When to follow up
- After applying: about a week later if you've heard nothing and have a contact to write to.
- After an interview: a short thank-you the same or next day, then a check-in if they pass the date they gave you.
- After silence: one polite nudge two weeks after your last contact. After that, move on.
What makes a follow-up work
Keep it short: three to five sentences. Name the role so they don't have to search. Add one thing that's new or specific, like something from the interview or a relevant piece of work. End with a question that's easy to answer. Don't apologise for following up; it's a normal part of hiring.
Using these templates
Pick the situation, fill in the blanks and the email updates as you type, then copy it into your mail client. Change a sentence or two so it sounds like you; the structure is what matters.
Who to send it to
Write to a person, not a careers inbox. The recruiter who contacted you or ran your interview is best. If you applied cold, the hiring manager named in the posting, or a recruiter at the company you can find on LinkedIn, is a reasonable choice. Keep the same thread if you've already been emailing, so they have the context in front of them.
Questions
How long should I wait to follow up after applying for a job?
About a week. If the posting says they'll respond by a certain date, wait until the day after that.
Is it OK to follow up more than once?
Once or twice at most. If two polite follow-ups get no reply, put your energy into other applications.
Should I send a thank-you email after an interview?
Yes, the same or next day. Keep it to a few sentences and mention something specific from the conversation.
What subject line should I use?
Plain and findable: the role and your name, for example "Following up: Product Designer application, Sam Lee".