How to Follow Up on a Job Application Politely

In brief: Follow up on a job application with a short, personalized email after the employer's stated timeline has passed, or about one to two weeks after the closing date if no timeline was given. Name the position, say you're still interested, and ask if the hiring team can share an update.

Three things to remember

1. Check the employer's contact instructions first.
2. Give the recipient enough detail to answer.
3. Wait before sending one final follow-up.

An "under review" message can leave you wondering what to do next. It's fine to ask for an update. A polite check-in gives the employer a chance to respond without asking them to make a decision on the spot.

Choose a reasonable time to follow up

Start with the posting and your confirmation email. Look for a closing date, a hiring timeline, and any instructions about contacting the team. Those instructions come before a general rule of thumb.

These are starting points, not deadlines for the employer. A thank-you note after an interview is separate from a later email asking for a status update.

Pick the right person and channel

Already in touch with a recruiter by email? Reply to that conversation. The earlier messages will be there if the recruiter needs context, and you won't need to start a new thread.

Otherwise, check the job posting for a contact. You can also use the application portal's messaging option, if it has one. Email is generally less intrusive than an unexpected phone call because the recipient can answer when it's convenient. Use a different method if the employer asks you to.

Thing is, finding a contact isn't a reason to disregard a no-follow-up instruction. If there's no named person, look for an application-related address in the posting or on the company's careers page. Don't guess an address, send the same note to several employees, or look for someone else to contact when the employer has asked candidates not to follow up.

Write a short email with a clear question

Make it easy for the recipient to place your application. You can do that in a few lines; there's no need to send your cover letter again.

Include the following:

• The job title and job ID, if the posting listed one.
• The date you applied.
• A short note saying you're still interested.
• An optional detail linking your experience to the role.
• One polite question about the hiring timeline.

Here's a starting point. Replace the details with your own, and keep the original subject line if you're replying in an existing thread.

Subject: Follow-up on Marketing Coordinator application

Hello [Name],

I applied for the Marketing Coordinator role on [date] and am writing to ask if you can share an update on the hiring timeline. I'm still interested in the position, particularly the chance to use my campaign coordination experience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,
[Your name]

Read the note once before sending it. The job title, date, and question should be easy to find without the reader having to work through a long message.

Keep the tone interested, not demanding

"Just checking in" isn't rude. It helps to say what you're checking on, though, so the recipient knows which role you mean and what information you're hoping to receive.

Compare the two approaches:

• Instead of: "I applied last week. Why haven't I heard back?"
• Try: "I applied for the [Job Title] role on [date]. Could you share whether there is an updated hiring timeline?"

To be honest, waiting can be frustrating, especially when you have no detail beyond a portal status, but daily reminders or a demand for an immediate decision won't make your question easier to answer. Don't claim to have a competing offer if you don't have one. Your note can show interest; it can't shortcut the hiring decision.

Decide what to do if there is no reply

Give the first message some time. If nobody replies, consider sending one last brief follow-up after another week or two.

Reply to your original email so the earlier note stays in view. Your final message can be short:

Hello [Name],

I'm following up once more on my application for [Job Title]. I'm still interested and would appreciate any update you can share.

Thank you,
[Your name]

After that, stop following up and keep searching. Silence doesn't tell you why the process is taking time or whether the employer has made a decision.

A simple tracker can help you remember when you applied and when you followed up, rather than relying on memory as you prepare other applications. You can also ask a trusted colleague or a career coach for feedback.

Pause if a recruiter request seems suspicious

Be cautious if someone claiming to be a recruiter asks you to pay for equipment or share sensitive personal information before you've verified the opportunity. Check the employer's official careers page for the role. Contact the company using details you find independently.

The Federal Trade Commission's job scam guidance covers warning signs and what to do if you encounter a suspected scam.

The bottom line

Check the employer's instructions and choose a suitable date before you write. Send a concise note that names the role and asks about the timeline. If there's no response, wait another week or two before considering one final follow-up, then put your energy into the next application.