A follow-up email after a job application should be brief and polite to help maintain a positive relationship with the hiring manager. The right ways to follow up on a job interview will help paint you in a positive and professional light. But there are also wrong ways to follow up that could cost you the job. So, here’s how not to follow up on a job interview.

Get proven strategies on how to unlock your how to follow up on a job application‘s potential, meet VIPs in your industry and turn your career into a rocketship. “No fluff. No noise. Just useful career tips sent in small nuggets so it’s not overwhelming and easy to apply.” – Dave S. Get the weekly email that will show you how to accelerate your career, grow your network and turn your career into a rocketship. If you haven’t had any correspondence with the HR manager before — or if you aren’t sure — always begin your message by introducing yourself.

You Don’t Need to Follow Up After Every Resume You Send

Since sending my resume, I completed which I believe would help me make an immediate impact in this role. I’m writing to follow up on the resume I sent last for the position. Briefly remind the employer why you are a good fit for the job.

A message on social media can add to your application right away. For this reason, it’s best to wait one to two weeks before you send a job application follow-up email. Job seekers who follow up sooner run the risk of overwhelming the hiring manager before they’ve had a chance to review recent job applications on their normal schedule. If you’re active on LinkedIn then always check your network to see if you have any mutual connections to a company before following up.

Swipeable Sample Application Follow-Up Emails

If you need any additional information, please let me know. You might feel tempted to try and impress the hiring manager by sending an old-school follow-up letter after an application, but it’s really not a good idea. I would like to kindly ask you if you could provide me with your decision timeline.

That’s a great way to stand out and get your resume seen after you apply for the job. Time is valuable in your job search, and while I do recommend you follow-up for feedback after each interview, I don’t recommend you follow up on every unanswered job application. Especially if you’re applying for many positions on job boards, LinkedIn, etc., it’s just too time-consuming to circle back and send a job application follow-up to each employer. But you don’t have to sit on pins and needles waiting for a response.

What To Do if You Don’t Hear Back

The hiring manager needs time to review all of the applications and narrow down the list of candidates. Give them at least a week before following up with an email. In the meantime, you can prepare for your job interview by doing some research on the company and practicing your answers to common questions. Follow up as soon as possible after a job interview. The same day as the interview is perfectly acceptable, and definitely follow up within a 24-hour time frame. Because hiring managers are far more likely to hire a candidate that sends a thank-you note, following up quickly can improve your chance of getting an offer.