5 ways to successfully follow up after applications and interviews
You’ve sent in your application or walked out of that interview feeling confident. Now what? Do you sit back and wait? Refresh your inbox every hour? Send a dozen follow-up emails? (Spoiler: Please don’t do that.)
What you do after you apply or interview can be just as important as your resume or how you answered the question, “Tell me about yourself.”
Here we share how to follow up the right way—professionally, confidently, and without overstepping.
Send a thank you note
After an interview, whether it’s over the phone, virtual, or in-person, send a thank you note to the person you spoke to within 24 hours. It doesn’t need to be a novel. A few thoughtful sentences expressing appreciation for the opportunity, referencing something specific from your conversation, and reinforcing your interest in the role will go a long way.
Tip: Email is perfectly fine (and expected). Handwritten notes are nice but may take too long to arrive.
Follow up after applying (but give it time)
It’s natural to want to check in after submitting an application, but timing is key. Wait about 7–10 business days before following up, unless the job posting states otherwise.
When you do reach out:
- Be polite and concise.
- Mention the role you applied for.
- Reaffirm your interest.
- Avoid demanding an update, just express enthusiasm and openness to any next steps.
Example:
“Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name], I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] role I submitted on [Date]. I’m very excited about the opportunity to bring [specific skill or experience] to your team. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide. Looking forward to hearing from you!”
Check in after the interview (if you haven’t heard back)
If you haven’t received an update within the timeline mentioned during the interview—or after about 7–10 business days—it’s appropriate to send a polite check-in.
Keep it friendly and professional. It might look like this:
“Hi [Interviewer’s Name], I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to speak with you last week about the [Job Title] position. I really enjoyed learning more about the team and your approach to [something discussed]. I’m still very interested in the role and would love to know if there are any updates you can share on the hiring timeline.”
Stay on their radar without being pushy
If you still haven’t heard back after your follow-up, don’t spam their inbox with multiple emails. Instead, find subtle ways to stay at the top of their mind:
- Engage with the company’s content on LinkedIn.
- Connect with the interviewer (if appropriate) with a note like: “Thanks again for the great conversation last week. I’d love to stay connected!”
Persistence is admirable, but showing respect for a recruiter or hiring manager’s time is even more so.
Work with a talent partner (like us!)
If you’re finding the application process frustrating or communication is unclear, that’s where a good talent solutions partner can make all the difference.
At Addison Group, we advocate for our candidates and keep the lines of communication open. We can help you:
- Know when and how to follow up.
- Get direct feedback from hiring managers.
- Navigate timing and expectations confidently.
When you work with a recruiting partner, you’re not just another resume in the stack, you’re part of a team working together to land the right role for you.
Following up after applications and interviews doesn’t have to feel awkward or desperate. Done right, it shows initiative, professionalism, and genuine interest—all traits that employers love to see.
Need help standing out at every stage of the hiring process? We can help. For more than 20 years, our expert recruiters have been matching top talent with innovative companies. Let’s talk about how our team can support your success.
