Applying for a job can feel like sending a message into the void—especially when you don’t hear anything back. But here’s the thing: following up the right way can actually boost your chances of getting noticed.
At VioResume, we’ve helped thousands of job seekers—from fresh grads to career shifters—build AI-optimized resumes and connect with better job matches. But what happens after you submit your resume matters just as much.
This guide walks you through:
- Whether or not you should follow up
- When and how to do it properly
- What to say (including ready-to-use email templates)
- How VioResume can help you avoid getting ghosted
✅ Should You Follow Up After Applying?
Yes—if you do it professionally.
A follow-up email shows initiative, interest, and confidence—but only if you send it at the right time and with the right tone.
Done poorly? It could look desperate.
Done well? It can bump your name to the top of the list.
📅 When to Follow Up on a Job Application
Here’s a quick guide:
- Wait 1–2 weeks after applying before your first follow-up
- If the posting includes a timeline, follow up after that date
- If it says “urgent hiring,” follow up after 5 business days
HR managers are busy people. Giving them space while showing polite persistence reflects your professionalism.
🕵️ How to Find the Right Contact Person
Try to address your email to a real human—not just “Dear Hiring Manager.” Here’s how to find them:
- Check the job post
- Search the company’s LinkedIn for HR, recruiters, or department heads
- Look on their website’s “About” or “Team” page
- Call the company and politely ask who’s handling the role
Even if you don’t have their email, addressing them by name still gives your email a personal touch.
🧠 What to Say in Your Follow-Up
Keep it short, specific, and polite.
You’re not rewriting your cover letter—just reminding them who you are and why you’re excited about the role.
Your message should include:
- A greeting by name
- The role you applied for and when
- One quick qualification highlight
- A polite question about next steps
- A thank you and your contact info
📬 Best Time to Send It
- Best days: Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
- Best time: 7–10 AM or 3–5 PM
Avoid Mondays (inbox overflow) and Friday afternoons (weekend mode). Timing helps your message get seen and not buried.
📥 Plug & Play Job Application Follow-Up Templates
Need help writing your follow-up email? Just copy, paste, and customize the templates below 👇
✉️ #1. Initial Email Follow-Up
Subject line: Following Up – [Position Title] Application – [Your Name]
Email:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I recently applied for the [Position Title] role at [Company Name] on [Application Date] and wanted to make sure you received my application.
I think my background in [relevant skill/experience] aligns well with what you’re looking for, particularly my experience with [specific achievement]. I’m especially interested in [Company Name] because of [something you admire about them].
I understand you’re reviewing applications, but I just wanted to reaffirm my interest and say I’d love to contribute to your team. Please let me know if I can provide any additional info.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile]
✉️ #2. Second Email Follow-Up
Subject: Checking In – [Position Title] Application – [Your Name]
Email:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check in on my application for the [Position Title] position submitted on [Application Date].
I’m still very interested in the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute with my skills in [key strength]. I’m not sure if you received my previous email, so I just wanted to check in politely. Is there any update you could share on the hiring timeline?
Thanks again for considering my application.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile]
✉️ #3. Final Email Follow-Up
Subject: Regarding [Position Title] Application – [Your Name]
Email:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I’m following up on the [Position Title] role I applied for on [Application Date].
Since I haven’t heard back, I understand if the position has been filled. I’d still like to thank you for considering my application and the opportunity to learn more about [Company Name].
If there’s still an opening, I’d be happy to provide anything else needed.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn/Profile]
💬 #4. LinkedIn Message Follow-Up
LinkedIn DM:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I recently applied for the [Position] role at [Company] on [date]. With my background in [relevant skill/experience], I’d love to contribute to your team’s success.
Just checking in to see if there are any updates on the hiring process—or if there’s anything else you need from me.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
[Your Name]
🧾 How to Stay Organized (and Sane)
If you’re applying to lots of jobs, keeping track of everything is key.
Here’s what to do:
- Use a spreadsheet to log company names, roles, dates, and contact info
- Color-code statuses (applied, followed up, rejected, interview)
- Set calendar reminders for when to follow up
- Take notes on all replies or recruiter interactions
Or better yet—use VioResume’s built-in tracking system to manage everything in one place. No tabs. No chaos.
💡 How VioResume Can Help You Get Replies (Before You Even Follow Up)
Instead of spending weeks wondering if you’ll get a call back, you can start strong with a resume that’s already optimized to pass screening systems.
VioResume gives you:
✅ AI-powered resume builder that tailors your resume to any job
✅ Instant job matching with relevance scores
✅ 300+ templates that follow ATS formatting
✅ Video resume option to stand out visually
✅ Application tracking to help you follow up at the right time
🧘♀️ Know When It’s Time to Move On
Following up 2–3 times is enough. After that, focus your energy elsewhere.
- If the job has disappeared online → it’s probably filled
- If you’ve had zero replies after 3 polite follow-ups → move on
- If they reject you → thank them and stay graceful
Not hearing back doesn’t always mean you’re not qualified—it just means someone else got lucky this time.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Follow-ups can be a powerful job search strategy if done right. Keep it polite, concise, and confident. Stay professional. And always respect the process.
If you want to skip the stress of not getting noticed in the first place, let VioResume help you apply smarter, not harder.
🔥 Ready to Get Noticed?
Build your resume in minutes, match with jobs instantly, and track everything in one dashboard.
👉 Try VioResume today—AI-powered, recruiter-approved, and built for Filipino job seekers.
#ApplySmarter #FollowUpRight #VioResume
