Best examples of follow-up email examples after job applications

Real examples of follow-up email examples after job applications

Let’s skip the theory and go straight to what you actually need: words you can use.

Below are several examples of follow-up email examples after job applications that you can adapt. I’ll point out why each one works and when to use it.

Example of a short follow-up email after an online application

Use this when you applied through a company website or job board and haven’t heard anything after about 7–10 business days.

Subject: Following up on my application for Marketing Coordinator

Email:
Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I submitted my application for the Marketing Coordinator role on [date] and wanted to follow up to share my continued interest.

In my current role at [Current Company], I manage social campaigns that have increased lead generation by [X%]. I’d love to bring that experience to [Company Name] as you continue growing your digital presence.

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]

Why this works: It’s short, polite, and adds a reminder of your value (the metric). Among the best examples of follow-up email examples after job applications, this one is especially good for busy recruiters scanning on their phones.

Example of a follow-up email when you applied through a referral

Use this when someone at the company referred you and you want to gently signal that connection.

Subject: Referred by [Referrer Name] – Product Manager application

Email:
Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope your week is going well. I recently applied for the Product Manager position and was referred by [Referrer Name] on your [team/department]. I’m following up to reiterate my interest in the role and in contributing to [specific company initiative or product].

At [Current or Previous Company], I led [brief relevant project], which resulted in [short, concrete outcome]. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring that background to [Company Name].

Thank you again for considering my application. I’d welcome the chance to speak with you.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]

Why this works: It politely highlights your referral up front, which can bump you up in the review queue. When people look for examples of follow-up email examples after job applications that leverage networking, this is a strong model.

Example of a follow-up email after a first-round interview

Timing here matters. In 2024–2025, most recruiters still expect a thank-you or follow-up within 24 hours of an interview.

Subject: Thank you for our conversation about the Data Analyst role

Email:
Hi [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the Data Analyst position. I enjoyed learning more about how your team is using data to support [specific initiative mentioned in the interview].

Our conversation reinforced my interest in the role, especially the opportunity to [mention one or two responsibilities that excited you]. With my experience in [tool/skill] and my background in [relevant project or field], I’m confident I could help [Company Name] continue to [desired outcome].

Please let me know if I can provide any additional details. I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing about next steps.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works: It’s gracious, specific, and reminds them why you’re a strong fit. Among the best examples of follow-up email examples after job applications and interviews, this one hits the right tone: thankful, not desperate.

For updated norms on interview etiquette and timing, you can also check general career advice from universities such as Harvard’s Office of Career Services.

Example of a follow-up email when you haven’t heard back after an interview

If the recruiter said, “We’ll get back to you in a week,” and it’s been 10–14 days, you can send a polite nudge.

Subject: Checking in on next steps – HR Generalist interview

Email:
Hi [Recruiter or Hiring Manager Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I enjoyed speaking with you and the team about the HR Generalist position on [date], and I’m writing to check in on the hiring timeline.

I remain very interested in the opportunity to join [Company Name], particularly after hearing more about [specific initiative, value, or project discussed]. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me as you move forward.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Why this works: It’s respectful, acknowledges their process, and still signals interest. When people search for real examples of follow-up email examples after job applications that feel mature and professional, this is exactly the tone they’re aiming for.

Example of a follow-up email for remote or hybrid roles (very common in 2024–2025)

Remote and hybrid work are still standard in many industries. If the role is remote, it can help to briefly reinforce that you’re comfortable and productive in that setup.

Subject: Following up on Remote Customer Support Specialist application

Email:
Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope your week is going well. I applied for the Remote Customer Support Specialist position on [date] and wanted to follow up to share my continued interest.

I’ve spent the past [X years] supporting customers in fully remote environments, using tools like [platforms you’ve used] while consistently maintaining high satisfaction scores. I’d love to bring that experience to [Company Name] as you continue serving customers across time zones.

If you’re still reviewing candidates, I’d be excited to speak with you about how I can contribute.

Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]

Why this works: It shows you understand remote workflows and have already succeeded in that setting—something many hiring managers are actively screening for now.

Example of a follow-up email when a job posting has gone quiet

Sometimes the posting disappears, or the process drags on. You can still follow up in a way that leaves the door open.

Subject: Staying in touch about the Senior Engineer role

Email:
Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope things are going well on your end. I wanted to touch base regarding my application for the Senior Engineer role. I noticed the posting is no longer active and wanted to check whether the position has been filled.

I remain very interested in opportunities to contribute to [Company Name], especially in [specific area you discussed or that the job focused on]. Even if this particular role is on hold, I’d appreciate it if you could keep me in mind for future openings that align with my background in [key skills].

