How to Follow Up on a Job Application

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If you’ve submitted a job application to a company but you haven’t heard back within two weeks, you may want to consider following up via email. Sending a follow up letter can help you stand out from other candidates by emphasizing how interested you are in the company and the job opportunity. In this article, you can learn how to follow up on a job application and also review a template and an example to use as a guide to help you write a follow up email of your own that will get the attention of a hiring manager.

Why is it important to follow up on a job application?

Following up on a job application can emphasize to the hiring manager your interest in that specific role. It can also give you the opportunity to highlight your skills and accomplishments, even sharing a positive note about something you have achieved since submitting your application. Sending a professionally written email following up on your job application can even encourage the hiring manager to give your application a closer look. 

How to follow up on a job application

Here are the steps you can take to follow up on a job application:

1. First, identify who to contact

Find out who the direct contact is for the position. It could be someone in the human resources department or it could be a hiring manager. This can take some research on your part, but it’s important to find a name and email address. 

If you have any connections within the company, reach out to them to learn about the company and its culture. Find out if they can get you a personal introduction to the person who is in charge of hiring for the position. If you don’t have any connections within the company, look on the website to see if you can find appropriate contacts. You may be able to narrow it down to one or two people. 

LinkedIn is also another good resource. Using LinkedIn, you can see if you have any connections in the company that you may have overlooked. You can also find people within different departments, such as the one you’re applying for or in HR. If none of these resources gives you the information you need, you can also call the company directly to inquire.

2. Second, follow a standard email format

Write an email using a standard format. While you can try sending a letter via postal mail or following up via phone call, most employers and recruiters might prefer follow up emails so they can respond at a time that’s convenient for them. When writing an email, use an easy-to-read font like Calibri, Arial or Helvetica and a font size between 10 and 12 points. Include the position and your name in the subject line of the email so it’s easy for the hiring manager to see right away what you’re writing to them about. 

3. Third, be polite and friendly

It is important to remain polite and friendly throughout the email. Assume that the hiring manager is busy and simply hasn’t had time to review your application and get back to you. Be polite and empathetic to emphasize your professionalism.

4. Fourth, reinforce your skills

You can use this chance to reinforce your skills. While the email should be short, take the opportunity to include one or two things that make you stand out as a candidate. Make sure that the skills or experiences you mention are directly related to the job description, emphasizing why you’re right for the job.

5. Then, send your materials again

After that, you should attach your application materials for easy reference. Depending on the position, that could include your resume, cover letter, writing samples and any other materials requested by the employer. This will make it easy to review your application packet after receiving your email. At the end of the letter, always thank them for taking the time to review your resume and application materials. 

6. Finally, edit and proofread

Finally, edit and proofread the email thoroughly. This could be the hiring manager’s first impression of you and you want to ensure the email is professional and polished. Keep in mind that this is also an opportunity for them to see your communication skills. Review your letter not only for grammar and typos but also for content. Your letter should be concise and direct, with only two or three sentences discussing why you are an ideal fit for the role. By keeping it as short as possible, you increase the likelihood that the hiring manager will read the letter in full. 

Job application follow up email template

Here is a template you can use to write an email following up on a job application:

Subject: [Job title] – [Your first and last name]

Dear Mr./Ms. [Name],

I submitted an application and resume [number] weeks ago for the [job title] position posted on [where you found the job posting]. I understand how busy you are, however, I did want to confirm that my application was received and reiterate my interest in the job.

I am extremely interested in working at [company name] and believe that my combined skill set and experience make me an ideal match for the role. I have [specific experience or skill that makes you uniquely qualified].

I’m attaching my application materials for your convenience. Please let me know if are any other materials you need from me. 

I can be reached at [phone number] or by replying to this email. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

[Name]

Related: How to Prepare for an Interview on Short Notice

Job application follow up email example

Here is an example of a follow up email that you can use as you create your own:

Subject: Digital Marketer – Alan Johnson

Dear Ms. Adams,

I submitted an application and resume two weeks ago for the digital marketing position I came across on your website. While I understand how busy you are, I did want to confirm that you had received my application materials and to find out where you are in the hiring process. 

I am extremely excited for the opportunity to work for the Tampa Zoo and believe that my combination of skills makes me ideally suited for the role. Specifically, I believe that my seven years of experience in digital marketing, optimizing websites for SEO and managing large Google AdWords campaigns, would make me a strong fit for the position.

For your convenience, I’ve attached my resume, cover letter and writing samples. Please let me know if there are any other materials you need.

You can reach me directly at 555-555-5555 or by replying to this email.

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Best,

Alan Johnson