#1. Can I Follow Up with a Phone Call?

Yes, you can just call the company in some circumstances. First, check if the job posting includes a phone number or mentions calling as an acceptable way to contact them. Next, call during business hours, preferably mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Prepare what you'll say beforehand and keep it brief. For example: "Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I recently applied for the [Position] at [Company]. I'm just calling to confirm if you received my application and to say I’m still very interested in the role.”

#2. What If They Don’t Answer My Follow-Up Email?

If you don't receive a response to your initial follow-up, you should wait an extra week before sending a second one. Sometimes these things just drag on in companies; it happens. We also recommend trying a different channel, like LinkedIn instead of email, or even reaching out to a different contact at the company, such as another HR representative. But limit yourself to a maximum of three follow-ups spaced one or two weeks apart. If you still don't hear back after that, it's usually best to move on and focus your energy on other opportunities.

#3. Is it Appropriate to Follow Up on LinkedIn?

Yes, LinkedIn can be a great platform for following up on a job application, especially if you submitted your application through it in the first place. So, if the company has an active presence on LinkedIn and you can find the hiring manager, go for it. LinkedIn is also a less formal alternative to writing an email that still lets you maintain professionalism. It even gives the hiring manager a chance to directly view your profile, so you want to make sure it complements your resume . Just keep your message short and sweet and be as professional as you would in an email.

Following Up On a Job Application | Full Guide for 2026

Following Up On a Job Application | Full Guide for 2026 | Novoresume

You've spent hours polishing your resume and writing the perfect cover letter, and you finally submitted your job application!

Now what?

As the waiting game begins, anxiety sets in. Did they receive your application? Are they considering you for the position? When should you reach out? Should you contact them at all?

Following up on a job application is tricky – it can get you noticed or make you come off as desperate. So, you need to know when and how to follow up appropriately to leave a positive impression.

In this article, we’re going to cover:

Should You Follow Up On a Job Application?
7 Steps to Following Up on a Job Application
4 Job Application Follow-Up Templates

…and more!

Let’s get into it.

follow up on job application drafts Following Up On a Job

Want to make your job application stand out to any hiring manager? Use our professional resume builder and one of our modern resume templates!

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Should You Follow Up On a Job Application?

Yes, in most cases you should follow up on your job application.

Following up can demonstrate that you’re genuinely interested in the position, and it shows initiative – a quality most employers value highly. It can also help you stand out from other candidates who might not risk taking this extra step.

But sending a follow-up can leave a good or bad impression, depending on how you do it.

According to our recent HR survey, the majority of hiring managers do prefer that you follow up within one or two weeks, but some prefer that you don’t – 41% don’t want a follow-up at all.

So, how are you supposed to navigate this?

Always read the job ad and the company’s website carefully. If it specifically states something like "no calls or emails," or “only approved candidates will be contacted,” respect that boundary. Some companies have their own career portal – if that’s the case, you might be able to check your application’s status there directly without contacting anyone.

In most cases, sending a single, polite follow-up email after a week or two is perfectly acceptable. That way you convey your interest and show that you respect the hiring manager's time.

The goal of following up on a job application is to gently remind hiring managers about you as a candidate and show your enthusiasm for the role, not to pester them or outright ask for an interview.

But what if you did get that interview, it went great, and they haven’t contacted you since? If they told you they would be in touch, it’s more than appropriate to reach out to them and ask.

So, keep it professional and show humility – they’ll decide if you’re a good candidate themselves; you just need to remind them you’re available.

Following up on a job application is different from writing a thank you email after a job interview. Check out our dedicated article to learn all about it!

How to Follow Up On a Job Application

To make things easier, we’ve divided the process of following up on a job application into easy-to-follow steps. Starting with:

#1. Wait for The Appropriate Amount of Time

Following up too soon can make you seem impatient or desperate, but waiting too long might mean the position has already been filled. If you don’t adhere to the follow-up etiquette, it won’t matter how good your resume is – your pushiness will put the hiring manager off.

As a general rule, we recommend this timeline:

Wait at least one but no more than two weeks after submitting your application before following up.
If the job posting mentions a timeline (e.g., "we'll be reviewing applications through the end of the month"), wait until after that period before following up with them.
If the position is advertised as urgent, you can follow up sooner, such as after five business days.

The hiring process often takes longer than you might expect. HR departments review hundreds of resumes, coordinate with busy managers, and handle all sorts of other administrative tasks. Giving them grace and patience shows that you understand professionalism.

#2. Research the Right Contact

Following up with the right person increases your chances of getting a response. You want to address the hiring manager directly, so take your time until you find them.

