Most follow-ups don't help. The recruiter is buried, the application sits in an ATS, and your "Just checking in!" lands in a folder that nobody reads.
The follow-ups that do help are short, well-timed, and re-state what you bring — so the recruiter has a reason to find your resume in their queue. Here's how to do it.
When to follow up
First follow-up: 7-10 business days after submitting.
Anything earlier is too soon. Most recruiters batch-review applications weekly, sometimes biweekly. Following up at day 3 just looks anxious.
Second follow-up (optional): 21 days after submitting, if you've heard nothing.
After that, stop. If you haven't heard back after two follow-ups, the answer is no. Move on. There are 5M+ open jobs out there — swipe through some on Sorce instead of refreshing your inbox.
What to include in the follow-up
A good follow-up has four short paragraphs:
- Subject line that names the role. "Following up on Software Engineer application — Maya Chen" beats "Just checking in."
- One line restating you applied and when. Helps the recruiter find your resume.
- One specific reason you're a fit. Not "I'm passionate about your mission." A specific thing — a project, a number, a relevant experience.
- A clear ask. "Is there anything else I can send?" Or "Happy to share writing samples or talk through the role." Not "Just wanted to bump this up."
Email template (use this, edit lightly)
Subject: Following up on [Role] application — [Your Name]
Hi [Recruiter Name],
I applied for the [Role] position on [Date] and wanted to follow up. I'm still very interested in the role and the team.
A bit more on why I think I'm a fit: [one specific thing — a project you led, a metric you hit, a tool you use that they require, an experience that's directly relevant]. Happy to send a writing sample, walk through a relevant project, or jump on a quick call if useful.
Thanks for considering — let me know if there's anything else you need from me.
Best, [Your Name] [LinkedIn URL]
That's the whole email. Not 8 paragraphs. Not "I'm super excited about the opportunity to contribute to your innovative culture." A specific reason, a clear ask, gone.
LinkedIn fallback
If you don't have the recruiter's email but you can find them on LinkedIn:
Hi [Recruiter], I applied for the [Role] role on [Date] and wanted to make sure my application landed. Quick reason I think I'm a fit: [one specific thing]. Open to questions or sending more info — thanks!
Connect-and-message is fine. Don't pay for InMail.
Common mistakes that hurt your chances
- "Just checking in." Useless phrasing. Replace with a specific value statement.
- Following up at day 3. Too soon. The recruiter hasn't looked.
- Following up 4+ times. You're now a problem. Stop.
- Generic flattery. "Your culture is amazing" — they've heard it. Be specific.
- Re-sending the entire resume in the email. Recruiter has it. A link to your LinkedIn or portfolio is plenty.
- Asking for "feedback" before they've decided. Don't. Ask once you have a yes or no.
What if they say "we'll be in touch"?
That's a soft yes/no. Wait the timeline they gave; if they didn't give one, follow up at day 10 anyway with a different angle — something new you've added to your portfolio, a relevant article, a question about the role. New information is always a stronger reason to email than "any update?"
When following up is a waste of time
If the company posted the role 60+ days ago and there's been no movement, it's probably either filled or frozen. Following up doesn't change that.
If the role has reposted with the same description, that's also a frozen-then-restarted process. The new posting starts a new clock; treat your old application as dead.
The bigger pattern
Follow-ups matter — but they matter less than applying to more roles in the first place. One follow-up at the right moment can move you up a queue. Ten more applications can put you in front of ten more queues.
This is what Sorce was built for. 40 free swipes a day, our AI agent applies on the ones you swipe right, and you spend your follow-up energy on the 2-3 roles that actually matter.
For more on the apply side: how to fill out a job application, how long to wait after submitting, and how many applications it really takes to get a job.
Follow-up by situation
| Situation | Best next message |
|---|---|
| Applied 7-10 business days ago | Send one application follow-up with a specific fit point |
| Interviewed yesterday | Send a thank-you note within 24 hours |
| Final interview was 1-2 weeks ago | Send one status follow-up |
| No response after two follow-ups | Move on and keep applying |
For interview-specific copy, use how to follow up after an interview or follow-up email templates.
Sorce is the AI that applies to jobs for you. Upload your resume, swipe right on jobs you like, and our AI apply for jobs agent submits each application on your behalf — completely free, 40 swipes a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should you wait before following up on a job application?
- Wait 7-10 business days after applying before sending the first follow-up. The recruiter probably hasn't even opened your application yet on day 3.
- Should you follow up by email or LinkedIn?
- Email if you have the recruiter's address. LinkedIn DM is a fine fallback if not — short, professional, no opener like 'Just checking in.' Just say what role you applied to and that you're still interested.
- How many times should you follow up?
- Twice, max. First at 7-10 days, second at 21 days. After that, silence is the answer — move on.
- What if I don't know the recruiter's name?
- Address the email to 'Hiring Team' or to the company name. Don't make up a name. If you can find the recruiter on LinkedIn, that's the higher-leverage move.