The best examples of follow-up email examples for job applications (that actually get replies)

Short, polite examples of follow-up email examples for job applications

Let’s start with what most people need first: a simple, professional email you can send after you’ve applied online and haven’t heard anything.

Here’s a short example of a follow-up email you can send 5–7 business days after submitting your application:

Subject: Application follow‑up – Marketing Coordinator – [Your Name]

Email body:
“Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I recently applied for the Marketing Coordinator role (Job ID: 4829) on [date] and wanted to briefly follow up. I remain very interested in the position and in contributing to [specific team, project, or company goal].

If it’s helpful, I’d be glad to provide any additional information about my background in [one relevant skill or result]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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

This is one of the best examples of a follow-up email because it’s short, respectful, and easy for a busy recruiter to skim. You’re not demanding an update—you’re reminding them you exist and making it easy for them to pull up your application.

Longer examples of follow-up email examples for job applications (with more detail)

Sometimes you want a little more space to show how you fit the role, especially if the job posting was detailed or senior‑level. Here’s a slightly longer example of a follow-up email that adds value instead of just asking for status.

Subject: Following up on my application – Senior Data Analyst

“Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope your week is going well. I submitted my application for the Senior Data Analyst position on [date] and wanted to follow up regarding next steps.

After reviewing the job description again, I’m especially excited about the focus on [specific responsibility from the posting, such as “building dashboards for executive reporting"]. In my current role at [Current Company], I led a project that [briefly describe a relevant, measurable achievement—e.g., “reduced reporting time by 40% by automating weekly KPI dashboards"].

I’d welcome the chance to discuss how this experience aligns with your team’s goals. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can share to support your decision.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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

Examples like this work well in 2024–2025 because hiring managers are flooded with generic messages. A specific result tied to their job posting helps you stand out without writing a novel.

Examples of follow-up email examples for job applications after a referral

If someone inside the company referred you, you have an advantage—use it politely. Here’s an example of a follow-up email that mentions your referrer without sounding pushy.

Subject: Referred application follow‑up – Product Manager – [Your Name]

“Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I recently applied for the Product Manager position and was referred by [Referrer’s Name], who mentioned your team is working on [specific product or initiative].

After learning more about [Company]’s work on [briefly mention something you genuinely like—recent launch, mission, or product], I’m even more interested in the role. In my previous position at [Past Company], I [one concrete, relevant achievement—e.g., “launched a new feature that increased user retention by 18%"].

I’d be glad to share more details about my background or portfolio if helpful. Thank you again for considering my application.

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

This is a good example of a follow-up email because you:

• Mention the referral early.
• Tie your experience to their work.
• Keep the tone respectful and low‑pressure.

Examples of follow-up email examples for job applications after an interview

Once you’ve interviewed, your follow‑up email does double duty: saying thank you and reinforcing your fit. In 2024–2025, sending a follow‑up within 24 hours is still standard etiquette, whether the interview was virtual or in person.

Here’s a post‑interview follow‑up example:

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

“Hi [Interviewer Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the [Role Title] position. I enjoyed learning more about how your team is approaching [specific topic you discussed—e.g., “expanding into new markets” or “modernizing your tech stack"].

Our conversation reinforced my excitement about this opportunity, especially the chance to [mention one key responsibility or project]. With my experience in [relevant skill or result—e.g., “leading cross‑functional launches across design, engineering, and marketing"], I’m confident I could contribute meaningfully to your goals.

If I can provide any additional information, references, or work samples, I’m happy to share them. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

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

This example of a follow-up email after an interview shows you were listening, connects your skills to their needs, and keeps the door open for more conversation.

A gentle “just checking in” example after silence

Sometimes you send a thank‑you email, and then… nothing. For weeks. At that point, a brief status‑check follow‑up is reasonable.

Here’s an example of follow-up email wording you can send 7–10 days after the date they said they’d get back to you (or about 2 weeks after the interview if no timeline was given):

Subject: Checking in – [Role Title] application

“Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check in regarding the [Role Title] position. I enjoyed our conversation on [interview date] and remain very interested in the opportunity to join your team.

I understand hiring processes can take time, especially with busy schedules. If there’s any additional information I can provide to support your decision, please let me know.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best,
[Your Name]”

This is one of the best examples of a polite nudge: you restate interest, acknowledge that they’re busy, and avoid sounding impatient.

Examples include follow-up emails when you have another offer

A very 2024–2025 scenario: you’re in process with several companies, and one moves faster. You have an offer, but you’d still like to hear from another employer before deciding.

Here’s an example of a follow-up email that’s honest but respectful:

Subject: Update on my application – [Role Title]

“Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share a quick update regarding my job search. I remain very interested in the [Role Title] position with [Company], and I appreciated our recent conversation about the role.

I’ve received another offer and have been asked to respond by [date]. While I understand your hiring process may still be ongoing, I wanted to check whether you anticipate making a decision or moving to next steps before then.

