Job hunting can be a long and tough journey. You submit your application, and then comes the waiting game. Should you reach out again? Will you look too pushy? These questions go through the minds of many job seekers daily. The right follow-up can make you stand out from other candidates and show your true interest in the position.
A good follow-up letter keeps your name fresh in the hiring manager’s mind. It gives you another chance to highlight why you fit the job so well. The samples below will help guide you through the art of the perfect follow-up. Each one tackles a different situation you might face after sending in your application.
Sample Letters of Application Follow-up
Here are fifteen follow-up letter samples to help you stay on top of your job search.
1. Basic Application Follow-up
Subject: Following Up on [Position Name] Application – [Your Name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I sent my application for the [Position Name] role at [Company Name] on [date], and I wanted to follow up to make sure my materials were received.
My background in [relevant skill/experience] makes me very excited about the chance to join your team and contribute to [specific company goal or project]. If you need any more details or have questions about my qualifications, please let me know.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to hearing from you about next steps in the process.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
2. Follow-up After One Week
Subject: Application Status Check – [Position Name] – [Your Name]
Dear Dr./Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
I sent my application for the [Position Name] position last week, and I wanted to touch base about the status of my application. The role seems like an ideal match for my skills in [specific skill set], and I remain very interested in joining your team.
The work [Company Name] is doing in [specific field/project] perfectly aligns with my career goals. I believe my past success with [relevant achievement] would bring value to your team.
I understand this is a busy time, but any update you can share about my application status would be greatly valued.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[LinkedIn Profile URL]
3. Follow-up After Interview
Subject: Thank You for the Interview – [Position Name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday to discuss the [Position Name] role. Our talk about [specific topic discussed] really got me thinking, and I wanted to share some extra thoughts on how I would approach [specific challenge mentioned during interview].
After our meeting, I feel even more excited about the chance to join [Company Name] and help with [specific goal/project]. The company culture you described sounds like the perfect place for me to grow and use my skills in [relevant skills].
I look forward to hearing about the next steps. Please let me know if you need any more details from me that would help with your decision.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
4. Second Follow-up After No Response
Subject: Checking In – [Position Name] Application
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I reached out last week about my application for the [Position Name] position, and I wanted to check in once more as I have not heard back yet.
My interest in joining [Company Name] remains strong. The recent news about [mention something positive about the company that you saw recently] makes me even more eager to be part of your team.
I understand you must be busy with the hiring process. If my application is still under review, I would love to talk further about how my skills in [key skills] could benefit your team.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
5. Follow-up With Additional Information
Subject: Additional Information for [Position Name] Application – [Your Name]
Dear Hiring Team,
I submitted my application for the [Position Name] role on [date]. Since then, I have [mention a new achievement, certification, or relevant project you completed]. I wanted to share this update as I believe it adds to my qualifications for the position.
This new [achievement/certification/project] has helped me gain deeper knowledge in [relevant skill area], which would allow me to make stronger contributions to your team if selected for the role.
My interest in joining [Company Name] remains high, and I would welcome the chance to discuss my application with you.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
6. Follow-up After Meeting at a Job Fair
Subject: Following Up – Meeting at [Name of Job Fair] – [Your Name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you at the [Job Fair Name] last [day of the week]. Our talk about [topic discussed] was very helpful, and I appreciated your insights about [Company Name].
As suggested, I have submitted my application for the [Position Name] through your online portal. The role seems perfect for my background in [relevant experience], and I am excited about the chance to bring my [specific skills] to your team.
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me at the event. I look forward to the chance to talk more about how I can add value to your team.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
7. Follow-up After Being Told to Wait
Subject: Checking In – [Position Name] Application Status
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
When we last spoke on [date], you mentioned that the hiring team would be making decisions about the [Position Name] role by [timeframe they mentioned]. As that time has now passed, I wanted to check in about the status of my application.
My interest in joining [Company Name] remains strong. The role feels like a perfect match for my skills in [relevant skills], and I am excited about the chance to help your team with [specific company goal or project].
I understand these processes can take time. Any update you can share would be much appreciated.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
8. Follow-up After a Referral
Subject: Application Follow-up – Referred by [Referrer’s Name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
[Referrer’s Name] suggested I reach out to you about my application for the [Position Name] role, which I submitted on [date]. [Referrer’s Name] and I worked together at [Company where you worked together], and they thought my skills would be a good match for your team needs.
My background in [relevant field] includes [brief mention of key achievement or skill], which aligns well with what you are looking for. I am very interested in bringing these skills to [Company Name] and helping with [specific company goal or project].
Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how I can add value to your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
9. Follow-up When You Have Another Offer
Subject: Update on My Application Status – [Position Name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to let you know that I have received a job offer from another company. However, [Company Name] remains my first choice because of [specific reason why you prefer this company].
I submitted my application for the [Position Name] on [date], and I wanted to check if you could provide any updates on my status in your hiring process. I would greatly appreciate the chance to talk with you before making my decision on the other offer.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
10. Follow-up After a Technical Assessment
Subject: Completed Technical Assessment for [Position Name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
I have completed the technical assessment for the [Position Name] role as requested. The test was submitted on [date and time] through the [platform/system used].