Here's how:

Check the job ad to see if it mentions a recruiter or hiring manager by name.
Visit the company's LinkedIn page and search for recruiters, HR staff, or the head of the department for the role you applied to.
Use LinkedIn to find employees with titles like "Recruiter," "Talent Acquisition," or "HR Manager" at the company.
Check the company’s website and the "About Us" or "Team" page to identify any relevant contacts.
As a last resort, call the company's main number and politely ask for the name and email of the person handling recruitment for your position.

Even if you can only find the hiring manager's name but not their contact information, such as their professional email, you should still address them by name in the email provided by the company (e.g. careers@email.com). You’re showing them that you put in effort to reach out to them, and you’re creating a personal connection that makes you stand out from other applicants.

#3. Choose the Right Communication Channel

Different companies might prefer different communication channels. Before you can actually reach out to them, you need to figure out what works best for your situation.

This step is pretty straightforward - just research the company.

However, some companies only use an internal career portal where you can upload your resume, so you might not be able to find an email, phone number, or contact on LinkedIn. In that case, it might be better not to follow up on your job application at all since the company probably omitted that information on purpose.

Here are the typical communication channels you can use to reach potential employers:

follow up on job application drafts job application follow up

So, sending an email is generally the safest and most widely accepted method for following up on a job application. It's professional, not intrusive, and it gives the recipient time to review your application and respond thoughtfully.

#4. Keep It Short and Relevant

Your follow-up message should be brief, professional, and to the point. Hiring managers are busy people – and they already have a cover letter from you. Your follow-up should simply serve as a quick reminder about your candidacy.

Here’s what to include:

A greeting that addresses the hiring manager by name.
A reminder of who you are and what position you applied for. Always include the date you submitted your application to help them locate it.
An expression of your interest in the role and a very concise mention of why you think you're qualified for it, such as one or two skills relevant to the job.
A polite question, either about your application status or the hiring timeline.
A call to action that makes it clear what you're hoping for, such as an interview opportunity or a heads-up about how your application is moving.
A formal closing line with your full name, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).

If you’re sending an email, be sure to also add a clear subject line that mentions the position you applied for. This immediately tells the hiring manager the purpose of your email, so they’re less likely to miss it or mark it as spam. Here are some examples:

Follow-Up Subject Line Examples
Job Application: [position] at [company name]
[Position] role at [company name] - Applicant
Confirmation of candidacy: [position]

Be sure to keep your entire message under 200 words. Remember, you just need to remind them that you’re interested in the job. You don’t want to overwhelm them with information they already have from your resume.

#5. Send Your Follow-Up at the Right Time

While there’s a certain amount of time you should wait before sending your follow-up, it also matters when you send it.

This might seem like a minor detail but it could increase your chances of getting the hiring manager’s attention.

It’s generally recommended that you send a follow-up in the middle of the week, so Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Monday is too busy - HRs have to catch up on their emails from over the weekend, and it’ll be easy to miss yours. Friday afternoon is when people are winding down, so they’re less likely to think about your application – if they see your message at all.

As for the time of day, there are two ideal windows: between seven and ten in the morning or between three and five in the afternoon, since that’s when the HR manager is most likely to check their email.

Prepare ahead of time for your eventual job interview. Check out the most common interview questions and dozens of sample answers for them here!

#6. Keep Track of Your Follow-Ups

When you're actively job hunting, you're probably applying to multiple positions at various companies. Without a system to track your applications and follow-ups, things can quickly get confusing and disorganized.

So, you need a simple tracking system to manage your job search. You can:

Use a spreadsheet. Add columns for company name, position, application date, follow-up dates, contact person, and notes about each interaction.
Set calendar reminders. This way, you know when to follow up on each application, and it prevents you from forgetting or following up too early.
Take detailed notes. Any communication with a potential employer is worth recording, so include what was discussed, any promises made, and your next steps.
Update it regularly. You don’t want anything falling through the cracks, so update your tracking system immediately after each interaction.
Color-code everything. Adding a splash of a different color on your applications based on their status (e.g., applied, followed up, interview scheduled, rejected) can help you keep track of them more easily.

Since keeping track of your job application can be a hassle, we recommend trying a specialized job tracking tool to save yourself some time.

This way, you can focus more on analyzing any patterns in your job search. You might notice that specific industries have longer response times. This could help you refine your approach and set realistic expectations as your job search continues.

