How to Follow Up on a Job Application Without Being Pushy

When to follow up on an application, who to contact, what to write and when to stop, with an email and LinkedIn message you can adapt right away.

You applied for a role you really want ten days ago. The system said “application received”, and then nothing. Part of you wants to write and ask, part of you worries that HR will be annoyed and drop your name. A well-timed, polite follow-up does not cost you points. Often it gets your application looked at again.

Why applications go quiet

Before you follow up, look at it from HR’s side. Common reasons do not always mean you have been rejected:

• HR is handling several roles at once and has not opened the latest batch
• The hiring manager who decides is not available yet
• The role is on hold or the job details are being revised
• They already have shortlisted candidates and are waiting on results

When to follow up

• The ad states a closing date: wait about one week after it
• No date given: wait about 7 to 10 working days after applying
• HR told you a timeline: wait until it passes, then follow up one or two days later

If your first follow-up gets no reply, you can send one more about a week later. Beyond that, put your energy elsewhere.

Which channel

1. Email: the main and most polite channel. If the ad names an HR person or recruiter, write to them directly
2. LinkedIn message: use it when there is no email and you can find the company’s recruiter
3. Phone: only when the ad clearly gives a number for enquiries, and during working hours

Sample follow-up email

Subject: Follow-up on my application for Graphic Designer (applied 3 Nov)

Dear Khun ..., Human Resources

My name is ... and I applied for the Graphic Designer role through your website on 3 November. I would like to follow up on its progress. I am still very interested in the role, especially the packaging design work mentioned in the ad, which matches a project I did for a local snack brand. I have attached my latest portfolio.

Thank you for your time.

This email is short, names the role and date clearly, shows continued interest and adds one new piece of information, which gives HR a reason to look again.

Sample LinkedIn message

Hi Khun ..., I applied for your Data Analyst role last week and am very interested in the team’s retail analytics work. Could you let me know what stage the role is at? Thank you.

A LinkedIn message should be shorter than an email, with no attachment, and ask for nothing more than a short reply.

If you need to call, what to say

Prepare your words before dialling and finish within a minute: “Hello, my name is ..., I applied for the ... role on ..., and I wanted to ask what stage it is at.” If the person who answers is not responsible, ask for the name and email of the person who is, then send a short email mentioning that you called.

One follow-up shows commitment. Following up every day is pressure.

What to avoid

• Using every channel on the same day: email, LinkedIn and a call together looks anxious
• Complaining: such as “Why has no one replied?” It damages your image immediately
• Vague messages that do not name the role, so HR has to search for what you applied for
• Pausing other applications while you wait: whether or not you have followed up, keep applying

If the answer is no

Reply with a short thank-you and ask them to keep your profile for future roles. Ending professionally keeps the door open. Sometimes HR comes back when a better-fitting role opens.

How to get started

1. Record the date and contact for every application in one table
2. Set a reminder for 7 to 10 working days later
3. Adapt the sample email to the role and add one new piece of information
4. Follow up at most twice, then focus on other applications from the job listings

If you have already interviewed and want to send thanks, read The Post-Interview Thank-You Email, and if a company goes silent after an interview, read Dealing with Employer Ghosting.