How to Follow Up After Sending Your CV
Why Following Up Matters
A well-timed follow-up can be the difference between landing an interview and being forgotten in a pile of applications. Research shows that candidates who follow up are 30% more likely to receive a response compared to those who submit and wait passively.
Following up demonstrates initiative, genuine interest in the role, and professional persistence — all qualities that employers value. It also puts your name in front of the hiring manager a second time, which can be crucial when they are reviewing dozens or hundreds of applications.
Optimal Timing
Wait three to five business days after submitting your application before sending a follow-up. This gives the hiring team sufficient time to review applications without feeling pressured. Following up too soon can appear impatient, while waiting too long risks the position being filled.
If the job posting mentions a specific timeline, such as 'Applications will be reviewed after March 15,' wait until after that date before following up. Respecting stated timelines shows you read the job posting carefully and can follow instructions.
The Follow-Up Email Template
Keep your follow-up email brief, professional, and focused. Subject line: 'Following Up: [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]'. This clear format makes it easy for the recipient to identify your email and connect it to your application.
The body should be three to four sentences: express continued interest, briefly reference a key qualification, and ask about the timeline. For example: 'Dear Ms. Johnson, I hope this message finds you well. I submitted my application for the Senior Developer role last week and wanted to express my continued enthusiasm for the opportunity. With 8 years of experience in full-stack development and a particular strength in scaling applications, I believe I would be a strong addition to your engineering team. Could you share any updates on the selection timeline?'
Close with a professional sign-off and include your phone number for convenience. Do not attach your CV again unless specifically requested, as the original submission should be on file.
How Many Follow-Ups Are Acceptable
Limit yourself to two follow-up emails maximum. Send the first after three to five business days, and if there is no response, send a final follow-up one week later. After two unanswered follow-ups, it is best to move on and focus your energy on other opportunities.
Each follow-up should add something new rather than simply repeating the same message. In your second follow-up, you might reference a recent company announcement or share a relevant article that demonstrates your industry knowledge.
Following Up on LinkedIn
LinkedIn can be an effective follow-up channel when used appropriately. Connect with the hiring manager or recruiter with a brief personalised note that references your application. Do not use the default connection message.
A LinkedIn follow-up works best as a complement to email, not a replacement. If your email follow-up receives no response, a brief LinkedIn message can provide an alternative channel. Keep it short and professional: 'Hi Sarah, I recently applied for the Marketing Manager role and wanted to connect. I am particularly excited about your team's approach to content strategy.'
What NOT to Do
Never follow up by phone unless the job posting specifically provides a phone number for enquiries. Calling can feel intrusive and puts the recipient on the spot. Never follow up multiple times in the same week. Never express frustration or impatience in your communication.
Avoid overly familiar language, excessive enthusiasm, or desperation. Phrases like 'I really, really want this job' or 'I have not heard back and am very anxious' undermine your professional image. Maintain a confident, calm, and courteous tone throughout all follow-up communications.
Tracking Your Applications
Maintain a spreadsheet or use an application tracking tool to record every job you apply for, the date of application, follow-up dates, and any responses received. This prevents embarrassing mistakes like following up on the wrong job or contacting the same company twice.
Include the specific version of your CV that you sent for each application. If you use CVello to create tailored versions of your CV for different roles, note which template and content variations you used for each submission. This helps you prepare effectively if you receive an interview invitation.