#7. Know When to Move On

While persistence can demonstrate your interest, there is a fine line between being persistent and pushy. You need to know when to redirect your energy so your job search can be successful.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Accept that you won’t get a response to every application. Most companies are overwhelmed with applications, so they’re unlikely to respond to everyone who applies.
Consider an application closed if you've followed up three times over several weeks without getting a response. Beyond this point, waiting for or contacting them is just counterproductive.
Check for changes in the job posting. If the position is removed from the company's website or job boards, then they've either filled the role or put hiring on hold.
If you do get a response and it’s a rejection, take it gracefully. Respond briefly by thanking them for their consideration so they can remember you positively if more opportunities arise in the future.
Prioritize applications where you've received some form of contact, even if it's just an acknowledgment.
Reflect during the application process. Consider what you learned and how you might improve your approach for future applications.

Not getting a response doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not qualified – sometimes, you’re just not lucky and someone gets the role before you do. For every position you don't hear back from, other potential employers will find that your skills and work experience are a perfect match, so save your energy and enthusiasm for them.

5 Tips for Following Up On a Job Application

You know the steps to follow up on a job application, so now you just need to consider a few tips to make sure your message leaves a good impression on the hiring manager.

Be sure to:

Be polite and professional. Maintain an appropriate tone throughout your message, whether it’s written down or over the phone. Make sure you don’t convey any frustration or entitlement, even if you've been waiting around for a response for weeks.
Focus on your qualifications. Very briefly remind them about some of your relevant skills or your greatest strength that matches the job requirements. This serves as a quick reminder of why you're a strong candidate.
Include any necessary materials. If you have any new achievements or relevant examples since your application, mention them to show your continued professional development.
Ask specific questions. Try to end with a question about the next steps or the hiring timeline. This encourages a response more than just asking if they received your application.
Proofread carefully. A follow-up with typos can undo the good impression your application made. Check your message multiple times before sending it – hiring managers all agree that poor grammar and typos are one of their biggest pet peeves.

follow up on job application drafts resume and matching cover

Plug & Play Job Application Follow-Up Templates

Not sure what to write in your follow-up message? No worries!

Just copy any of our plug-and-play job application follow-up templates and replace the placeholders in the brackets with your information.

#1. Initial Email Follow Up
Subject line: Following Up - [Position Title] Application - [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I recently applied for the [Position Title] role at [Company Name] on [Application Date] and wanted to make sure you received my application.
I think my background in [relevant skill/experience] aligns well with what you're looking for, particularly my experience with [specific achievement or responsibility relevant to the job description]. I'm especially interested in [Company Name] because of [specific reason showing you've researched the company].
I understand you're likely going through a lot of applications, but I just wanted to reaffirm my interest in this position and the opportunity to contribute to your team. If you need any additional information from me, please don't hesitate to ask.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile]

#2. Second Email Follow Up
Subject: Checking In - [Position Title] Application - [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to briefly check in regarding my application for the [Position Title] position that I submitted on [Application Date].
I’m still very interested in the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute with my skills in [key skill relevant to position]. I’m not sure if you received my last email, so I wanted to check in. Is there anything you could tell me about the hiring timeline?
I understand this is a busy time, and I appreciate your consideration. If there's anything else you need from me, please let me know.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile]

#3. Final Email Follow Up
Subject: Regarding [Position Title] Application - [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to touch base regarding the [Position Title] role that I applied for on [Application Date].
Since I haven't heard back, I assume you’ve found someone better suited for the role. I wanted to thank you for considering my application and for the opportunity to learn more about [Company Name].
If there’s still an open position, please let me know at your earliest convenience.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile/Personal Website]

#4. LinkedIn Message
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I recently applied for the [Position] role at [Company] on [date]. With my background in [relevant experience/skills], I think I’d be a great fit to contribute to your team's success.
I'd appreciate it if you could give me any insight about the hiring timeline or if there's any additional information you need me to provide.
Looking forward to potentially working together!
Best regards,
[Your Name]

FAQs About Following Up On a Job Application

Do you still have some questions regarding job application follow-ups? Check out the answers below:

Key Takeaways

You’ve made it to the end of our guide – good job!

By now you know everything there is to know about following up on a job application.

Before we send you on your way to secure that dream job, let’s just recap the key points we covered in this article:

It’s perfectly acceptable to contact an employer if you’ve submitted a job application and haven’t heard back from them in several weeks. Most hiring managers prefer that you do so within one or two weeks.
Be patient and research the company to determine whether following up at all is the right call, and if so, which channel you should use for that.
Find out the hiring manager’s name so you can address them directly and establish a personal connection. Keep your message short and to the point.
If you’re juggling several job applications, create a functional system to keep track of them. Whether you design a spreadsheet or use a professional job tracker, this will let you know when to reach out to them again and when it’s time to just move on.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive a response, just focus your energy on other opportunities until you make it.