Follow‑Up on a Job Application: 9 Polite Templates

Professional job application follow-up email templates for different situations. Learn when to follow up and how to write effective follow-ups that get responses.

When to Follow Up on a Job Application

Timing is crucial for effective job application follow-ups:

First follow-up:

• Wait 1-2 weeks after submitting application
• For urgent positions, 1 week is acceptable
• Don't follow up too quickly (gives them time to review)

Second follow-up:

• Wait 1 week after first follow-up
• Add new information or updates if possible
• Be more direct about your interest

Final follow-up:

• After 2 follow-ups with no response
• Close the loop politely
• Don't become a nuisance

After interview:

• Send thank you email within 24 hours
• Follow up after 1 week if no response
• Be patient but proactive

When to Use Each Template

Standard Follow-Up: Use for most situations - professional and complete.

Brief Check-In: Use for casual or internal positions.

Follow-Up with Update: Use when you have new achievements or information to share.

Polite Inquiry: Use when you want to check status without being pushy.

Enthusiastic Follow-Up: Use when you want to show strong continued interest.

Final Follow-Up: Use as your last attempt before moving on.

Follow-Up After Interview: Use after an interview to show continued interest.

Quick Status Check: Use for informal, brief follow-ups.

Referral Follow-Up: Use when you have a referral or connection.

Subject Lines for Job Application Follow-Ups

Standard format:

• "Following Up - Application for [Job Title]"
• "Re: Application for [Job Title]"
• "Re: [Job Title] Application - Status Inquiry"

After interview:

• "Re: Interview - [Job Title] Position"
• "Thank You - [Job Title] Interview"

With update:

• "Re: Application for [Job Title] - Update"
• "Re: [Job Title] - Additional Information"

Best practices:

• Always use "Re:" to maintain email thread
• Include job title
• Be clear and professional
• Keep it concise

Best Practices

• Wait appropriately: 1-2 weeks for first follow-up
• Be professional: Maintain professional tone throughout
• Show continued interest: Express enthusiasm for the role
• Add value: Share updates or new information if relevant
• Know when to stop: After 2 follow-ups, move on

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't:

• Follow up too quickly (same week)
• Follow up too frequently (multiple times per week)
• Be pushy or demanding
• Send generic follow-ups
• Follow up more than 2-3 times

Do:

• Wait 1-2 weeks before first follow-up
• Be polite and professional
• Show continued interest
• Add value if possible
• Know when to move on

Best Practices

• Wait 1-2 weeks: Give them time to review applications
• Be professional: Maintain professional tone
• Show interest: Express continued enthusiasm
• Add value: Share updates if relevant
• Know when to stop: After 2 follow-ups, move on

Related Resources

For more guidance on follow-up emails:

• Follow-up Templates Hub - Browse all follow-up email templates
• Follow-up After No Response - Templates for general follow-ups
• Job Application Email - Templates for job applications
• Thank You Email After Interview - Templates for interview thank yous
• Inbox Zero Guide - Learn email management strategies