Follow Up on Your Application or Interview (With Email Templates)
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's more you can do. And following up after you've been through a job interview is a way to offer thanks, strengthen the impression you've made and find out the next steps.
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've 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's 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've filled the role or when they plan to. Here's 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've been through the effort of a job interview, one more thing can help you make a great impression: a short email showing gratitude. Generally, you'd send it later on in the day of your interview - but if it was a late interview, the next morning is fine.
It's best to keep this email short and sweet. Don't 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've been through an interview and haven't heard back after a week, it's 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're unsure after a week, or it's 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're applying to a corporate environment, keep your writing more formal. If it's a casual workplace, it's 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 don't 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 shouldn't be afraid to follow up, you also don't want to harass them.
Following up can be nerve-racking, but waiting can be even more so. If you're pursuing a job you're interested in, it's 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.
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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.
