Follow Up After Submitting A Job Application is a key focus of this guide. How to follow up after job application is the focus of this expert guide. Following up on a job application you have submitted is acceptable and often appreciated. The key is timing, tone, and restraint.
Get recruiter-backed job search tips
Wait one to two weeks
Following up within 48 hours of submitting your application is too soon. Wait seven to ten business days before reaching out.
Keep it brief
A follow-up message should be two to three sentences. Express your continued interest, note that you applied and have not heard back, and ask if there is any additional information you can provide. For more on this, see our guide on write a follow-up email after submitting a job application.
Email directly if you have a contact
If you have the name and email of the hiring manager or recruiter, email them directly rather than resubmitting through the portal. A direct email is more visible.
Two follow-ups maximum
If you follow up once and get no response, a single second follow-up two weeks later is acceptable. After that, move on. Persistent follow-ups cross the line from enthusiasm to irritation.
Read next
- How to Follow Up After an Interview the Right Way
- How to Write a Thank You Email After a Job Interview
- Salary Negotiation Scripts That Actually Work After a Job Offer
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a recruiter spend looking at a resume?
Recruiters typically spend 6-10 seconds on an initial scan. They look for job title relevance, company names, and whether the most recent role is at the right level for the position.
What do recruiters look for first on a resume?
Most recruiters look first at your most recent job title and company, then check dates for gaps or progression, then assess whether the experience level matches what they need.
Should I include a summary at the top of my resume?
Yes, for experienced candidates. A 2-3 sentence summary that speaks directly to your target role helps recruiters understand your value instantly.
How many bullet points should each job have?
3-5 bullets for recent roles, 1-2 for older ones. Each bullet should describe an accomplishment or outcome, not just a task or responsibility.
Most cover letters fail because they summarize the resume rather than add to it. A recruiter reading your cover letter already has your resume in hand. They do not need you to recap it. What they want to know is why this role, at this company, is one you are genuinely excited about, and what specific experience makes you a stronger candidate than the other 150 applicants who also ticked all the required boxes. For more on this, see our guide on follow up after a job application (without being annoying).
The best cover letters I have seen treat the format like a brief business proposal. They open with a specific observation about the company or role, connect that observation to a relevant achievement, and close with a clear next step. This structure respects the hiring manager’s time while demonstrating that you have done real research rather than sending a mass application.
Length matters here, too. A cover letter should be between three and four paragraphs. Any shorter and it feels dismissive of the opportunity. Any longer and you are asking a busy hiring manager to read a document they typically spend less than thirty seconds on. Every sentence should either demonstrate fit, show enthusiasm, or move the reader closer to wanting to meet you.
One technique that consistently works is the mirroring approach. Take three words or phrases directly from the job description that describe the ideal candidate, then reflect them back using examples from your own experience. This shows attentiveness to what the employer actually wants while demonstrating that you meet those criteria without copying their language verbatim. For more on this, see our guide on follow up after applying for a job.
Get your free resume review
At AskTheRecruiter.com, a real recruiter reviews your resume and gives you honest, specific feedback. No AI, no templates, just a straight read from someone who knows what hiring managers want to see.