You sent your application a week ago. You really want the job. You want to ask them what’s going on… but you are terrified.
“What if I annoy them?” “What if I look desperate?” “What if they hate people who follow up?”
So, you do nothing. You sit and wait.
This is a mistake. In the professional world, following up isn’t annoying—it’s initiative. It shows you care about the role and have the drive to get things done. At GlobeXHire, where we champion the Fastest Job Response, we believe proactive candidates get hired faster.
The trick is not if you should follow up, but how. Here is the guide to doing it without being “that annoying person.”
1. Timing is Everything
If you email them 2 hours after applying, you are annoying. If you email them 2 months later, you are forgotten.
You need the “Goldilocks” zone—just right.
- The Rule: Wait 5 to 10 business days after applying.
- Exception: If the job post had a closing date, wait until 3-4 days after that date.
This gives the HR team time to sort through the CVs but is soon enough that your name is still fresh. We discuss this timeline in detail in our guide on How Long Should You Wait for a Job Application Response?.
2. Keep It Short and Sweet
HR managers are busy. They don’t want to read a long story about how much you need this job. They just need a gentle nudge.
Your email should answer three things:
- Who are you?
- What job did you apply for?
- Are you still interested?
That’s it. No guilt trips (“I’ve been waiting so long…”) and no demands (“Tell me yes or no now”).
3. Use This “Safe” Template
If you are worried about what to say, copy this. It is polite, professional, and impossible to misinterpret.
Subject: Following up on application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]
Body: Dear Hiring Team,
I hope you’re having a productive week.
I submitted my application for the [Job Title] position on [Date]. I wanted to briefly follow up to reiterate my strong interest in the role and [Company Name].
I am confident my experience in [Mention 1 Key Skill] would be a great asset to your team. Please let me know if you need any further information or samples of my work.
Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Phone Number]
This template works because it focuses on value (“my experience would be an asset”), not just need.
4. The “Value-Add” Follow Up (Advanced Move)
If you want to really stand out, don’t just ask for an update—give them something new.
Did you finish a new project? Did you get a new certificate? Mention it!
“Since I applied last week, I’ve completed a certification in [Topic] that I believe would help with the [Specific Responsibility] mentioned in the job description.”
This turns a boring “checking in” email into a “look how great I am” email. It’s a great way to Start Smart and show continuous growth.
5. When to Stop (Don’t Be a Spammer)
This is where the line between “persistent” and “annoying” is drawn.
- Follow Up 1: Sent 1 week after applying. (Good).
- Follow Up 2: Sent 1 week after the first follow-up if no reply. (Acceptable).
- Follow Up 3: Sent 3 days later. (Stop. You are now annoying).
If you have sent two emails and heard nothing, let it go. Silence is an answer too. Focus your energy on finding better opportunities on our Jobs Listing.
6. Avoid The Phone (Usually)
Unless you have a personal contact there, avoid calling the office line to ask about your CV.
Phone calls interrupt people’s work. Emails can be answered when they have time. Stick to email unless the job ad specifically says “Call for inquiries.” Respecting their time is a key part of Networking Like a Pro.
Summary: Be Brave, Hit Send
Employers want to hire people who are enthusiastic. A polite follow-up email sets you apart from the hundreds of people who just clicked “Apply” and forgot about it.
So, check your “Sent” folder. Is there an application from last week? Go send that email right now.
Ready to find your next opportunity?
- Sign up today: Create your account.
- Check the newest jobs: View Jobs Listing.
- Need more advice? Visit the Academy.