How soon should you follow up after a job application?

1 Why follow up?

Following up after a job application shows that you're interested in the position and that you're proactive and professional. It also helps you stand out from the crowd of other applicants and remind the employer of your qualifications and skills. However, following up too soon or too often can have the opposite effect and annoy the employer or make you seem impatient. So, how do you strike the right balance?

2 When to follow up?

There's no definitive answer to this question, as different employers have different hiring processes and timelines. However, a general rule of thumb is to wait at least a week before following up, unless the job posting specifies a different timeframe. This gives the employer enough time to review your application and decide on the next steps. If you haven't heard anything after a week, you can send a polite and brief email or make a phone call to check on the status of your application.

3 How to follow up?

The best way to follow up after a job application is to use the same method and tone that you used to apply. For instance, if you applied via email, you should follow up via email; if you applied through an online portal, you should check the portal for any updates or messages; and if you applied in person, you can call or visit the employer. Whatever approach you take, make sure to be respectful, courteous, and concise. When writing a follow-up email or making a follow-up call, use a clear and relevant subject line or greeting. For example, "Following up on administrative assistant position" or "Hello, this is Jane Doe calling about the administrative assistant role". Remind the employer of your name and the position you applied for. Additionally, express your interest in the job and the company. Highlight one or two of your main qualifications or achievements that are relevant to the job. Furthermore, ask about the next steps or timeline of the hiring process. Finally, thank them for their time and consideration and end with a positive note. Following these tips can help ensure that your follow-up is effective and helps you land the job.