Following up on applications

Job hunting can be frustrating. You might not get any good responses, you might not get any good feedback, and it might take longer than you’d hoped. So it's important to have a systematic approach to the job hunt. The template below will allow you to keep track of the applications you send and allow you to follow up in a professional manner.

(By the way, if you would like to do the job hunt but also learn a new piece of software you could try to do this through hubspot.com. They have a CRM system (i.e. a client relationship management system) that allows you to track notes emails phone calls and to create reminders). But of course, you could also do this with a normal spreadsheet.

Here are some emails you can use as template follow-up emails for responding to employers who haven’t responded to your job application.

No response email 1
Thank you for taking the time to review my application for this role. I know these decisions are often tricky and the most likely reason I didn't get an interview is that there were other candidates who were more suitable, which I completely understand.

Also, I really appreciate you following up to let me know I haven't been successful, even though I'm sure you're busy - so thanks for that.

As I'm sure you know from your experience applying for jobs during your own career, it's always nice to get meaningful feedback on applications. So if I could ask you for a massive favour: would you be to give me some feedback about specifically what I could improve on next time so that I'm well prepared?

Is there anything I fell down on specifically?

Thank you in advance. It really means a lot to me.

No response email 2
Sorry to bother you again - I'm sure you're very busy. I was just wondering if you had any updates for me on my application.

I don’t want to keep bothering you with emails so I would really appreciate it if you could write me even a one-line email update, just to let me know where I stand.

Thanks again.

No response 3: phone call
Hi, I'm just calling to check the status of my job application. I'm really interested in the role and I was just wondering if there is any updates regarding the next steps.

Alternatively, if I haven't made it through to the next round, I was wondering if you could give me some feedback and advice. It would really really mean a lot to me…

Final no response: email
I just wanted to drop you a quick email to say I hope you have found a suitable candidate for the position. if you have not found a candidate for the position I just wanted to let you know that I am still interested, however, I won't be following up with any more emails because I don't want to bother you.

Please don't hesitate to contact me by phone or by email if you would like to discuss the role or any other roles. I would be more than happy to chat through them.

Thanks again.