Applying for a job can be stressful, especially when you have submitted your CV, attended an interview and then heard nothing.
You may find yourself wondering:
Should I follow up? How long should I wait? What should I say? Will following up make me look desperate?
The good news is that a professional follow-up can help you stay on the employer’s radar while showing that you remain interested in the opportunity.
The key is to follow up professionally, politely and at the right time.
In this guide, NextStepZA explains how to follow up after submitting a job application, after an interview and when an employer has not responded.
Why Should You Follow Up After Applying for a Job?
Following up can be useful because employers and recruitment teams often receive many applications.
A professional follow-up can:
- Confirm that your application was received
- Remind the employer of your interest
- Give you an opportunity to thank the interviewer
- Ask about the next stage of the recruitment process
- Keep communication open
- Demonstrate professional communication skills
However, following up does not guarantee that you will receive an interview or job offer.
Your goal is simply to communicate professionally and show continued interest.
When Should You Follow Up After Applying for a Job?
The appropriate timing depends on what the employer said during the application or interview.
If the job advert gives a closing date
Wait until the application deadline has passed before following up, unless the employer specifically invites candidates to contact them earlier.
For example, if applications close on 30 September, you could consider following up after the closing date if there has been no communication.
If the employer gave you a specific timeline
Follow that timeline.
For example, if the interviewer says:
“We expect to get back to candidates within two weeks.”
Give them those two weeks before contacting them.
If no timeline was provided
A professional follow-up after approximately 5–7 business days can be reasonable.
There is no universal rule, however. Recruitment processes can take longer depending on the company, number of applicants, internal approvals and other factors.
How to Follow Up After Submitting a Job Application
If you applied online and haven’t received a response, your follow-up should be short and professional.
You don’t need to send a long explanation.
Example Job Application Follow-Up Email
Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Application
Dear [Hiring Manager/Recruiter’s Name],
I hope you are well.
I am writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position, which I submitted on [date].
I remain very interested in the opportunity and would appreciate any update you may be able to provide regarding the recruitment process.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Short WhatsApp Follow-Up Message
If the employer specifically provided a WhatsApp number for recruitment enquiries, you can keep your message brief.
Example:
Good day [Name]. I hope you are well. I am following up regarding my application for the [Job Title] position submitted on [date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and would appreciate any update regarding the application. Thank you for your time. Kind regards, [Name].
Important
Don’t automatically WhatsApp a recruiter simply because you found their number online.
If the job advert says “WhatsApp applications” or provides WhatsApp as a contact method, then using it is appropriate.
How to Follow Up After a Job Interview
Following up after an interview is slightly different from following up on an application.
Your first message should normally be a thank-you message.
Ideally, send it within a day or two after the interview.
Thank the interviewer for their time and briefly reaffirm your interest.
Interview Follow-Up Email Example
Subject: Thank You – [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me regarding the [Job Title] position.
I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the role and your organisation. Our discussion strengthened my interest in the position.
Please let me know if you require any additional information from me.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
What If the Interviewer Said They Would Call but Hasn’t?
This is one of the most common situations job seekers experience.
For example, the interviewer may have said:
“We’ll contact you next week.”
If the expected date has passed, you can send a polite follow-up.
Example
Subject: Follow-Up – [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Name],
I hope you are well.
I am following up regarding my interview for the [Job Title] position on [date].
During the interview, I understood that candidates would receive an update around [time/date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and wanted to enquire whether there has been any update regarding the recruitment process.
Thank you again for your time.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
What Should You Say When Following Up?
A good follow-up message usually contains four things:
1. Introduce yourself
Make it easy for the recruiter to identify you.
Include your name and the position you applied for.
2. Mention the application or interview
Give the approximate date if possible.
3. Confirm your continued interest
A simple sentence is enough.
For example:
“I remain very interested in the opportunity.”
4. Ask for an update
Don’t demand an answer.
Instead of:
“Why haven’t you responded?”
say:
“I would appreciate any update regarding the recruitment process.”
What NOT to Say in a Follow-Up Message
Your follow-up can hurt your chances if it comes across as impatient, demanding or overly emotional.
Avoid messages such as:
❌ “Why haven’t you called me?”
❌ “I need to know if I got the job.”
❌ “I’ve been waiting for a long time.”
❌ “Please respond urgently.”
❌ “I really need this job.”
❌ “You promised to call me.”
Even if you are frustrated, keep your communication professional.
How Many Times Should You Follow Up?
You don’t need to contact an employer every few days.
A practical approach is:
Application → Wait → Follow up → Wait for response
If there is still no response, you may send one additional polite follow-up after a reasonable period.
After that, continue applying for other opportunities.
Remember:
One professional follow-up is better than five messages asking for an update.
What If the Employer Doesn’t Respond?
Unfortunately, sometimes employers don’t respond to applications or follow-up messages.
This can happen for many reasons.
The company may have:
- Received a large number of applications
- Delayed the recruitment process
- Put the position on hold
- Changed the hiring requirements
- Selected another candidate
- Failed to communicate the outcome
No response does not necessarily tell you why the application was unsuccessful.
