How to Follow Up and Get Replies From Recruiters

You sent your application weeks ago. You've heard nothing back. Should you follow up? Will you look desperate? What if they think you're annoying?

These are questions every job seeker asks. The truth is, following up is not just acceptable, it's often necessary. But there's a right way and a wrong way to do it.

When to Follow Up

Wait at least one week after submitting your application before following up. Two weeks is even better. Recruiters are busy. Give them time to review applications before you start checking in.

If the job posting mentions a specific timeline, respect it. Don't follow up before the date they said they'd make a decision. That just shows you can't follow instructions.

How to Write a Follow-Up Email

Your follow-up email should be short and professional. Start with a clear subject line like "Following up: Marketing Manager Application" or "Checking in on Application Status."

In the body, remind them who you are and what position you applied for. Express continued interest in the role. Ask if there's any additional information you can provide. Keep it brief. Three or four sentences is plenty.

Example: "Hi Sarah, I wanted to follow up on my application for the Marketing Manager position I submitted two weeks ago. I'm still very interested in the role and would love to discuss how my experience growing B2B audiences could benefit your team. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks for your time."

Don't Apologize for Following Up

You don't need to say "Sorry to bother you" or "I hope I'm not being a nuisance." Following up is normal. It shows you're serious about the opportunity. Starting with an apology makes you sound uncertain.

Be polite and respectful, but don't act like you're doing something wrong. You're not.

Add Value in Your Follow-Up

Instead of just asking "Have you reviewed my application?" give them a reason to respond. Mention something new that's happened since you applied. Maybe you completed a relevant project, earned a certification, or read about a recent company achievement.

For example: "I saw your team just launched the new mobile app. Congratulations! It reminded me of a similar project I led last year, where we increased user engagement by 35%. I'd love to bring that kind of results-focused approach to your team."

This keeps your email from feeling like you're just nagging them.

Follow Up After an Interview

Always send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. Keep it short. Thank them for their time, mention something specific you discussed, and reaffirm your interest in the role.

If they said they'd get back to you by a certain date and that date passes, wait two or three business days, then follow up. Use the same approach: be brief, be polite, and ask if there's any update on the timeline.

Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage

If you can find the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn, send a brief connection request or message. Don't copy-paste your entire cover letter. Just introduce yourself, mention the role you applied for, and say you'd love to connect.

LinkedIn feels less formal than email, and some recruiters are more responsive there. Just don't spam them across multiple platforms. Pick one method and stick with it.

Know When to Move On

If you've followed up twice and still haven't heard back, it's time to let it go. Most companies will tell you if they're moving forward with other candidates, but some just go silent. It's frustrating, but it happens.

Don't take it personally. Focus your energy on other opportunities. Chasing down a recruiter who's not responding won't change their mind. Move on and apply somewhere else.

Keep Track of Your Applications

When you're applying to multiple jobs, it's easy to lose track. Keep a simple spreadsheet with the company name, position, date applied, and follow-up dates. This helps you stay organized and ensures you follow up at the right time.

You can also use this system to track which cover letter snippets worked best for different types of roles. Over time, you'll see patterns in what gets responses. Tools like CoverSnipps help you organize this material so you can quickly customize your applications and follow-ups.

Be Patient but Persistent

Job searching is slow. Companies take longer to make decisions than they say they will. Recruiters get overwhelmed. Things fall through the cracks. It's not always about you.

That's why following up matters. A polite reminder can bring your application back to the top of the pile. Just don't overdo it. One or two follow-ups is enough. After that, move on.

The Bottom Line

Following up with recruiters is part of the job search process. Done right, it shows you're interested, professional, and persistent without being annoying. Wait at least a week, keep your message short, and add value if you can.

Don't be afraid to check in. Most recruiters appreciate a well-timed follow-up. It reminds them you exist and that you're serious about the opportunity. Just remember to be patient, respectful, and willing to move on if you don't get a response. There are plenty of other companies out there looking for someone exactly like you.