8 answers
Carsyn
Student
Charleston, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What’s the best way to follow up after submitting an application or interview without seeming pushy?
I am a senior in college just starting to navigate the online job search.
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8 answers
Matt M
Auditor
9
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Carsy, great question. First I'd recommend waiting an appropriate amount of time (7-10 days) before following up after submission. After an interview, it’s standard to generally send a thank-you email within 24 hours. I'd also say to keep your note short and friendly, and make sure you're showing enthusiasm and not impatience. Be sure to focus on your excitement about the company or role, rather than asking directly for a decision. Phrases like “I remain very interested in this opportunity” or “I’d love to stay in touch” help you come across as proactive and positive. And then if you don’t hear back after a follow-up or two (which happens to everyone), it’s best to move on while keeping the door open for future opportunities.
Anthony Feng
Marketing
5
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Following an interview, I'd recommend a thoughtful thank you note within 24 hours. After that, I would generally advise waiting 1 or 2 days after whatever date they said they'd come back to you with next steps or roughly 7-10 days if no timing was provided.
It's far less common (and effective) to send a follow-up note after an application, but I have seen a short and gentle note on LinkedIn to the hiring manager work.
It's far less common (and effective) to send a follow-up note after an application, but I have seen a short and gentle note on LinkedIn to the hiring manager work.
David Seides
Finance
29
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
David’s Answer
It's hard to give a set time that is reasonable for a follow up after an interview as every job has its own process and timing. I would recommend that before you finish an interview, ask what the process looks like and how long it might take for the next step. If they say a specific time and that time passes, feel free to follow up with the interviewer. I also would recommend always sending a thank you email to the interviewer right after the interview. It often is just a formality, but it could come back to harm you if you don't send one and the hiring manager is expecting you to.
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Carsyn,
It is good that you got an interview and I know the job search can be very difficult because I used to feel that way all the time. In terms of what you can do to follow up, I would say that you should wait a week to see if the company reaches out to you and if they don't you can send an email where you are respectfully ask about the status of your interview/position. Always remember to be professional, believe in yourself and always apply to multiple different jobs in case one does not work out. Best of luck to you in your job search!
It is good that you got an interview and I know the job search can be very difficult because I used to feel that way all the time. In terms of what you can do to follow up, I would say that you should wait a week to see if the company reaches out to you and if they don't you can send an email where you are respectfully ask about the status of your interview/position. Always remember to be professional, believe in yourself and always apply to multiple different jobs in case one does not work out. Best of luck to you in your job search!
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Carsyn,
I wouldn't "follow up" after submitting an application. You would only be wasting people's time. I know it might be tempting to send an e-mail if you haven't heard after some time, but the ball is in their court. They are not going to move any faster just because you (and 500 other people) want to know. It has also become very common to just ghost unsuccessful applicants.
If at all possible, I would make contact with some legitimate questions before I send an application. Ideally, they should already know you before a position is advertised because you did an internship, talked to the recruiter somewhere or expressed an interest. The idea is that the recruiter should remember you from your thoughtful questions or your record with the company when they come across your resume.
After an interview it's easy to follow up. Send a thank you note, mention something you liked and how you would be a good fit and that you are hoping to hear from them soon. If you have come this far, it's ok to politely inquire after a few (2-3?) weeks if you haven't heard.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I wouldn't "follow up" after submitting an application. You would only be wasting people's time. I know it might be tempting to send an e-mail if you haven't heard after some time, but the ball is in their court. They are not going to move any faster just because you (and 500 other people) want to know. It has also become very common to just ghost unsuccessful applicants.
If at all possible, I would make contact with some legitimate questions before I send an application. Ideally, they should already know you before a position is advertised because you did an internship, talked to the recruiter somewhere or expressed an interest. The idea is that the recruiter should remember you from your thoughtful questions or your record with the company when they come across your resume.
After an interview it's easy to follow up. Send a thank you note, mention something you liked and how you would be a good fit and that you are hoping to hear from them soon. If you have come this far, it's ok to politely inquire after a few (2-3?) weeks if you haven't heard.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Carsyn. After submitting your application, you can wait about one to two weeks before sending a short follow-up email. This gives the hiring team enough time to review applications. In your email, briefly remind them of who you are, the position you applied for, and your continued interest in the role. Keep the message short and polite, and avoid asking for an immediate response.
If you have already had an interview, it's best to send a thank-you email within 24 hours. In your message, thank the interviewer for their time and mention one or two points from your conversation that stood out to you. This helps them remember you and shows genuine enthusiasm for the role. If you haven't heard back after the timeline they mentioned (or about one to two weeks later if no timeline was given), you can send a gentle follow-up. Express that you're still very interested and ask if there are any updates on the hiring process.
