How long to wait to follow up on a job application?

How Long to Wait to Follow Up on a Job Application

You’ve sent off your resume and cover letter, and now you’re waiting to hear back. How long should you wait before following up on your job application?

The answer depends on a few factors, including the company’s size, the industry, and the position you’re applying for. However, there are some general guidelines you can follow.

One to Two Weeks

For most entry-level and mid-level positions, it’s generally okay to follow up after one to two weeks. This gives the hiring manager time to review your application and decide whether to move you to the next step in the process.

Three to Four Weeks

For senior-level positions or positions at large companies, you may need to wait a little longer to follow up. Hiring managers at these companies often have a lot of applications to review, so it may take them a while to get to yours.

No More Than Four Weeks

If you haven’t heard back from the hiring manager after four weeks, you can follow up again. However, this time, you should be more cautious. You don’t want to come across as overly pushy, so be sure to keep your follow-up email brief and professional.

What to Include in Your Follow-Up Email

When you follow up on your job application, be sure to include the following information:

• Your name
• The position you applied for
• The date you applied
• A brief reminder of your qualifications
• A statement of your interest in the position

You should also keep your follow-up email short and to the point. Hiring managers are busy people, so they don’t have time to read long emails.

Example Follow-Up Email

Dear [Hiring Manager name],

I hope this email finds you well.

I am writing to follow up on my application for the [position name] position that I submitted on [date].

I am very interested in this position and I believe that my skills and experience would be a valuable asset to your team. I have [number] years of experience in [industry] and I have a proven track record of success in [relevant skills].

I am eager to learn more about this position and how I can contribute to your company. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Patience and Strategic Timing

The key to following up on a job application is to be patient and strategic. Give the hiring manager time to review your application, but don’t wait so long that you lose momentum. By following the guidelines above, you can increase your chances of getting a response to your job application.