A follow up email for job application status is a short, polite note sent about a week after you apply (or just after the closing date the posting gave) that restates the job, confirms you are still interested and asks whether there is an update. Reply in the same thread as your first email, keep it to three or four sentences and do not attach anything new unless it helps.
From the hiring side, these emails rarely annoy anyone when they are short and well timed. They do bring a forgotten application back to the top of an inbox. Here are versions for each stage.
Quick answers
When
About 7 days after applying, or after the closing date in the posting.Second one
About a week after the first, then stop and move on.Length
Three to five sentences.Where
Reply in the same thread as your application email.Tone
Polite and brief. Ask for an update, never for a reason.
When to send a follow up email for job application status
| Situation | When to follow up |
|---|---|
| Applied by email, no reply | After about one week |
| Posting gave a closing date | A few days after that date |
| Applied through an online portal | After one to two weeks, to a recruiter if you can find one |
| Large employer or government job | Check the portal status first; email only if a contact is listed |
| You have another offer with a deadline | Straight away, and say so politely |
| Already followed up twice | Stop. Keep applying elsewhere. |
For a fuller view of typical wait times, see how long to hear back.
Follow up email for job application after no response
Subject: Re: Application for Office Coordinator, [Your name]
Dear Ms [Surname],
I applied for the Office Coordinator role on [date] and wanted to check whether there is any news on the hiring timeline. I remain very interested in the position and in supporting your team's day to day work.
If any other documents would help, I can send them the same day.
Thank you,
[Your name]
[Phone]
Short, specific and easy to answer. The recruiter can reply with one line.
Job application follow up email sample: the second nudge
Subject: Re: Application for Office Coordinator, [Your name]
Hello Ms [Surname],
I am following up once more on my Office Coordinator application. If the role has been filled, I would be grateful to know, and I would still like to be considered for similar openings.
Best regards,
[Your name]
How to ask for an update when you applied through a portal
When you applied through an applicant portal, there is often no email thread to reply to. Check the status first under a menu such as My profile, Applications, Status. If it still shows received after two weeks and you can find a recruiter's email, write a fresh one:
Subject: Application for Junior Accountant, Requisition 2219, [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter name],
I submitted my application for the Junior Accountant role (requisition 2219) through your careers portal on [date]. I wanted to confirm it reached the team and ask whether interviews have been scheduled yet.
I have three years of payroll experience, which the posting listed as a plus.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
[Phone]
Portal status words can be confusing; our page on application status meanings explains them.
When you have another offer
This is the one case where a quicker follow up is fine. Be honest and give a date.
Subject: Re: Application for Project Assistant, [Your name]
Dear Mr [Surname],
I applied for the Project Assistant role on [date]. I have since received another offer and need to reply by [date]. Your team is my first choice, so I wanted to ask whether you expect to make decisions before then.
I understand if the timing does not work, and I appreciate any update you can share.
Regards,
[Your name]
Sample follow up letter for job application status on paper
If you applied by post, as some schools and small offices in India still ask, a short follow up letter works the same way.
[Your name]
[Address]
[Phone]
[Date]
The Principal
[School name]
[Address]
Subject: Status of my application for the post of PRT Hindi
Respected Madam,
I had sent my application for the post of PRT Hindi on [date], in response to your advertisement. I would be thankful if you could tell me the status of my application and the date of interviews, if they have been fixed.
I continue to be keen to teach at your school.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Your name]
Good and poor follow up wording
Polite
- "I wanted to check whether there is any update on my application."
- "I remain interested and am happy to send anything else you need."
- "Thank you for your time."
Pushy or vague
- "Why have I not heard back yet?"
- "Just following up." with no job title.
- "Please reply urgently."
- Sending a follow up every two days.
If you would rather call than email, see our phone and in person follow up guide. The original email samples are on job application email.
Questions people ask
When is the right time to send a follow up email for job application status?
Give it roughly seven days from the day you applied. If the advert named a last date, wait until shortly after it. Large employers can be slower, so check any portal status first.
How do I ask for an update on a job application without sounding pushy?
Name the role and the date you applied, say you are still interested and ask whether there is an update on the timeline. Keep it to three or four sentences and thank them.
Should I reply to my original email or send a new one?
Reply to the original so the recruiter sees your application below. Start a new email only if you applied through a portal and have no thread.
How many follow up emails are too many?
Two is the usual limit: one after about a week and one a week later. After that, move on unless they contact you.
Can I write a follow up letter for job application status instead of an email?
Yes, if you applied by post or the employer prefers letters. Keep the same formal layout as your application and ask politely for the status and any interview dates.