Free templates · copy and paste · updated October 2026

Follow-up email after a job application

By Safad, the studio that makes Applylane

Heard nothing back? Five short templates for following up after you apply, after an interview, and one last time, plus when to send each one. Copy, fill in the blanks in brackets, and send.

When to send it

Timing matters more than wording.

After you apply: Wait 1 to 2 weeks. If the posting gives a timeline, wait until it passes.
After an interview: Send a thank-you within a day. Follow up once their decision date has passed.
A second follow-up: About a week after the first. If that goes unanswered too, move on.

The templates

Five emails for five situations.

No reply after you applied

Send: 1 to 2 weeks after applying, or once any timeline in the posting has passed.

Subject: Following up on my application for [Job title]

Hi [Name], I applied for the [Job title] role on [date] and wanted to follow up. I'm still very interested in joining [Company], especially because [one specific reason: a product, a project, or something from the posting]. [One line on your most relevant experience, e.g. "In my last role I built the weekly reports the product team used to plan releases."] Is there anything else I can send to help with your review? Thank you for your time. Best, [Your name] [Phone] · [LinkedIn or portfolio link]

No news after an interview

Send: The day after the date they said you'd hear back, or about a week after the interview if they gave none.

Subject: Checking in on the [Job title] role

Hi [Name], Thank you again for talking with me on [day] about the [Job title] role. I enjoyed hearing about [something you discussed]. You mentioned the team hoped to decide by [timeframe], so I wanted to check in on next steps. I'm still very excited about the role and happy to share anything else that would help. Best, [Your name]

After a recruiter call

Send: If a week passes after a phone screen with no next step scheduled.

Subject: Next steps for [Job title]

Hi [Name], Thanks for the call on [day]. It was great to learn more about [Company] and the [Job title] role, and it made me even more interested. I wanted to ask whether there's an update on next steps, and whether I can send anything in the meantime. Thanks, [Your name]

A last, polite check-in

Send: About a week after your first follow-up, if it went unanswered. After this one, move on.

Subject: Re: Following up on my application for [Job title]

Hi [Name], I wanted to check in one last time about the [Job title] role. If you've filled it or moved forward with other candidates, I completely understand, and I'd be grateful to know so I can plan. Either way, thank you for considering me. I'd love to be kept in mind for future roles at [Company]. Best, [Your name]

A short LinkedIn message to a recruiter

Send: When there's no email address to write to. Keep it under 300 characters so it fits a connection note.

Hi [Name], I recently applied for the [Job title] role at [Company]. My experience with [skill] lines up closely with what the team needs, and I'd love to know if my application is being considered. Thank you!

Know who to follow up with.

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Tips

What makes a follow-up work.

Write to a person: the recruiter or hiring manager from the posting or your confirmation email. A no-reply address goes nowhere.
Keep it under 150 words. One specific reason you want the job beats a paragraph of enthusiasm.
Reply in the same email thread as your application or interview, so they have the context.
Stay friendly, never guilt-trip. Hiring often takes longer than anyone planned.
Two follow-ups is the limit. Silence after that is an answer, and your time is better spent on new applications.

Questions

Good to know.

Is it okay to follow up on a job application?

Yes. A short, polite follow-up shows you're interested, and recruiters juggling many roles often appreciate the reminder. Just keep it brief and don't send more than two.

How long should I wait before following up?

About 1 to 2 weeks after applying. After an interview, wait until the date they gave for a decision, or about a week if they didn't give one.

Who should I send a follow-up email to?

The recruiter or hiring manager. Look for a name in the posting, your confirmation email or the company's LinkedIn page. If you can't find an email address, a short LinkedIn message works.

What subject line should I use?

Something plain that names the role, like “Following up on my application for Data Analyst”. Or simply reply in the thread of your application or interview email.

Should I call instead of emailing?

Usually not. Email is easier for a busy recruiter to answer when it suits them, and it leaves a record. Call only if they've asked you to.