Regardless of timing, I’ve enjoyed learning more about your team and appreciate your consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]”

This example of a follow-up email is direct without being demanding. You’re giving them information they need to prioritize you if they’re interested.

A final follow-up email example if you still haven’t heard back

If weeks have passed and you’ve already followed up once, you can send a final, graceful note and then move on. Think of this as closing the loop.

Subject: Final follow‑up – [Role Title]

“Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I hope things are going well for you and the team. I wanted to send a brief final follow‑up regarding my application for the [Role Title] position.

I’ve assumed you’re moving forward with other candidates, but I continue to be interested in [Company] and would welcome the chance to be considered for future roles that align with my background in [your field or key skills].

Thank you again for your time and for considering my application. I wish you and your team continued success.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]”

Even if they never respond, this leaves a positive impression and keeps the door open for future opportunities.

How often to use these examples of follow-up email examples for job applications

You don’t need to send all of these in every process. Think of these examples as a menu, not a checklist.

A simple rhythm that works well in most U.S. hiring processes in 2024–2025:

• After applying online: One follow‑up 5–7 business days later, using a short example like the first template above.
• After each interview: A thank‑you email within 24 hours.
• If they give a timeline and miss it: One gentle check‑in about a week after the date they mentioned.
• If no timeline is given: One check‑in about 10–14 days after your last contact.
• If you get another offer: One update email as soon as you have a written offer and deadline.
• Final note: One closing email if you want to keep a long‑term relationship.

Using these examples of follow-up email examples for job applications thoughtfully shows you’re interested and organized, not desperate.

For general professional communication norms (tone, timing, and etiquette), you can also look at resources from career centers like Harvard University’s Office of Career Services.

How to customize any example of follow-up email so it sounds like you

Templates are a starting point. The goal is to sound like a professional version of yourself, not like you copied and pasted something from the internet.

Here’s how to personalize the best examples of follow-up email examples for job applications:

• Swap in one specific detail from the job description. Mention a tool, project, or responsibility by name.
• Reference something the interviewer actually said. A sentence like, “I appreciated your point about…” shows you were listening.
• Add one short, concrete achievement. Numbers help: saved time, increased revenue, improved satisfaction, reduced errors.
• Adjust the tone slightly to match the company. More formal for a government agency, more relaxed (but still professional) for a startup.

If you’re unsure what tone to use, look at how the company writes on its careers page or LinkedIn. That’s usually a good clue for how you should write back.

For general writing clarity, the Plain Language guidelines from the U.S. government are surprisingly helpful—they’re aimed at public communication, but the same principles make your follow-up emails easier to read.

2024–2025 trends that affect your follow-up emails

Hiring keeps changing, and your follow-up strategy should match how people actually recruit now.

A few trends to keep in mind when using these examples of follow-up email examples for job applications:

• Recruiters are managing more applications per role. A short, skimmable email is kinder to them and more likely to be read.
• Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are everywhere. Including the exact job title and sometimes the job ID in your subject line can make it easier for them to find your application.
• Remote and hybrid work mean interviews are often stacked back‑to‑back on video calls. A clear subject line and a simple thank‑you can be a welcome break in someone’s day.
• Ghosting happens on both sides now. Following up professionally protects your reputation, even if the company never responds.

For up‑to‑date labor market context (how many people are applying, what hiring looks like), you can explore data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It won’t tell you what to write, but it will remind you that you’re operating in a real, sometimes competitive, market.

FAQ: examples of common questions about follow-up emails

How soon should I send a follow-up email after applying?
In most cases, wait about 5–7 business days. That gives the employer time to collect applications. Then you can use a short example of a follow-up email like the first template in this article.

Is it okay to follow up more than once?
Yes, as long as you space your messages and keep them polite. For a typical role, one follow‑up after applying and one after an interview is reasonable. The “final follow‑up” example above works if you want to close the loop without pestering anyone.

What are some good subject line examples of follow-up email examples for job applications?
You can keep subject lines simple and clear, such as:

• “Application follow‑up – [Role Title] – [Your Name]”
• “Thank you – [Role Title] interview on [Date]”
• “Checking in – [Role Title] application"
  Clarity beats cleverness here.

Should I follow up if the job posting says ‘no calls or emails’?
In that case, skip the follow‑up unless you have a direct contact who invited communication (for example, a recruiter who emailed you first). Respecting instructions in the posting matters. Many university career centers, like MIT Career Advising & Professional Development, give similar advice: follow directions in the job ad.

Can I use the same template for every job?
You can start with the same structure, but swap in specific details for each role. The best examples of follow-up email examples for job applications are tailored—mention the company name, the role, and one or two details that show you’re paying attention.

Use these templates as scaffolding. Then, layer in your own voice, your own achievements, and your own curiosity about the role. That’s what turns a generic message into a memorable one.