You applied for a job… and now there is radio silence. Applying for a job online can feel like a black hole where you almost never hear back. Here are a few tips for how to write a job application follow-up email.

After You Submit Your Application:

If you applied online you can, and should, follow up. A lot of companies use an applicant tracking system and it is possible that your resume didn’t get to a real person because it didn’t include the specified keywords and phrases. (Read this for tips on applicant tracking systems). Find the contact information for the HR person and send them an email telling them you applied. Attach your resume and cover letter. If you know someone who works at the company, send them a quick email to let them know that you applied. Hopefully, they will put in a good word with HR or, at least, make sure your resume gets seen by a real person.

You could say something like this to a recruiter: I applied for the [position name] and was excited to see the opening because [why]. I have attached my resume and cover letter. Thank you for your consideration! 

You could say something like this to a connection: [Something personal and friendly if you know them well or what you have in common if you don’t, like a mutual friend or acquaintance or that you are alumni of the same university.] I applied for the [position name] and was excited to see the opening because [why]. Would you be comfortable passing my cover letter and resume along to the hiring team? Thank you! 

Right After You Have an Interview:

The first step is to send a thank you note! You should thank them for their time, mention something you learned in the interview, and share why you’re a good fit.

You could say something like: Thank you so much for interviewing me for the [title] at [company name]. I enjoyed learning more about the role, team, company culture, and your career path at [company name]. I think I have the [three most important skills] skills to be successful.

More Than A Week After Your Interview:

You should follow up again. It shows that you are interested and passionate about the opportunity but be patient. I know that it is stressful and frustrating to not hear back from a position right away. You are interested in the opportunity and want the job! Don’t assume that you didn’t get the job because you haven’t heard back right away. There are so many factors that go into the decision-making process. Hopefully one of your questions during the interview was asking about the next steps and the timeline for the hiring process. Don’t follow up until the time that the interviewer says it would be appropriate to follow up, but follow up with the time comes. Write them a quick job interview follow-up email to thank them again for their time, reiterate your interest in the company, and then ask about the next steps of the interview process.

You could say something like: Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me [two weeks ago, earlier this month, etc.] I enjoyed learning more about [the company] and [the position] and remain excited about the opportunity to join the team. I think I have the [three most important skills] to be successful. Do you have any updates on the hiring timeline? Thank you again!

Other Times to Follow Up:

Follow up if something in your application has changed, something exciting has happened for the company, or if you’ve received another job offer. An example of something in your application changing might be getting your transcript and finding out you made Phi Beta Kappa or graduated summa cum laude. You can also follow up if something exciting has happened for the company. If you’ve received another job offer, but you’d prefer to work for the company you are waiting to hear back from, you can be honest and tell them.

You could say something like: You could say something like: Since we last spoke, I received an offer from another company but working at [company name] is my first choice because [tell them why]. Do you have any updates on the hiring timeline? Thank you again! 

If You Get the Job:

If you get the job, follow up with anyone who helped you get it. When I write recommendations for people, I love knowing that they got the job! Some people even follow up months into the job to say thank you, and it makes me so happy every time!

You could say something like: [Something personal if you know them well.] Thank you again for [being a reference and sending my resume to the hiring manager]. I got the job! I am so grateful for all of your help!