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Did they even see my resume? Is anyone out there reviewing my application?
We’ve all been there — eagerly hitting “Submit” on a lengthy job application, only to be met by silence. It’s enough to make you wonder whether it was sent off into the void, never to be seen by anyone.
Here’s the thing: A well-timed, professional follow-up can put your application at the top of a hiring manager’s mind. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to follow up on job applications and improve your chances of landing that interview.
Why Should You Follow Up?
1. It Demonstrates Enthusiasm, Professionalism, and Reaffirms Interest
Following up on your application shows hiring managers that you're proactive, genuinely interested in the position, and committed to the opportunity, reinforcing your professionalism and enthusiasm to be part of the team.
2. It Helps You Stand Out From Other Applicants
Many job seekers simply submit their application, then sit back and wait for a response. Following up separates you from the crowd by showing initiative. It demonstrates that you're willing to go the extra mile to stand out, which can be attractive to hiring managers looking for motivated candidates.
3. It’s an Opportunity to Answer Questions and Address Concerns
A follow-up allows you to address any potential concerns the hiring manager may have about your application. If there are any questions or they’d like to see work samples, following up creates an opportunity to clarify your experience and solidify your position as a top candidate.
4. It Keeps Your Application Top of Mind
Especially in today’s market, hiring managers are often flooded with applications. A thoughtful follow-up ensures that your name remains at the forefront of their minds, increasing the likelihood that they will take a second look at your resume and — hopefully — invite you for an interview.
When Should You Send a Follow-Up?
While you may be eager to land your dream job, hiring managers often need time to review every application before moving forward with the interview process.
The rule of thumb is to wait two weeks before following up with potential employers. While you may be impatient, abiding by the traditional waiting period demonstrates respect for their process and ensures they have had enough time to consider your application.
Before you make contact, it’s a smart idea to revisit the job posting and ensure there isn’t a “Don’t call us, we’ll call you” policy. Some companies explicitly state not to follow up, and ignoring such requests can result in your application’s dismissal.
How To Turn Your Follow-Up Into an Interview
Choose the Right Method
Unless otherwise specified by an employer, email is the safest best bet for following up. It's professional and can be accessed easily by the employer but doesn't interrupt the recipient like a phone call could.
Find the Right Contact
To ensure your email stands out, make sure you address the follow-up email to someone in the company involved in the hiring process, such as the hiring manager or human resources (HR) manager. LinkedIn can be a very helpful tool if you don’t have a name to address your email to. You can easily search by company and common job titles, like “Hiring Manager,” to find the name of the person who is in charge or reviewing applications.
Be Professional and Polite
The follow-up message must be friendly and short. Here's a simple outline to follow:
Subject Line
Include your name and the position you applied for.
Opening
Address the hiring manager or HR manager by name.
Body
State politely that you are following up on a job application. This is an opportunity to restate your interest and qualifications for this particular role quickly but keep it to a single sentence.
Closing
Thank them for their time and consideration and provide your contact information.
Sample Follow-up Email
Subject: Follow-up on Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I recently applied for your [Job Title] role and am writing to follow up on the status of my application. I’m very interested in the opportunity to join [Company Name] and would love to learn more about the role and share what I can bring to the team.
Thank you so much for your time. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information regarding my experience, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Follow-Up Best Practices
Keep It Short and Simple
Your follow-up needs to be ultrashort and to the point — five sentences at most. A busy hiring manager will respect and value your brevity.
Be Positive and Enthusiastic
Show interest in the position but avoid sounding desperate or overeager.
Respect Their Timeline
If they give you a timeline for when you can expect a response, wait until that time has passed before following up once more. Waiting will show respect for their process and demonstrate your patience.
Multiple Follow-Ups
If the first follow-up doesn't result in a response, you can send a second one after a week. If you still don’t hear back, it’s time to move on and find new opportunities to get excited about.
How Swob Can Help You
Whether you’re a first-time job hunter or a seasoned professional, Swob makes it fun and easy to find your dream job and get hired fast. With the ability to search millions of jobs, your next interview is right around the corner!
Swob is the modern job search platform with over 8 million active jobs. Match with hundreds of employers and get hired for roles across retail, hospitality, healthcare, customer service, and more. With Swob, you can find your perfect match with a simple swipe. Download the app, upload your resume, and start swiping on success today! www.swobapp.com
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