How to Follow Up on Your Application or Interview (With Email Templates)

How to Follow Up on Your Application or Interview (With Email Templates)
Jobstreet content teamupdated on 26 August, 2021
Share

Waiting to hear more can be one of the hardest parts of a job search: it can be nerve-racking to hold out for a response. But you can follow up.

Emailing an employer after you apply for a job can help you find out what stage their hiring process is at and if there is more you can do. Not only is following up a way to thank your interviewer for their time, but it also strengthens the impression you have made. On top of that, following up helps you find out the next steps you should take.

These templates can help you follow up politely and professionally – try one to get you started on your follow-up email.

Following up after a job application: email template

When to use it: 1-2 weeks after applying

If you have applied for a job, waited, and had no response, it could be time to follow up. The job ad may state information about when – or if – applicants can expect to hear back, so take note of that. But generally, if it has been 1 to 2 weeks since you applied, you could make contact.

You may want to ensure the employer or hiring manager has your application, see if they want more information, and find out if they have filled the role or when they plan to. Here is how you could put this in writing:

Email subject line: Application follow up – [Job title]Hi [Name]I applied for the position of [Job Title] via JobStreet two weeks ago. I wanted to follow up to see if my application was received and check on the timeline for filling the role.I’m very enthusiastic about the prospect of joining [Company Name] and contributing my [describe your skills or experience] to [describe what the role involves].Please let me know if I can provide any further information that would be helpful to you. I can be reached on [Your phone number].Best regards,[Your name]

Following up on the day of your interview: email template

When to send it: after a job interview, the same day

Once you have been through the effort of a job interview, one more thing can help you make a great impression: a short email showing gratitude. Generally, an interviewee would send it later on the day of the interview; but if it was a late interview, sending the email the next morning is fine.

It is best to keep this email short and sweet. Do not push for answers or go into detail about the interview – stick to a simple thank-you and reiterate your interest in the role.

Email subject line: Thank you, [Interviewer’s Name]Hi [Name],Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the [Job title] role. It was great to meet with you and learn more about the position.I’m excited about the opportunity to join [Company name] and am particularly interested in the details you shared about [Example from interview].Meeting you and hearing more about the role has validated for me that it’s something I would enjoy. I’m confident that my experience in [relevant example] and my interest in [relevant example] make me a strong candidate for the role.Please let me know if I can provide any further information that would be helpful to you.I look forward to hearing from you.Thanks again,[Your name][Your contact number]

Following up when you haven’t heard back after your interview: email template

When to send it: 1 week after your interview

If you have been through an interview and have not heard back after a week, it is worth making contact to find out more. Of course, every situation will be different. The person who interviewed you should provide a timeline for when you can expect to hear back – so keep that in mind. But if you are unsure after a week, or it is past the date you expected to hear, try emailing to prompt a response.

Email subject line: Interview follow up – [Job title]Hi [Name]I hope you’re well.I’m checking in on the [Job title] role. Do you have a sense of when you will be in a position to decide on this role?I’m excited about the opportunity to join [Company name], and I’m confident that my experience will be an asset to you and the team.Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide to assist in the decision-making process.Thank you,[Your name]

More tips on following up

These templates can get you started on a follow-up email to suit your situation. Here are some other things to consider: 

Adjust the way you write to suit the workplace

If you are applying to a corporate environment, keep your writing more formal. If it is a casual workplace, it is okay to make things shorter and more conversational. This can help you show that you understand the work environment.

Avoid repeated follow-ups

If you still do not get an answer after a couple of days, it may be best to check you have the correct details, call the employer, or consider pursuing other opportunities.

Remember to show patience

It can take time for employers to get through the hiring process, particularly in peak times. While you should not be afraid to follow up, you also do not want to harass them.

Following up can be nerve-racking, but waiting can be even more so. If you are pursuing a job you are interested in, it is worth giving it your best shot. If your follow-up is polite and professional, you can help strengthen a good impression and find out what steps to take next.

 

 At JobStreet, we believe in bringing you #JobsThatMatter. As a Career Partner, we are committed to helping all jobseekers find passion and purpose in every career choice. And as the number 1 Talent Partner in Asia, we connect employers with the right candidates who truly make a positive and lasting impact on the organisation

Discover Jobs That Matter. Visit JobStreet today.

About SEEK Asia

SEEK Asia, a combination of two leading brands JobStreet and jobsDB, is the leading job portal and Asia's preferred destination for candidates and hirers. SEEK Asia’s presence span across 7 countries namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam. SEEK Asia is part of the Australian Securities Exchange-listed SEEK Limited Company, the world's largest job portal by market capitalisation. SEEK Asia attracts over 400 million visits a year.

About SEEK Limited

SEEK is a diverse group of companies, comprising a strong portfolio of online employment, educational, commercial and volunteer businesses. SEEK has a global presence (including Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, South-East Asia, Brazil and Mexico), with exposure to over 2.9 billion people and approximately 27 per cent of global GDP. SEEK makes a positive contribution to people’s lives on a global scale. SEEK is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, where it is a top 100 company and has been listed in the Top 20 Most Innovative Companies by Forbes.

 

 

More from this category: Job interviews

Top search terms

Want to know what people are searching for on Jobstreet? Explore our top search terms to stay across industry trends.

Explore related topics

Choose an area of interest to browse related careers.

Subscribe to Career Advice

Get expert career advice delivered to your inbox.
You can cancel emails at any time. By clicking ‘subscribe’ you agree to Jobstreet’s Privacy Statement.