Instead of repeatedly contacting the employer, continue searching and applying for other suitable opportunities.
Should You Follow Up If You Were Rejected?
Yes, you can.
If you receive a rejection, responding professionally can leave the door open for future opportunities.
Example
Dear [Name],
Thank you for letting me know and for giving me the opportunity to interview for the position.
Although I am disappointed that I was not selected, I appreciate the opportunity and would be grateful if you could keep my details in mind for future positions that match my skills and experience.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
You can also politely ask whether the employer is able to provide feedback.
How to Ask for Interview Feedback
If you were unsuccessful after an interview, feedback can help you improve your future applications and interviews.
Example
Subject: Interview Feedback – [Job Title]
Dear [Name],
Thank you for informing me about the outcome of my application.
I appreciate the opportunity to have interviewed for the position. If possible, I would be grateful for any feedback you could provide regarding my interview or application, as it would help me improve in future opportunities.
Thank you again for your time.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Keep in mind that not every employer will provide detailed feedback.
What If You Have Another Job Offer?
This is a situation where you may need to follow up sooner.
If another company has offered you a position and you are waiting to hear from another employer, you can communicate this professionally.
Example
Dear [Name],
I hope you are well. I wanted to provide a quick update regarding my application for the [Job Title] position.
I have received another employment offer and have been asked to respond by [date]. However, I remain interested in the opportunity with [Company Name].
If possible, I would appreciate any update you can provide regarding the status of my application.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Be truthful. Don’t invent another job offer to pressure an employer.
Email or WhatsApp: Which Should You Use?
Use the communication method the employer provided or requested.
Use email when:
- You applied through email
- The recruiter communicates through email
- The company provided an email address for enquiries
- You are following up formally after an interview
Use WhatsApp when:
- The employer specifically uses WhatsApp for recruitment
- The job advert instructs applicants to WhatsApp
- The recruiter has already communicated with you through WhatsApp
Don’t:
Find a recruiter’s private number and repeatedly contact them outside the recruitment process.
Follow-Up Message After a Week
If you haven’t heard anything after several business days, you can use this simple message:
Subject: Application Follow-Up – [Job Title]
Dear [Name],
I hope you are well.
I am following up regarding my application for the [Job Title] position submitted on [date].
I remain interested in the opportunity and would appreciate any update regarding the status of my application.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Follow-Up Message After Two Weeks
If more time has passed:
Dear [Name],
I hope you are doing well.
I wanted to follow up regarding my application/interview for the [Job Title] position.
I understand that recruitment processes can take time, but I would appreciate any update you may be able to provide regarding the status of my application.
I remain interested in the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
7 Follow-Up Mistakes Job Seekers Should Avoid
1. Following up too quickly
Give the employer reasonable time unless they have provided a specific timeline.
2. Sending multiple messages
Repeated messages can become counterproductive.
3. Sounding demanding
Your follow-up should be an enquiry, not a demand.
4. Sending a generic message
Mention the specific position you applied for.
5. Forgetting your previous communication
Tell the recruiter when you applied or interviewed.
6. Making your message too long
Recruiters are busy. Keep your message clear and concise.
7. Stopping your job search
Don’t wait for one employer indefinitely.
Continue applying for other suitable positions while waiting.
What to Do While Waiting for a Job Response
Following up is only one part of your job search.
While waiting, you can:
- Apply for other vacancies
- Improve your CV
- Update your LinkedIn profile
- Practise common interview questions
- Research companies you want to work for
- Develop relevant skills
- Look for internships and learnerships
- Explore bursaries and training opportunities
- Build your professional network
Never put your entire job search on hold because one company has not responded.
Final Thoughts
Following up after a job application or interview is not about repeatedly asking, “Did I get the job?”
It is about communicating professionally, confirming your continued interest and asking whether there is an update.
Keep your message:
Professional. Short. Polite. Specific.
Most importantly, remember that no response from one employer should stop you from pursuing other opportunities.
Your next opportunity could come from the application you submit tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the interviewer gave you a specific timeline, follow it. If they didn’t, waiting several business days before sending a polite follow-up is generally reasonable.
Yes. A professional follow-up can confirm that your application was received and show that you remain interested in the position.
Mention the position, when you applied, your continued interest and politely ask whether there is an update on the recruitment process.
Only if WhatsApp is an appropriate communication channel established by the employer or recruiter. Otherwise, email is generally more suitable for a formal follow-up.
Avoid repeatedly messaging the employer. One well-timed follow-up, followed by another later if appropriate, is generally preferable to frequent messages.
Continue applying for other opportunities. You can make a professional follow-up, but don’t allow one unanswered application to stop your job search.
NextStepZA Career Tip
Don’t just apply and wait. Apply, prepare, follow up professionally and keep moving forward.
For more job opportunities, career advice, bursaries, learnerships and education opportunities in South Africa, keep checking NextStepZA.