Best examples of job application follow-up email examples that actually get replies

Short, strong examples of job application follow-up email examples

Let’s start with what you probably want most: actual wording you can use right now. Below are several real examples of job application follow-up email examples you can copy, paste, and adapt.

Each one is written in a natural, professional tone that works well in the US job market and for most international roles.

Example of a follow-up email after applying online (no response yet)

When to use this: About 7–10 days after you applied and haven’t heard anything.

Subject: Follow-up on [Job Title] application – [Your Name]

Email body:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position (Job ID: [####]) and wanted to follow up to reiterate my interest.

With my background in [1–2 relevant skills or achievements], I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to [something specific about the company or team]. I’d love to learn more about the role and how I can support your goals for [quarter/year/project].

If it’s helpful, I’m happy to provide any additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the best examples of a simple, respectful follow-up: it reminds them who you are, confirms your interest, and doesn’t pressure them for an immediate answer.

Example of a follow-up email after a referral

When to use this: A colleague or friend referred you, you applied, and now you’re following up with the hiring manager.

Subject: Referred by [Referrer’s Name] – [Job Title] application

Email body:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope your week is going well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] role and was referred by [Referrer’s Name], who thought my background in [briefly mention experience] could be a strong fit for your team.

I’m particularly interested in [specific project, product, or initiative] and would welcome the chance to discuss how I can contribute. I’ve attached my resume here as well, in case it’s easier to access.

Thank you for your time, and I appreciate your consideration.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn URL]

Here, the referral is front and center, which is one of the best examples of how to gently increase your chances of being noticed without sounding pushy.

Example of a follow-up email after a first interview

When to use this: Within 24 hours of your interview.

Subject: Thank you – [Job Title] interview on [Date]

Email body:
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed learning more about [specific topic you discussed, such as team structure, tech stack, or upcoming projects].

Our conversation about [specific detail] confirmed my excitement about the opportunity to contribute to [team or company goal]. With my experience in [relevant skill/achievement], I’m confident I can add value quickly.

Please let me know if I can share anything else to support your decision-making process. I look forward to hearing about next steps.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is a classic example of a job application follow-up email that doubles as a thank-you note and a gentle reminder of your fit.

Example of a follow-up email after a final round (no update)

When to use this: About 5–7 business days after the final interview if they haven’t given a specific timeline, or a few days past the date they mentioned.

Subject: Checking in on [Job Title] hiring timeline

Email body:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding the [Job Title] role after our conversation on [date of last interview]. I remain very interested in the position and in the opportunity to join [Company Name].

I’m particularly excited about [specific initiative, challenge, or goal you discussed], and I’d love the chance to contribute my experience in [relevant skill set] to the team.

I understand these decisions take time and coordination. If there’s any additional information I can provide, please let me know. I appreciate the update whenever you have one.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Among the best examples of job application follow-up email examples, this one balances enthusiasm with patience.

Example of a follow-up email when you have another offer

When to use this: You have an offer with a deadline, but you’d prefer this other role.

Subject: Quick update regarding my job search – [Your Name]

Email body:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope your week is going well. I wanted to share a quick update and also reaffirm my strong interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

I’ve received another offer with a decision deadline of [date]. While I’m considering it carefully, [Company Name] remains my top choice because of [specific reason: culture, mission, project, growth opportunity].

If it’s possible to share an update on your hiring timeline, I’d really appreciate it. I completely understand if your process needs more time; I simply wanted to be transparent about my situation.

Thank you again for your consideration.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is a respectful example of a follow-up email that uses time pressure without making demands.

Example of a follow-up email after rejection (to keep the door open)

When to use this: You were rejected, but you’d like to stay on their radar.

Subject: Thank you for the opportunity – [Job Title]

Email body:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the [Job Title] role and for the time you and the team spent with me during the process.

While I’m disappointed, I truly appreciated learning more about [Company Name] and your work on [specific project or area]. Our conversations confirmed that this is the type of environment where I’d love to contribute in the future.

If you feel there might be a better fit for my background in [1–2 strengths], I’d be grateful if you’d keep me in mind for future opportunities.

Wishing you and the team continued success, and I hope our paths cross again.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of turning a no into a long-term networking opportunity.

Short LinkedIn follow-up message example

When to use this: You applied online and want a light-touch follow-up with the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn.

LinkedIn message:
Hi [Name],

I recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] and wanted to briefly introduce myself here as well. I’m a [your role] with experience in [1–2 relevant skills] and am very interested in what your team is doing in [specific area].

If you have any advice on the process or what you’re looking for in this role, I’d really appreciate it. Either way, thanks for your time and for considering my application.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is a lighter, social example of a job application follow-up that doesn’t feel like a hard ask.