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best,
[Your Name]

Why this works: It acknowledges reality (things change), but keeps the relationship positive. For candidates who want examples of follow-up email examples after job applications that didn’t go exactly as planned, this is a tactful template.

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

This one is underrated. In a tight job market, staying on good terms after a rejection can absolutely lead to future roles.

Subject: Thank you for the update – Project Coordinator role

Email:
Hi [Recruiter or Hiring Manager Name],

Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the Project Coordinator position. While I’m disappointed not to be moving forward, I appreciated the chance to learn more about [Company Name] and your team.

I remain very interested in the work you’re doing in [specific area], and I’d be grateful if you’d keep my information on file for future roles that align with my background in [key skills or experience].

If you’re open to it, I’d also welcome any brief feedback you can share that might help me strengthen my candidacy going forward.

Thank you again for your time.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Why this works: It’s gracious, emotionally intelligent, and signals long-term interest. When hiring managers think of the best examples of follow-up email examples after job applications that leave a good impression, this kind of note stands out.

For broader research on how persistence and networking affect job search outcomes, you can explore resources from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which regularly publishes data on employment trends.

How to write your own follow-up email (without sounding pushy)

Now that you’ve seen several examples of follow-up email examples after job applications, let’s break down the pattern they all share. Think of your email as four short parts:

A clear subject line. Mention the role title and that you’re following up. Recruiters search their inboxes constantly; this helps them find your message quickly.

A quick reminder of who you are. They may be juggling dozens of candidates. Mention when you applied or interviewed, and for which position.

A line that restates your value. This can be a metric, a key skill, or a short example: “In my last role, I reduced onboarding time by 20%.” That one line can separate you from the generic “just checking in” crowd.

A polite, low-pressure ask. Something like, “Please let me know if you need any additional information,” or “I’d welcome an update on your timeline when convenient.”

If you look back at the real examples above, you’ll see this structure repeated in slightly different words. That’s what makes them feel natural instead of scripted.

For more general job search guidance and communication tips, university career centers like MIT Career Advising & Professional Development offer useful articles and worksheets.

2024–2025 trends that affect your follow-up emails

When you’re choosing from these examples of follow-up email examples after job applications, it helps to know what’s changed recently:

Longer hiring timelines. With more remote candidates in the mix and more internal approvals needed, it’s common for processes to stretch to several weeks, especially for mid‑ and senior‑level roles. That means following up isn’t annoying—it’s often helpful.

More automated systems. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to manage candidates. Your follow-up email might be manually logged into that system, so clear subject lines and role titles really matter.

Hybrid interviewing. You might have a mix of video and in‑person interviews. Following up after each touchpoint—especially after panel interviews—helps you stand out among candidates who only send one note at the end.

Global competition. With remote roles, you may be competing with candidates across time zones and countries. Strong, specific writing in your follow-up email can quietly signal your communication skills, which are highly valued in distributed teams.

FAQ about follow-up emails after job applications

How soon should I send a follow-up email after applying?
A good rule of thumb is about 7–10 business days after you apply. If the posting lists a specific closing date, follow up about a week after that date. If you had an interview, send a thank-you within 24 hours, then wait 7–10 days before a status check.

How many follow-up emails are too many?
Usually one follow-up after applying and one follow-up after an interview is enough. If they’ve given you a specific date and missed it, you can send one more polite check‑in. After that, it’s better to move on while keeping the relationship positive.

Can you give more examples of short follow-up email lines I can reuse?
Yes. Short lines you can plug into different examples of follow-up email examples after job applications include:

• “I’m writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] role submitted on [date].”
• “Our conversation reinforced my interest in contributing to [Company Name] in this position.”
• “Please let me know if I can provide any additional information as you move forward.”

What is an example of a subject line that gets opened?
An effective example of a subject line is: “Following up on [Job Title] application – [Your Name].” Other real examples include: “Thank you for the interview – [Job Title]” and “Checking in on [Job Title] application.” Keep it clear and professional.

Is it okay to ask for feedback if I’m rejected?
Yes—as long as you do it politely and briefly, like in the rejection follow-up example above. Not every recruiter will respond (many are limited by policy and time), but some will share helpful notes that you can use to improve your resume, cover letter, or interview approach.

If you want to improve your general writing and email clarity, you might find it helpful to review plain-language guidance from sources like PlainLanguage.gov, which focuses on clear, reader-friendly communication.

If you copy any of these examples of follow-up email examples after job applications, swap in your own details, trim anything that feels too formal for you, and read it out loud once before you send. If it sounds like something you’d actually say, you’re on the right track.