How to follow up on a job application

You've created a CareerBuilder profile so employers can find you, built a knockout resume, submitted your job application, and nailed the interview. Now you're waiting on a response, asking yourself questions like “Should I call to check on my application?”

Knowing how to follow up after an interview can help you stand out as a top applicant and increase your chances of landing the job. Hiring managers want employees who are genuinely excited about the position, and reaching out shortly after an interview is one of the fastest, easiest, and most effective ways to demonstrate just how interested you are. Here's everything you need to know about when and how to follow up on a job application or interview to maximize your chances of getting hired.

How to do a follow-up on a job interview

We at CareerBuilder are always telling you to be proactive. Send out that resume. Learn new skills. Be your own advocate. We stand by all of that. But sometimes a little restraint is the right tactical move. So how do you know when it's time to lean in and when it's time to give hiring managers some space? Here are three pieces of advice to help you take the right steps.

Follow up in one to two weeks

While you don't want to wait too long to follow up, a short window of time will allow the hiring team to review other candidates so they can give you a more informative answer when you check back in. If you just can't wait, consider sending a brief thank you message immediately after the interview, followed by a longer message about two weeks later.

If you're heavy into the job hunt, you may have several prospective employers to follow up with. Mark your calendar a week or two after each interview so you don't forget to contact each one.

Craft a memorable email to follow up after an interview

Unless the company says otherwise, the most professional way to follow up on a job application or interview is via email. Hiring managers are often busy professionals. A phone call might be too forward or seem like an intrusion on their valuable work hours. Use a professional-sounding email address with your name in it for any employment-related communication.

Follow up individually with each contact

If more than one person interviewed you, send a personalized note to every manager or employee involved in the process rather than shooting off a group email. This small extra step can make your follow-up note memorable and distinct, proving that you know how to do a follow-up on a job interview properly.

How to write a follow-up email for a job application

Understanding how to follow up properly after an interview is important. A poorly written email is worse than no email at all. Write a concise email in which you do the following:

Include the job title and your name in the subject line.
Remind the recipient who you are.
Reference something you discussed in your interview.
Express your appreciation for the interview.
Reiterate why you're a great fit for the role, referencing prior experience or accomplishments.

End your email with a line like "Please let me know if I can provide you with any more information. I look forward to speaking with you again." You'll have a better chance of getting a response if you include a polite call to action, such as asking a follow-up question about the position, requesting additional information, inquiring about the hiring time frame, or simply saying you look forward to discussing the opportunity in more detail.

"Conducting a successful job search requires being assertive without being annoying."

Is it okay to call after applying for a job?

Many employers use automated systems to screen applications, so you might get an email confirming the company received your application. Sign up for email alerts from CareerBuilder so you never miss a notification. If you haven't gotten a confirmation, knowing how to follow up on a job application is handy. Reaching out to the hiring manager could help you establish a connection and keep you from getting lost in the pile.

Time your email right

Wait about a week after completing your application to follow up for an interview. This gives the hiring manager time to reach out to you first.

Contact the right person

Show the company you're resourceful by tracking down the email address of the hiring manager or recruiter. If the job description doesn't state who you should contact, research the company website or professional networking sites. Always address your correspondence to a specific person.

Keep it simple

Keep your email brief to make sure it's read in its entirety. Include a few compelling details about your qualifications to entice the hiring manager to look up your application, but don't simply repeat your cover letter.

Don't overdo it

If you haven't heard anything for more than two weeks, you may want to reach out again. However, don't reach out more than once every couple of weeks. You may wonder whether you should call to check on your application. This is a great idea after your initial email.

"Following up does not mean becoming a nuisance," says Julie Kniznik, senior consultant with ClearRock, a Boston-based HR consulting and leadership development firm. "If you've made multiple attempts via email and phone and aren't making progress, let it go and move on to the next opportunity.

"Checking in periodically based on your understanding of the company's hiring process is important," Kniznik adds. "Conducting a successful job search requires being assertive without being annoying."