best way to follow up on your application depends on the situation and the preferences of the employer. Some employers may prefer email, while others may prefer phone calls or LinkedIn messages. You can try to follow the same method that the employer used to contact you, or use the one that is most convenient and professional for both parties. Whichever method you choose, make sure to be polite, concise, and respectful. Don't spam the employer with multiple messages or calls, and don't demand an immediate response or decision.
The optimal approach to following up on your application depends on the circumstances and the employer's preferences. If you have both an email and phone contact, it is advisable to initiate contact using either method. Consider responding in the same communication format the employer used to reach out to you, or choose the option that is most professional and convenient. Avoid spamming with multiple messages or employing a multi-channel approach. Demonstrate your interest, while allowing the employer ample time to respond.
Absolutely agree with @Tara Houle here. Email is the best and I would say the only professional way, untill otherwise has been said. Make sure you are using the same email address that you used for the application or other for conversations with the recruiter.
Email is the way to go if you have it and directly not to the all Talent or Recruiting company email! LinkedIn has pre-written messages candidates can send and recruiters know that it's that message and it doesn't show a lot of value coming from a candidate when you receive a "canned" message of your interest!
Take a tiered approach, start with email, if no response and you have the right contact info, try a voicemail/text next, if nothing comes back try calling the front desk and asking the Receptionist to pass you through or navigate the automated attendant to at least get to the HR department, someone handling administrative support for that group may then forward your message along... Same advice as above, written or verbal - tone of the messages needs to be friendly, professional, and respectful.
When you follow up on your application, you have a chance to remind the employer why you are a great fit for the job and what value you can bring to their organization. You can use this opportunity to update them on any relevant achievements, skills, or projects that you have completed or acquired since applying. You can also restate your interest and enthusiasm for the job and the company, and ask any questions that you have about the role or the next steps. Avoid repeating the same information that you already provided in your resume or cover letter, and focus on adding new or relevant details that showcase your qualifications and potential.
Following up after submitting your application is more than just a courtesy; it's a chance to strategically reinforce your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. As the saying goes, "out of sight, out of mind." Remember that every interaction with an interviewer counts as a "sales touch." Each connection is a chance to persuade the employer that you are the ideal candidate for the job. Since many applicants neglect to follow up after submitting their applications, taking this extra step immediately sets you apart from the competition.
It's important to note your value when you follow up with the interviewing team. Don't drag out your point too long, but point out in a few sentences how you're the missing piece to their puzzle. Then show your level of interest, and you have a winning formula.
Be careful not to sound desperate or pushy. Recruiters are receiving thousands of applications for each position. Stand out as a person, not just an applicant. Be concise. State one-three punchy things that make you a good functional match, and something that piqued your interest about the specific position and that company. Be specific. Simply saying "This jobs looks amazing and the culture at company x sounds great" is the equivalent of "hey, I applied". Instead, try something like, "It looks like this role will have a significant impact on driving people culture strategy. I'm excited to be part of a company that puts its money where its mouth is when it comes to employee experience".
I work very quickly and get thousands of applications on one posting. I recommend with the current candidate market, if you check the boxes on all the basic qualifications and feel strongly the role is a fit for your background, you follow up the same day via LinkedIn message when possible. No matter the type of position, it sets you apart from the very large crowd of applicants. I do not usually recommend applying for a job where you do not check most of the boxes without a follow up summary as to "why."
This can be a tricky one. If all you have to go on is the Job Posting, try to point out how your skills and experiences line up to the "posted" position. Many times Job Postings only tell part of the story, so do your own homework on the employer - their industry, their service offering, their competitors, etc. and try to also point out aspects of your background they "should" be interested in. If you have an internal sponsor who has given you better insight into the role, make sure you focus on highlighting how your background aligns to those insights, most other Candidates won't have that info... Definitely don't use a bunch of "Corporate-Speak" long-winded say nothing words & phrases that "sound" important, net it out with true ROI.
Finally, when you follow up on your application, be prepared to be flexible and positive. You may not get the response or the outcome that you hoped for, or you may have to wait longer than expected. Don't take it personally or get discouraged. The hiring process can be unpredictable and complex, and there may be factors beyond your control that affect the employer's decision. Keep an open mind and a positive attitude, and be ready to adapt to any changes or challenges that may arise. Remember that following up is a way of demonstrating your professionalism and interest, not a guarantee of getting hired.
Follow up after a week or two, showing understanding of recruiters' schedules. Express adaptability and positivity; be flexible with interview dates and show resilience during waiting periods. Think of your follow-up strategy as a way to spotlight your professionalism, perseverance, and genuine interest in the position. This balanced approach shows you're proactive without being pushy. If they've mentioned a timeline, respect it. If not, a gentle follow-up shows you're eager but patient. If you're in waiting mode, don't let negativity sneak in. The hiring process is like a puzzle with many pieces. Your follow-up is a key piece, but it's not a guarantee of a job offer.
| IHRP-SP | HR Lead | HR Business Partner to Social Service Leaders | Talent Management
Keeping it positive and to maintaining a professional engagement with the hiring organisation might just land you the job regardless of the initial interview outcome. As a HR professional, I have seen situations where the job offers were subsequently given to the next candidate in line after the first candidate withdrew his application or resigned prematurely due to personal reasons. There were also times when the organisation could hire more staff due to an expansion plan. Ways to maintain a professional engagement: -Send a thank you email right after the interview. -Follow up with an email if you do not hear from them 1 week after the interview. -Acknowledge and thank their efforts for informing you even if you are not selected.
Regardless of the outcome, remain positive and gracious. Express your understanding and enthusiasm for potential future opportunities. Show that you understand the company's needs may change over time and that you're open to exploring other roles that may come up. Stay connected with the recruiter and hiring manager on professional platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with their posts or share relevant content.
Always be professional, you never get a 2nd Chance to make a first impression and most of the folks you will encounter in your job search are not purposefully trying to frustrate you... Take the High Road, always... Hard to rebuild the bridge when you burned it venting about your frustrations with the situation, might feel good for a moment of personal therapy to vent, but it won't get you to your goal... Then commit to yourself to help affect positive change once you do get hired in, so others don't go through the same frustrating thing after you...
Effective post-interview communication is crucial for both candidates and recruiters. A prompt thank-you message the same day demonstrates enthusiasm and professionalism, setting them apart. Candidates should follow up after 7 days, showcasing commitment. Recruiters, in turn, are advised to follow up via email within one to two weeks. Beyond two weeks, it may signal the position has been filled. Providing responses to all candidates, whether positive or negative, reflects professionalism and contributes to a positive company image. In summary, timely and thoughtful communication from both parties is essential for a successful hiring process.
You can follow up right away…with a thank you note! It’s unfair to expect a company to make a decision immediately after an interview, but a thank you note is a great way to make sure they know you are interested, stand out compared to other candidates, and stay top of mind as the process plays out. Following up once a week after that is a good rule of thumb when you are looking for feedback or next steps.
follow up of job applications is important, after the interview we can say thank you by sending an email 1X 24 hours and can follow up if after 7-14 days there is no feedback from the company. This shows that we are very enthusiastic about the position we are applying