Job Application Follow-Up Messages: When and How to Send One

Waiting after submitting a job application can be stressful, especially when the employer has not stated when applicants should expect a response. A well-timed follow-up message can confirm your continued interest, clarify whether your application was received and remind the hiring team of your suitability.

However, sending too many messages or following up too quickly can work against you. The best approach is brief, polite and connected to the employer’s stated process.

When should you follow up after applying?

In most cases, wait at least five to seven working days after submitting your application before sending a follow-up message. This gives the employer time to review applications and organise the next stage.

There are some exceptions:

• If the job advert gives a closing date: Wait until several working days after the deadline, unless the advert provides a different timeline.
• If the employer gives a response date: Wait until that date has passed before contacting them.
• If the role is urgent: A shorter wait may be reasonable, particularly if the advert says the successful candidate is needed immediately.
• If someone referred you: You may politely ask your contact whether they know the expected timeline, but do not pressure them to influence the decision.
• If you have another offer: Tell the employer respectfully and explain your decision deadline. Do not invent another offer to create pressure.

If the application was sent only one or two days ago, a follow-up is usually unnecessary unless you are correcting an important error or responding to a direct request from the employer.

What should a follow-up message achieve?

A good follow-up message should do three things:

1. Identify the role you applied for.
2. Confirm your continued interest.
3. Ask politely about the application timeline or next steps.

It should not repeat your entire CV, demand an immediate response or ask whether you got the job before the selection process is complete.

Think of the message as a professional reminder, not a second application. If you have a relevant achievement that was not clear in your original application, you may mention it in one sentence. Keep the focus on the employer and the role.

How to write the message

1. Use a clear subject line

For email, make it easy for the recruiter to identify your application. Suitable subject lines include:

• Follow-up on Marketing Assistant Application – Ada Okafor
• Application Follow-Up: Customer Support Officer
• Checking In Regarding the Web Developer Role

Avoid subject lines such as “Please reply” or “Important!!!” They can appear demanding and may be overlooked.

2. Address the right person

Use the hiring manager’s name if it is available in the advert or company communication. If you cannot find it, “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable for email.

For LinkedIn or another professional platform, use the person’s name and keep the message conversational but respectful. WhatsApp should only be used if the employer provided that number or specifically invited applications and questions through WhatsApp.

3. State the relevant details early

Recruiters may be handling many applications. Mention the job title, date of application and your name in the opening lines. If the company advertised several similar positions, include the department or location where appropriate.

4. Ask one practical question

Ask whether there is an update on the recruitment timeline or whether additional information is required. One clear question is more effective than a long list of questions about salary, benefits, interview dates and selection criteria.

5. Close professionally

Thank the recipient for their time and include your phone number or email address if the message is sent through a platform where your contact details may not be obvious.

Follow-up email example

Subject: Follow-up on Administrative Assistant Application – Chinedu Eze

Dear Hiring Manager,

I applied for the Administrative Assistant position on 8 May and wanted to follow up on my application. I remain very interested in the opportunity and believe my experience supporting office administration and customer communication would be relevant to the role.

Please could you let me know whether there is an expected timeline for the next stage of the recruitment process? I would be happy to provide any additional information required.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,
Chinedu Eze
0800 000 0000
[email protected]

Replace the sample details with your own information. Do not include sensitive information such as your bank PIN, password, one-time password, card details or national identification numbers.

Short LinkedIn message example

Hello Ms Bello, I applied for the Content Writer position last week and wanted to express my continued interest. I would be grateful for any update you can share about the recruitment timeline. Thank you for your time.

LinkedIn messages should be shorter than emails. Avoid sending a connection request followed immediately by a demand for an interview. If the person is not responsible for recruitment, ask whether they can direct you to the appropriate contact instead of repeatedly messaging them.

Short WhatsApp example

Good afternoon, my name is Ibrahim Musa. I applied for the Sales Representative role through the application link on 10 June. I am following up to confirm whether my application was received and to ask if there is an expected timeline for the next stage. Thank you.

Before using WhatsApp, confirm that the number belongs to the organisation or authorised recruiter. Be careful with recruitment scams that request payment for registration, training, equipment or “shortlisting”. A legitimate opportunity should be checked through the employer’s official website or verified communication channels before you share documents or personal information.

What to do if there is no reply

If you receive no response, wait another seven to ten working days before sending one final, brief follow-up. After that, move on while remaining open to a later response.

You can write:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am following up once more regarding my application for the [job title] position. I understand that recruitment timelines can change, and I remain interested if the role is still available. Please let me know if any further information is needed.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

Do not send daily reminders, call repeatedly or contact several employees to obtain an answer. Persistent messages may make it harder for the employer to view your application positively.

When your follow-up should contain an update

A follow-up can be more useful when something has changed since you applied. For example, you may have completed a relevant course, gained a professional certificate or become available to start earlier than stated in your original application.

Keep the update factual and relevant:

“Since applying, I have completed a customer-service training course. I would be glad to share the certificate if it would assist with your review.”

Do not exaggerate qualifications or claim experience you do not have. If you discover an error in your CV, correct it honestly and explain the change briefly.

A simple follow-up decision guide

Situation	Recommended action
You applied less than five working days ago	Usually wait, unless the employer requested contact.
The closing date has not passed	Wait until the deadline and allow time for review.
The stated response date has passed	Send a polite email asking about the next steps.
You have another genuine offer	Explain the deadline clearly and professionally.
You have followed up once without a reply	Wait and send one final short message, then continue applying elsewhere.

Final tips before sending

• Check the job title, company name and recipient’s name.
• Use the same email address and phone number included in your application.
• Remove spelling errors and unnecessary emojis.
• Keep the message short enough to read on a mobile phone.
• Send during normal working hours where possible.
• Save a copy so you can track when you followed up.
• Continue applying for other suitable roles instead of waiting for one employer.

The strongest job application follow-up is respectful, specific and patient. Send it after a reasonable waiting period, ask about the process rather than demanding a result, and use the opportunity to reinforce your interest without repeating your entire application. A follow-up cannot guarantee an interview, but it can show good judgement and professional communication.