How to follow up on a job application: who to contact and what to write.
Following up on an application only helps if it reaches a person who can act on it and adds something your application did not say. Here is how to do both.
Follow up on a job application about a week after applying, by email or LinkedIn message to the recruiter or hiring manager for that role. In three or four sentences, say which role you applied for, add one specific reason you fit that is not obvious from your resume, and ask whether they need anything else. Follow up once or twice at most.
3 copy-ready templates
Illustrative: names, companies, dates and numbers in these templates and examples are fictional. Replace every bracket with your own true details before you send anything.
To the recruiter (one week after applying)
When to use: When the job posting names a recruiter, or you can find the company's recruiter for that team.
Subject: Application for [Role], [Job ID] Hi [Name], I applied for the [Role] position on [date] and wanted to introduce myself briefly. In my current role I [one relevant result], which matches what the posting describes as [requirement]. Is there anything else I can provide to help with your review? Best regards, [Your name] [LinkedIn URL]
To the hiring manager
When to use: When you can identify the manager and you have something specific to say about their team.
Subject: [Role] application, [specific skill or project] Hi [Name], I recently applied for the [Role] role on your team. I noticed [something specific: a launch, a post, a goal]. I [relevant experience], and I'd welcome the chance to talk about how I could help with [their goal]. Thank you for your time, [Your name]
Second and last follow-up
When to use: One to two weeks after the first, if there was no reply.
Hi [Name], I'm following up on my application for the [Role] position. I'm still very interested and happy to share more if helpful. Thanks, [Your name]
Disclosure: TryHired makes HIRED, a paid job-search program, so we have a conflict of interest when we mention it. Every template on this page is free to use without buying anything.
When following up helps, and when it doesn't
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| You applied 5-7 working days ago | Good time for one follow-up. |
| The posting says 'no calls or emails' | Respect it; network into the team instead. |
| Large company, generic careers inbox | Following up rarely reaches anyone; find the recruiter or a referral. |
| Small company or startup | A direct note to the founder or manager can be read. |
| The posting is closed | Follow-ups will not help; move on. |
The same message, rewritten
Illustrative example with fictional details.
| Version | Example |
|---|---|
| Weak | Hi, I applied for a job at your company. Can you check my application? |
| Strong | I applied for the Customer Success Manager role on 3 March (ID 4471). At my current company I cut onboarding time for new clients from six weeks to three, which matches the posting's focus on onboarding. |
Why it matters: The weak note forces the reader to search for you and gives no reason to bother. The strong one names the role and ID and adds a result the reader might not spot in a quick resume scan.
Mistakes to avoid
- Following up on the same day you applied.
- Sending the same note to every recruiter at the company.
- Attaching your resume again without being asked.
- Following up on dozens of applications instead of improving the ones you send.
Write yours faster
Questions people ask
How long should I wait to follow up on a job application?
Is it better to follow up by email or LinkedIn?
How do I find the hiring manager?
Does following up on an application actually help?
How this page is built
Written by Maid Dizdarevic, a career coach and 8x LinkedIn Top Voice. The templates and timing guides are practical advice, labelled as advice. We do not publish response rates or success rates, and every example uses fictional details.
- How a specific employer or recruiter will respond: practices vary by company, industry and person.
- Legal advice: for contracts, severance releases or disputes, talk to an employment attorney or the relevant agency.
- Outcomes: no message, template or program can promise an interview or a job.
- TryHired editorial guidance by Maid Dizdarevic, career coach, Nov 2, 2026.