How to follow up on a job application, with messages you can copy

The short answer. Wait about a week after applying, then send one short, polite message to the recruiter or the hiring manager. Name the role, add one line on why you fit and attach something useful. If there is no reply, follow up once more after another week. Then move on.

When to follow up

After applying: about a week later. Sooner looks impatient. Much later and the role may be closed.
After an interview: a thank-you note the same day, then a follow-up on the date they gave you for a decision. If they gave none, wait about a week.
After a second message with no reply: stop. Silence is an answer, even if it is a rude one.

Who to write to

A person reads a message. A careers inbox often does not.

The recruiter named in the job post, if there is one.
The hiring manager. On LinkedIn, search the company with the team name and a title like “head of” or “manager”.
Someone you know at the company, who can pass your name along. Our guide on the best way to get a job covers asking for a referral.

What to say

Short, specific and easy to answer. Always name the role.

Email, a week after applying

Subject: Application for Senior Analyst, job ID 4471

Hi Ritika,

I applied for the Senior Analyst role on 10 October and wanted to check whether it is still open. I have four years in retail analytics and led the pricing dashboard used by 40 stores, which seems close to what the role needs.

My resume is attached again for convenience. I would welcome a short call if the profile fits.

Regards, Aarav

LinkedIn message to a recruiter

Hi Ritika, I applied for the Senior Analyst role last week. I have four years in retail analytics, including the pricing work that the role mentions. Happy to share more if it helps. Thank you for your time.

After an interview

Hi Arjun, thank you for the conversation today. I enjoyed hearing about the plans for the new warehouse system. It made me even keener on the role. Please let me know if you need anything else from me.

The second and last follow-up

Hi Ritika, following up once more on the Senior Analyst role. If it has been filled, no problem at all. I would be glad to be considered for similar roles in future.

What to attach

Something new, not just the same resume. A short portfolio, a one-page case study or references from people you have worked with all give the recruiter a reason to look again.

What not to do

Message every day.
Call repeatedly, unless they asked you to call.
Send the same copied message to ten people at the same company.
Sound annoyed at the silence. It never helps.
Use WhatsApp unless the recruiter contacted you there first.

Where GoodWord fits and where it does not

A follow-up works best when it adds something. A GoodWord report is one option: what three people who worked with you say about your work, in one link. A recruiter confirms a work email to open it. You can see who viewed it. See a sample report.

It will not rescue an application for a role you do not fit. It is no substitute for following up politely and on time either.