How to Follow Up After Applying for a Job Without Sounding Desperate

Information checked: 6 October 2026

Applying for a job and hearing nothing can be frustrating. You may have spent time preparing your CV, completing an online application and checking your email, only to receive no update.

A polite follow-up can help you confirm that your application was received and remind the employer that you remain interested. However, the timing and wording matter. Following up too frequently can create the wrong impression, while never checking on an application can leave you wondering whether it was received.

This guide explains when to follow up, what to say, which communication methods to use and how to remain professional if the employer does not respond.

Should You Follow Up After Applying for a Job?

In many situations, a professional follow-up is reasonable, particularly when the vacancy does not provide a clear recruitment timeline.

The purpose should not be to pressure the recruiter into selecting you. Instead, your message should confirm your continued interest and politely ask whether there is an update on the recruitment process.

A follow-up is especially useful when the advertisement provides a contact person or specifically says applicants may contact the organisation for enquiries.

When Is the Best Time to Follow Up?

Timing depends on the vacancy.

If the closing date has not passed, avoid contacting the employer immediately unless the advertisement invites questions. The recruitment team may still be collecting applications.

Once the closing date has passed, waiting several working days before making a polite enquiry can be reasonable.

For a vacancy that does not have a stated closing date, you can follow up after approximately a week or two, depending on the circumstances.

There is no universal rule that guarantees a response. Large employers can receive hundreds or thousands of applications, so recruitment processes may take time.

Check the Job Advertisement Before Contacting Anyone

Before sending a follow-up, reread the original vacancy.

Look for information about:

• The closing date.
• The recruitment contact person.
• An application reference number.
• Expected response times.
• Instructions saying applicants should not contact the company.
• The official email address or recruitment portal.

If the advertisement says that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, understand that silence does not necessarily mean your application was lost.

How to Follow Up by Email

Email is often the safest option when the employer provides an official recruitment address.

Keep the message short. The recruiter does not need your entire employment history again.

Include your name, the position applied for, the date of application and, if available, the vacancy reference number.

A professional message could look like this:

Subject: Follow-Up on [Position Name] Application

Dear Hiring Team,

I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Position Name] position, submitted on [date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and would appreciate any update regarding the recruitment process.

Please let me know if any additional information is required from my side.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

Should You Call the Employer?

A phone call can be appropriate if the vacancy provides a telephone number for recruitment enquiries.

Keep the conversation brief and respectful. Introduce yourself, explain which position you applied for and ask whether the recruitment process has progressed.

Do not call repeatedly if nobody answers. Leave one professional message if appropriate and then allow the employer time to respond.

What If You Applied Through an Online Portal?

Many large employers use recruitment systems that allow candidates to track applications.

Before contacting the company, log into the recruitment portal and check the status of your application. Your application may already be marked as received, under review or closed.

If the portal confirms that the application was successfully submitted, there may be no need to send another CV unless the employer specifically requests one.

How Often Should You Follow Up?

One well-timed follow-up is usually better than sending repeated messages.

If you receive no response, you can consider one further follow-up after a reasonable period, particularly if the vacancy remains active.

After that, continue your job search rather than waiting indefinitely for one employer.

The most important rule is simple: never allow one application to become your entire job search.

What Not to Say in a Follow-Up

A follow-up should demonstrate professionalism rather than frustration.

Avoid messages such as:

• “Why haven’t you replied to me?”
• “I really need this job.”
• “Please give me the job.”
• “I know I am the best candidate.”
• “If you don’t respond today, I will report you.”

Even if you are under significant financial pressure, the employer should not be made responsible for your personal circumstances.

What If the Employer Says the Position Is Still Under Review?

Thank them for the update and remain patient.

You can respond briefly and confirm that you remain interested.

There is no advantage in sending another message every few days. Recruitment teams often need time to compare candidates, conduct interviews, obtain approvals and complete internal processes.

What If You Are Rejected?

Do not treat rejection as the end of your job search.

If the employer invites feedback requests, you can politely ask whether they are able to provide any advice that could help you improve future applications.

Not every company provides individual feedback, so do not take the absence of feedback personally.

Use the experience to improve your next application. Compare the job requirements with your CV and identify areas where your qualifications or experience could be presented more clearly.

Use the Waiting Period Productively

Instead of checking your inbox every hour, continue applying for other suitable opportunities.

Review your CV, research employers, develop relevant skills and look for internships, learnerships, volunteer work or temporary opportunities where appropriate.

The Department of Employment and Labour advises work seekers to research target companies, keep CVs updated for particular jobs and expand their job-search channels.

You can also read JobzPro’s Career Advice resources for additional job-search guidance.

How to Know When to Move On

If the vacancy has closed and you have received no response, move forward.

If several weeks have passed without an update, continue applying elsewhere.

Moving on does not mean the application was worthless. Every application can teach you something about your CV, target employers and job-search strategy.