I enjoyed working on [specific part of the assessment], as it allowed me to showcase my skills in [relevant technical skill]. I believe my approach to [specific challenge in the assessment] shows my problem-solving style and technical ability.
Please let me know if you need any further details about my solutions or if there are any next steps in the process.
Thank you for the opportunity,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
11. Follow-up After Receiving an Automated Response
Subject: Application Status Inquiry – [Position Name]
Dear Hiring Team,
I received an automated response after submitting my application for the [Position Name] on [date]. Since it has been [time period] since my submission, I wanted to check on the status of my application.
The role seems like an excellent match for my background in [relevant field/skill area]. I am particularly drawn to the chance to work on [specific aspect of the job or company that interests you].
If there is any additional information I can provide to help with your review process, please let me know.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
12. Final Follow-up Before Moving On
Subject: Final Check-In – [Position Name] Application
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I have reached out a few times about my application for the [Position Name] role submitted on [date]. While I understand you must be busy with the hiring process, I wanted to make one final check on my application status.
I remain very interested in the position and believe my skills in [relevant skills] would allow me to make valuable contributions to your team. However, I am also actively pursuing other opportunities at this time.
If the position has been filled or if my application is no longer under consideration, I would appreciate knowing so I can focus my job search efforts accordingly.
Thank you for your time and attention,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
13. Follow-up for a Seasonal Position
Subject: Seasonal [Position Name] Application Follow-up
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
I submitted my application for the seasonal [Position Name] role on [date]. As your busy season is approaching, I wanted to check in about the status of my application.
My flexible schedule and previous experience with [relevant experience] make me well-suited for the demands of this seasonal role. I am ready to start as soon as needed and can commit to the full seasonal period.
Please let me know if there are any updates or if you need additional information from me. I am very interested in joining your team for the upcoming season.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
14. Follow-up After a Positive Initial Response
Subject: Next Steps for [Position Name] Application
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
Thank you for your positive response to my application for the [Position Name] role. You mentioned you would be in touch about next steps, and I wanted to check in as it has been [time period] since our last communication.
I remain very excited about the chance to join [Company Name] and bring my skills in [relevant skills] to your team. The [specific aspect of job or company] that we discussed is exactly the kind of work I am passionate about.
I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the process. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
15. Video Interview Follow-up
Subject: Thank You for the Video Interview – [Position Name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
Thank you for the video interview yesterday for the [Position Name] position. Despite the small technical glitch with [mention minor issue if there was one], I enjoyed our talk about [specific topic discussed].
Our conversation confirmed my interest in the role and my excitement about possibly joining [Company Name]. I was particularly interested in learning more about [something you learned in the interview].
To follow up on your question about [specific question they asked], I wanted to add that [provide additional information that you might not have mentioned during the interview].
Thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the process.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
Tips for Writing Effective Follow-up Letters
Timing Matters
Wait at least five to seven days after submitting your application before sending your first follow-up. Hiring managers often need time to review all applications before making decisions on next steps.
Keep It Brief
Your follow-up should be short and to the point. Busy hiring managers appreciate messages that respect their time while still giving all needed information.
Show Continued Interest
Each follow-up is a chance to show your ongoing interest in the role. Mention something specific about the company or position that excites you.
Add Value
Try to add something new in each follow-up. This could be a new achievement, an idea related to the role, or a link to work that shows your skills.
Be Polite and Professional
Always maintain a respectful tone. Being pushy or showing frustration will not help your case. Stay patient and professional throughout the process.
Know When to Move On
After two or three follow-ups with no response, it may be time to focus your energy on other opportunities. The final follow-up example above gives you a good way to close the loop.
Common Follow-up Mistakes to Avoid
Following Up Too Soon
Sending a follow-up too quickly can make you seem impatient or too pushy. Give the hiring team enough time to review applications.
Sending Too Many Follow-ups
Multiple messages without response can annoy hiring managers. Limit yourself to two or three follow-ups spaced at least a week apart.
Being Too Casual
Even if the company has a casual culture, your job application communications should stay professional. Avoid slang, jokes, or overly casual language.
Not Proofreading
Spelling or grammar mistakes in a follow-up can undo all the good work of your original application. Always check your message carefully before sending.
Being Too Generic
A follow-up that could be sent to any company shows lack of real interest. Make sure each follow-up is tailored to the specific role and company.
Wrap-up: Application Follow-up Success
The right follow-up can make all the difference in your job search. It shows you are still interested, keeps your name in the mind of the hiring manager, and gives you another chance to highlight why you are perfect for the role.
Remember that hiring processes often take longer than expected. Stay patient but proactive. Use these templates as starting points, but always tailor your message to your specific situation and the company culture.
The hiring process is a two-way street. Your follow-ups not only help you stay in the running for a position but also give you insight into how the company treats its candidates. A company that fails to respond to professional follow-ups might not be the best place for your talents.
Armed with these samples and tips, you can feel confident in your follow-up strategy. Stay professional, be persistent without being pushy, and trust that the right opportunity will come your way.