How often and when to send these follow-up email examples

Even the best examples of job application follow-up email examples won’t help if your timing is off. In 2024–2025, hiring timelines are still uneven. Some companies move in days, others in months.

A practical rhythm many career advisors recommend:

• After submitting your application: Wait about 7–10 days before your first follow-up.
• After a first interview: Send a thank-you within 24 hours, then a follow-up in about 5–7 business days if you haven’t heard back and they didn’t give a timeline.
• After a final interview: If they gave a date, wait until a couple of days after that. If they didn’t, follow up in about 5–7 business days.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that average job search length can stretch over several weeks or months, depending on the market and industry. You can explore current employment trends and unemployment rates here:
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.toc.htm

Those numbers are a reminder: silence often reflects internal delays, not your worth as a candidate.

How to customize these examples of job application follow-up email examples

Think of these templates as frameworks. The best examples are the ones you bend to fit your story.

A few ways to personalize them:

• Mention something specific you discussed. Refer to a project, a tool, a challenge, or even a joke you shared. It proves you were present and engaged.
• Tie your skills to their goals. Instead of repeating your resume, connect your experience directly to what the team is trying to achieve.
• Match their tone. If the hiring manager was formal, keep it formal. If they were relaxed and conversational, you can soften your language a bit too.
• Keep it short. Most of the best examples of job application follow-up email examples are under 200 words. Long messages get skimmed or ignored.

You can see similar advice in many university career centers. For instance, Harvard’s Office of Career Services provides guidance on professional communication and follow-up etiquette:
https://ocs.fas.harvard.edu/resumes-cover-letters

While their resources focus heavily on students and recent grads, the principles apply broadly: polite, specific, and concise wins.

2024–2025 trends: What hiring managers expect in follow-up emails

A few shifts have become common in the last couple of years:

• Remote and hybrid roles mean more asynchronous communication. Hiring teams may be spread across time zones, so delays are common. A calm, respectful follow-up stands out more than ever.
• AI screening tools are everywhere. Your follow-up email is one of the few times you’re definitely talking to a human. Use that moment to show personality and clarity.
• Short, skimmable writing wins. Many recruiters are managing large req loads. Clear subject lines and tight paragraphs help your email get read.

Career services organizations like the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) regularly survey hiring managers, and the pattern is consistent: professionalism, clarity, and genuine interest matter far more than elaborate wording. You can explore their employer research here:
https://www.naceweb.org/research/

This is why the best examples of job application follow-up email examples are simple, specific, and human.

Common mistakes these examples help you avoid

When people write their own follow-up emails from scratch, a few patterns show up over and over:

• Sounding impatient. Phrases like “I expected to hear back by now” or “It’s been a long time” can come across as accusatory. The examples above keep the tone curious and appreciative instead.
• Writing a mini-novel. Long backstories, explanations, or detailed life updates rarely help. Short, focused emails perform better.
• Being too vague. “Just following up” without saying which job, when you applied, or why you’re interested forces the recruiter to do extra work. The better examples include a clear reference to the role and a quick reminder of your fit.
• Copying generic AI text without editing. Recruiters are seeing the same bland phrases over and over. Take an extra minute to tweak any example of a follow-up email so it sounds like you, not a template.

If you’re unsure about tone, reading your email out loud can help you catch anything that sounds defensive or needy.

FAQ: Real examples and practical questions about follow-up emails

How long should a job application follow-up email be?
Most effective follow-up emails are between 75 and 200 words. The best examples are short, specific, and easy to skim.

How many times should I follow up after applying?
A common pattern is one follow-up after 7–10 days, and possibly a second follow-up 7–10 days after that if the job is still posted and you’re genuinely interested. If there’s still no response, it’s usually better to move on while keeping the door open for future roles.

Can you share more examples of subject lines for follow-up emails?
Sure. Some simple examples include:

• “Following up on [Job Title] application – [Your Name]”
• “Thank you for the [Job Title] interview”
• “Checking in on [Job Title] role”
• “Referred by [Name] – [Job Title]"
  These mirror the best examples of job application follow-up email examples in this guide: clear, direct, and professional.

What is a good example of a polite nudge if they’re overdue on a decision?
You can say something like:
“Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check in regarding the [Job Title] role. I remain very interested in the position and would appreciate any update on your timeline when you have a moment. Thank you again for your time.”
This is a concise example of a follow-up email that acknowledges their busy schedule while still asking for information.

Is it okay to follow up if the posting is still live but I haven’t heard anything?
Yes. If it’s been at least a week, a polite follow-up shows interest and professionalism. Many university career centers and employment offices encourage this as a normal part of the process. For example, general guidance from career services often emphasizes appropriate follow-up as part of effective job searching.

Remember, the goal of all these examples of job application follow-up email examples is simple: remind them you exist, show you’re genuinely interested, and make it easy for them to reply.