Hope this helps. All the best.
If you have already had an interview, it's best to send a thank-you email within 24 hours. In your message, thank the interviewer for their time and mention one or two points from your conversation that stood out to you. This helps them remember you and shows genuine enthusiasm for the role. If you haven't heard back after the timeline they mentioned (or about one to two weeks later if no timeline was given), you can send a gentle follow-up. Express that you're still very interested and ask if there are any updates on the hiring process.
Hope this helps. All the best.
Jackson Lagerwey
Consulting
32
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jackson’s Answer
Hey Carsyn,
Sending a follow up email after an interview is a great way to thank the interviewer for their time and to show some extra initiative. I'd recommend sending a thank you email a couple of hours after the interview just to express your appreciation.
In terms of a follow up on top of that, it's important to give the recruiting team some time to make their decision. If they gave you an estimate on the timeline, I'd recommend you wait a few days to a week after that estimated date to follow up. You should just give them a subtle nudge to understand if you're application is still being processed and when you should expect to hear back from them. Be respectful in the email and don't make it too long. I'd recommend you use ChatGPT to come up with some ideas on how you can write it.
For an application, its a bit of a different story. You can follow up a few days after submitting it to check in on when you should expect a response and inform them that you're excited about the their company etc. In terms of following up after its been a while, I'd say give it 2-3 weeks to ask when to expect responses about interview times etc.
Hopefully this helps!
Sending a follow up email after an interview is a great way to thank the interviewer for their time and to show some extra initiative. I'd recommend sending a thank you email a couple of hours after the interview just to express your appreciation.
In terms of a follow up on top of that, it's important to give the recruiting team some time to make their decision. If they gave you an estimate on the timeline, I'd recommend you wait a few days to a week after that estimated date to follow up. You should just give them a subtle nudge to understand if you're application is still being processed and when you should expect to hear back from them. Be respectful in the email and don't make it too long. I'd recommend you use ChatGPT to come up with some ideas on how you can write it.
For an application, its a bit of a different story. You can follow up a few days after submitting it to check in on when you should expect a response and inform them that you're excited about the their company etc. In terms of following up after its been a while, I'd say give it 2-3 weeks to ask when to expect responses about interview times etc.
Hopefully this helps!
Aline Pereira
Solution Engineer
3
Answers
Lincoln, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Aline’s Answer
✅ 1. Timing Matters
After an application: Wait about 5–7 business days before following up. This gives recruiters time to review submissions.
After an interview: A thank-you email should be sent within 24 hours, and a status follow-up can be sent after 5–7 days if you haven’t heard back.
✅ 2. Keep It Short and Positive
Your message should:
Express gratitude for the opportunity.
Reaffirm your interest in the role.
Avoid demanding updates—frame it as checking in politely.
Example:
Subject: Thank You & Follow-Up
Dear [Name],
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for [Role]. I enjoyed learning more about [Company/Team] and am excited about the possibility of contributing. Please let me know if there’s anything further I can provide to assist in your decision process.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
✅ 3. Add Value
Instead of just asking for status:
Share a relevant article, insight, or certification you’ve completed.
Mention something discussed in the interview and expand on it briefly.
✅ 4. Respect Boundaries
Avoid multiple follow-ups in short intervals.
If they’ve given a timeline, wait until that date passes before reaching out.
✅ 5. Maintain a Professional Tone
Use language that conveys enthusiasm, not urgency.
Avoid phrases like “Just checking if you made a decision”—instead say “I wanted to follow up regarding next steps and remain very interested in the role.”
After an application: Wait about 5–7 business days before following up. This gives recruiters time to review submissions.
After an interview: A thank-you email should be sent within 24 hours, and a status follow-up can be sent after 5–7 days if you haven’t heard back.
✅ 2. Keep It Short and Positive
Your message should:
Express gratitude for the opportunity.
Reaffirm your interest in the role.
Avoid demanding updates—frame it as checking in politely.
Example:
Subject: Thank You & Follow-Up
Dear [Name],
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for [Role]. I enjoyed learning more about [Company/Team] and am excited about the possibility of contributing. Please let me know if there’s anything further I can provide to assist in your decision process.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
✅ 3. Add Value
Instead of just asking for status:
Share a relevant article, insight, or certification you’ve completed.
Mention something discussed in the interview and expand on it briefly.
✅ 4. Respect Boundaries
Avoid multiple follow-ups in short intervals.
If they’ve given a timeline, wait until that date passes before reaching out.
✅ 5. Maintain a Professional Tone
Use language that conveys enthusiasm, not urgency.
Avoid phrases like “Just checking if you made a decision”—instead say “I wanted to follow up regarding next steps and remain very interested in the role.”