Strategies to follow up on a job application: Email templates and tips

Job applications involve more than just submitting your cover letter and resume. One key step that many job seekers overlook is the art of follow-up. Following up shows your eagerness and can better set you apart from other candidates.  

It is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Moreover, follow-up demonstrates your proactive approach and commitment to pursuing opportunities diligently. 

We explore the significance of following up on a job application and why it matters more than you might think. Our goal here is simple – to arm you with practical strategies on how to write a follow-up email after submitting your job application. We have given an email template, crafted email examples, and gathered valuable tips to empower you in your job search. 

Here is what we will cover: 

• Why it's important to follow up on a job application 
• How to write a follow-up email after submitting a job application 
• Tips for writing a follow-up email 
• Follow-up email examples 
• Conclusion 
• FAQs 

Why it's important to follow up on a job application 

Checking with the company after you apply for a job ad shows your continued interest in the position and your desire and enthusiasm to work for the company. Following up can also remind the hiring manager about your application and ensure it is not forgotten. 

It is best to check a week or two after submitting your application. That should give hiring managers enough time to review applications. When you check, you should be polite and respectful but also demonstrate your interest in the job. 

How to write a follow-up email after submitting a job application 

When you follow up with a company, remember to be polite and respectful in your email, and keep it short and to the point. 

Here are some things to consider when writing a follow-up email after submitting a job application: 

• Use polite language: Be polite and formal in the email as this is the social norm in Singapore. If you know the hiring manager's name, address them by their name. 
• Ensure your subject line is clear: Compose a concise subject line that indicates the email's purpose and is easily understood when it appears in the hiring manager's inbox. For instance, use a subject line like "Checking on My Job Application – [Your Name]." 
• Greet the person: Start your email with a greeting like “Dear [hiring manager's name].” 
• Remind the company of your qualifications: Mention the position title you applied for and a few specific skills you possess that make you a strong candidate for the job. 
• Reiterate your interest: Tell them that you are still interested in the job and would like to know more about what is happening with your job application. 
• Ask about the decision timeline: Asking when you can expect to hear back about your job application might be helpful, too. 
• Thank them: Write a few lines expressing appreciation and thank them for their time and attention. 
• Give your contact details: Include your phone number and direct email address so they can contact you. 
• End your email: End your email with a polite closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name. 
• Check your email: Before you send your follow-up email, proofread carefully to ensure there are no grammatical errors and that it is easy to understand. 

Tips for writing a follow-up email 

Remember, a follow-up job application email is short, polite, and professional. It should show that you still want the job and politely ask for an update on your application. 

If you have applied for a job and want to write an email to follow up, here are some helpful tips: 

• Keep it short: Ensure your email is brief and easy to understand. Hiring managers are busy and will appreciate a clear and concise message. 
• Share your achievements: If you have done anything relevant to the job since you applied, tell the hiring manager about it in your email. This can help show that you are a good fit for the job. 
• Be professional: Use formal language and avoid any slang or abbreviations. This can show your respect for their role and authority and help in making a good impression. 
• Make it personal: If your interactions with the company during the application process have been positive, mention them in your email. This can help remind the hiring manager who you are. 
• Use a professional email address: Make sure your email address is professional and appropriate. Do not use a personal or unprofessional email address when applying for a job. 

Follow-up email examples 

A personal and genuine-sounding email can leave a positive impression on the hiring manager. Given below are an email template and two follow-up email examples.  

The template serves as a general framework or guideline for crafting a follow-up email after submitting a job application. It outlines the key components and structure that should be included in such an email. The examples provide concrete illustrations of how the template can be applied in different contexts. You can use them to customise and personalise to fit your specific situations.  

Follow-up email template 

Subject: Following up on Job Application – [Your name] 

Dear [hiring manager's full name], 

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to check on the job application I submitted on [date] for the [job title] position at [company name]. 

I am still very keen on this job and would love to join your team and contribute to the success of [company name]. With my [mention key qualifications/experiences], I think I would be a valuable asset to your company. 

You are probably reviewing many applications, so I would like to ask if you need further information or documents to support my application. Could you please let me know the status of my application and the expected timeline for the next steps in the company's hiring process? 

Thank you very much for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Sincerely, 

[Your name] 

Email: [Your email address] 

Phone: [Your phone number] 

Example 1 

Subject: Following up on Job Application – Wong Liang Wei 

Dear Mr. Tan Ah Beng, 

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inquire about the status of the job application I submitted on 10th February for the Software Engineer position at Tech Innovations Ltd. 

I remain highly enthusiastic about this opportunity and am eager to contribute my expertise to the success of Tech Innovations Ltd. With my extensive experience in software development and proficiency in various programming languages, I am confident that I would be a valuable addition to your team. 

Given the volume of applications you may be receiving, I am prepared to provide any extra information or documents you may require supporting my candidacy. Could you kindly provide an update on the status of my application and the expected timeline for the next steps in the company's hiring process? 

Thank you for considering my application. I appreciate your time and attention to this matter and look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss it further at a convenient time. 

Sincerely, 

Wong Liang Wei 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: +65 9876 5432 

Subject: Checking the Status of My Job Application – [Your name] 

Example 2 

Subject: Checking the Status of My Job Application – Jasmine Tan 

Dear Ms. Michelle Lim, 

I hope this email finds you well. I have recently applied for the position of Marketing Executive at ABC Marketing Solutions, and I would like to check the status of my application. 

I am excited about the opportunity to work with ABC Marketing Solutions and leverage my skills and experience to contribute to the company's success. My background in digital marketing and content creation aligns well with the requirements of the position, and I am confident that I could make a positive impact on your team. 

I understand that you are very busy with the hiring process. Still, I would like to ask if I can provide additional information if there are any updates on my application status. Can you please let me know what the next steps in the process are? 

Thank you very much for considering my application. I hope to hear from you soon. 

Best regards, 

Jasmine Tan 

Email: [email protected] 

Phone: +65 9876 5432 

Conclusion 

Taking the time to follow up after submitting a job application is important because it shows interest, helps you stand out from other job seekers, and demonstrates your dedication and initiative. Following up also shows that you are enthusiastic and proactive, which can mean the difference between getting passed over for the role or getting a response to your job application. 

When crafting your job application follow-up, ensure to show your respect for the recruiter or hiring manager with formal language and a thankful attitude. This demonstrates professionalism and leaves a positive impression. Remember, following up is not just about asking for an update; it is about reinforcing that you are interested in and making a memorable impression that could lead to landing the job. 

FAQs 

1. When is the best time to send a follow-up email? 
   ⁠It is usually best to wait one to two weeks before sending a follow-up email after applying for a job. This gives the person in charge enough time to review all the job applications. Waiting one to two weeks shows that you are patient and respectful of their process while also demonstrating your eagerness to learn more about your application status. 
2. Should I follow up if the job posting doesn't specify a deadline? 
   ⁠It is a good idea to check if a job posting mentions a deadline. Even if there is no timeline, following up could still be helpful. This is because the hiring process can take time. Sending a follow-up email one or two weeks after applying shows that you have a genuine interest in the position. You could also tell the hiring manager more about your skills and excitement about the job. 
3. How long should I wait for a response after sending a follow-up email? 
   ⁠As a general rule, you should wait about one to two weeks before following up again. This time frame gives the hiring manager enough time to review all applications, conduct a job interview with each of the selected people, and then make a final decision.