How to Follow Up on Job Applications Without Being Annoying

The job application process can feel like a waiting game. After submitting your resume and cover letter, it’s natural to wonder when (or even if) you’ll hear back. But how do you follow up on your application without coming across as pushy or annoying? Striking the right balance is key—while you want to show your enthusiasm and keep yourself on the employer’s radar, you don’t want to bombard them with emails or messages.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the best practices for following up on job applications. By doing it the right way, you can reinforce your interest in the role, demonstrate your professionalism, and hopefully move one step closer to landing that interview.

1. Be Patient and Give It Time

The first rule of following up on job applications is simple: patience. After you’ve submitted your application, it’s important to wait an appropriate amount of time before reaching out. Hiring processes can be lengthy, and many employers may be reviewing dozens or even hundreds of applications.

As a general guideline, you should wait at least one to two weeks after submitting your application before sending a follow-up. If the job posting has a specific closing date, give the hiring team a few days after that date to review applications and shortlist candidates. If the employer has mentioned a timeline for getting back to applicants, wait until that time has passed before checking in.

Patience shows respect for the hiring process and the employer’s time. Rushing to follow up too soon can be perceived as impatience, which might negatively impact your chances.

2. Make Sure You’ve Got the Right Contact Details

When following up, the key is to ensure you’re contacting the right person. If you applied through a job portal like Seek or LinkedIn, the contact information may not always be clearly provided. However, the job listing often includes the name of the hiring manager or the person responsible for recruitment. If no direct contact details are listed, do a bit of research to track down the correct person.

You can find the right contact through:

• The company’s website: Look for a team or HR section to find relevant contacts.

• LinkedIn: You can often identify the hiring manager or recruiter from the company’s LinkedIn page.

• Job listing: Occasionally, the recruiter’s email or phone number will be included at the bottom of the job ad.

  
  

Sending your follow-up to the correct person ensures that your message is read and taken seriously. If you send your follow-up to the wrong department or person, it can delay the process or cause confusion.

3. Craft a Concise and Professional Email

When it comes to following up on job applications, brevity is your friend. You don’t want your email to be long-winded or overly formal. A concise, polite, and professional email is the most effective way to show your continued interest in the role.

Here’s a basic structure for your follow-up email:

Subject Line:

• Keep it simple and clear. Examples:

  • "Follow-Up on [Job Title] Application"

  • "Application for [Job Title] – Follow-Up"

  • "Checking In Regarding [Job Title] Application"

    
    

Email Body:

1. Opening Line: Politely address the recipient and express your appreciation for their time.

   • Example: "I hope you are doing well. I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position that I submitted on [date]."

2. Express Continued Interest: Briefly reinforce your interest in the position and your enthusiasm for the company.

   • Example: "I remain very excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and feel my skills in [mention relevant skills] align well with the role."

3. Inquire About the Process: Gently ask about the status of your application and whether there is any further information they may need.

   • Example: "I was wondering if there has been any progress regarding the hiring process. Please let me know if you need any further information from my side."

4. Close with Gratitude: End with a polite note of thanks and a professional sign-off.

   • Example: "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Best regards, [Your Name]"

     
     

This approach is direct and respectful, making it clear that you’re interested but not demanding.

4. Give It Another Follow-Up (If Needed)

If you haven’t heard back after your initial follow-up, it’s okay to send one more email—but only after another week or two. In your second follow-up, you should remain polite and understanding that the employer may be busy. Avoid bombarding them with too many emails, as it can come across as desperation.

In your second follow-up, you can repeat some of the same points from your first message but reframe it in a slightly different way:

Subject Line:

• "Following Up Again on [Job Title] Application"

  
  

Email Body:

1. Start with a polite reference to your previous email: This lets the recipient know that you're not just randomly following up.

   • Example: "I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous message regarding the [Job Title] role I applied for on [date]."

2. Reiterate your enthusiasm: Again, show your continued interest in the position.

   • Example: "I remain enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and would love to hear more about the next steps in the process."

3. Acknowledge their busy schedule: Show understanding of their position.

   • Example: "I completely understand that the recruitment process can take time, but I would appreciate any update you can provide regarding my application."

4. Thank them again: Show gratitude and professionalism.

   • Example: "Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon."

     
     

The key to a second follow-up is to be polite, patient, and respectful. It’s important not to sound too eager or demanding.

5. What to Do If You Don’t Hear Back After Multiple Follow-Ups

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not receive a response after multiple follow-ups. In these cases, it's important to know when to move on and focus your energy elsewhere. No response doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not being considered—it could be a result of internal delays, budget constraints, or other factors outside your control.

Here’s what you can do if you haven’t heard back after a few follow-ups:

• Take it as a learning opportunity: Reflect on whether there are any changes you could make to your approach for future applications (e.g., tweaking your CV, refining your cover letter, or following up with different timing).

• Connect with someone else in the company: If you’ve already followed up with the recruiter and haven’t received a response, it might be worth reaching out to someone else in the company who might be able to help or offer insight.

• Move on gracefully: If there’s no response after several attempts, it’s time to focus on other opportunities. Politely withdraw from the process, letting the employer know you’re still interested in future opportunities.

  
  

Remember, the job search is a marathon, not a sprint. Persistence is important, but so is the ability to know when it’s time to step back.

6. Be Mindful of Tone and Timing

Throughout your job search, be mindful of your tone. You want to come across as polite, professional, and enthusiastic, but not overly aggressive or desperate. Timing also plays a significant role—don’t follow up on weekends or late in the evening, as it may appear you’re too eager. Stick to weekdays, preferably mid-morning or early afternoon.

The goal is to show your interest and initiative without crossing the line into pushiness.

Conclusion

Following up on job applications is an art, and when done correctly, it can be a powerful tool to show your enthusiasm, reinforce your qualifications, and keep you top-of-mind for hiring managers. By giving it time, crafting a professional and concise email, and knowing when to follow up again or move on, you can navigate the process with confidence and poise.

Remember, job searching is often a long journey, and persistence with professionalism will serve you well. Be patient, stay positive, and keep moving forward. Your next opportunity may be just around the corner!

If you need assistance with Job Interview Coaching, creating an impactful resume and cover letter contact Adrienna, your Perth Resume Writing Specialist, at 0423 686 904 or email hello@adriennasresumes.com