Best Way to Follow Up After a Job Application in the UK (Email Templates)

You’ve spent hours crafting the perfect CV, written a compelling cover letter, and submitted your application with confidence. Now comes the hardest part: the waiting game. Days turn into weeks, and your inbox remains frustratingly empty. Sound familiar?

Following up after a job application in the UK isn’t just acceptable; it’s often expected. In a competitive job market where vacancies have fallen to their lowest levels since 2021, knowing how to follow up after job application UK standards can be the difference between landing an interview and watching your application disappear into the void. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about following up professionally, including ready-to-use email templates that actually work.

Why Following Up After a Job Application Matters

Before diving into the how, let’s address the why. Many job seekers worry that following up might seem pushy or desperate. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Benefits of Following Up

Demonstrates Genuine Interest When you follow up after job application UK opportunities, you’re showing employers that you’re genuinely enthusiastic about the role. This sets you apart from candidates who simply hit “submit” and move on to the next application.

Ensures Your Application Was Received Technical glitches happen. Emails land in spam folders. Application systems malfunction. A polite follow-up confirms that your carefully prepared documents actually reached the right person.

Keeps You Top of Mind Hiring managers review dozens, sometimes hundreds, of applications. Your follow-up serves as a gentle reminder of your candidacy, potentially prompting them to take another look at your CV.

Provides an Opportunity to Add Value Perhaps you’ve completed a new certification since applying, or you’ve thought of an innovative solution to a challenge mentioned in the job description. Your follow-up gives you a chance to share this additional information.

Shows Professional Communication Skills The way you craft and send your follow-up email demonstrates your written communication abilities, attention to detail, and professionalism—all qualities employers value.

Research suggests that recruiters are significantly more likely to engage with candidates who send professional follow-ups, making this simple step a powerful tool in your job search arsenal.

How to Follow Up After Job Application UK: Understanding the Timeline

Timing is everything when it comes to following up. Send your email too early, and you risk appearing impatient. Wait too long, and the position might already be filled.

The One to Two Week Rule

The golden rule for how to follow up after job application UK positions is to wait between one and two weeks after submitting your application. This timeframe gives recruiters and hiring managers reasonable time to:

• Review all applications received
• Shortlist candidates for interviews
• Coordinate with their team about next steps

When to Make Exceptions

If the Job Posting Specifies a Timeline Some advertisements explicitly state when candidates can expect to hear back. If the posting says “We will contact successful candidates within three weeks,” respect that timeline and add a few extra days before following up.

If You’ve Received Another Offer When you have a competing job offer with a response deadline, it’s appropriate to follow up sooner. This situation justifies reaching out after even just a few days to explain your circumstances professionally.

If the Application Deadline Hasn’t Passed Never follow up before the application deadline closes. Recruiters are still collecting applications and haven’t begun the review process yet.

If They Explicitly Request No Contact Occasionally, job postings will state “No calls or emails, please” or “We will only contact shortlisted candidates.” In these cases, respect their wishes. Following up when asked not to will damage your chances.

Creating Your Follow-Up Schedule

Here’s a practical timeline for following up on job applications:

Week 1: Submit your application and make a note in your calendar
Week 2: If no response, send your first follow-up email
Week 3-4: If still no response, send a second and final follow-up
After Second Follow-Up: Continue your job search elsewhere if you receive no response

Remember, following up more than twice can come across as excessive. The exception is when a hiring manager has promised to contact you by a specific date but hasn’t done so—then a third follow-up is reasonable.

Finding the Right Contact Person

One of the most crucial aspects of following up effectively is ensuring your message reaches the right person. A well-crafted email sent to the wrong recipient won’t help your candidacy.

Where to Find Contact Information

Check the Job Posting Many advertisements include the name and contact details of the hiring manager or HR representative responsible for recruitment. This is your first and best port of call.

Review the Company Website Navigate to the “About Us” or “Our Team” sections. Look for individuals with titles such as:

• Hiring Manager
• HR Manager
• Talent Acquisition Specialist
• Recruitment Coordinator
• Head of [Relevant Department]

Utilise LinkedIn LinkedIn is invaluable for identifying the right contact. Search for the company’s profile and browse employees by department. Look for the person most likely to be involved in hiring for your role. When reaching out via LinkedIn, send a brief, professional connection request that mentions the specific position you’ve applied for.

Call the Company Switchboard If other methods fail, phone the company’s main number (during business hours) and politely ask: “Could you please direct me to the person responsible for recruitment for the [Job Title] position?” Most receptionists will be happy to help or provide a direct email address.

What to Do When You Can’t Find a Specific Name

If despite your best efforts you cannot identify a specific contact, use a professional salutation such as:

• “Dear Hiring Manager”
• “Dear [Department] Team”
• “Dear Recruitment Team”

Whilst personalisation is always preferable, a well-written message to a general contact is better than not following up at all.

Choosing the Best Method to Follow Up

You have several options for following up on your application. Each method has its place, depending on the company culture and the information provided in the job posting.

Email: The Preferred Method

Email is overwhelmingly the most appropriate and professional way to follow up after job application UK opportunities. It offers several advantages:

• Gives the recipient time to respond at their convenience
• Creates a written record of your communication
• Allows you to carefully craft your message
• Doesn’t interrupt the recipient’s workday
• Enables you to attach additional documents if needed

For the vast majority of situations, email should be your first choice.

Phone Calls: When They’re Appropriate

Telephone follow-ups can be effective in certain circumstances:

• When the job posting specifically encourages phone contact
• For roles in industries where phone communication is central (sales, customer service)
• When you’ve built some rapport with the recruiter through previous conversations
• In smaller companies where phone contact is more common

If you do phone, prepare a brief script beforehand and be ready to leave a professional voicemail if necessary. Always call during business hours (avoiding very early morning or late afternoon) and be respectful of the person’s time.

LinkedIn: A Modern Approach

Connecting with the hiring manager on LinkedIn can be an effective supplementary strategy, especially in tech, marketing, and creative industries where LinkedIn is heavily used. Send a personalised connection request that:

• Mentions the specific role you’ve applied for
• Expresses genuine interest in the company’s work
• Keeps the message brief and professional
• Avoids being overly sales-focused

After they accept your connection, you can send a brief message following up on your application. However, avoid spamming them with multiple messages or connection requests.

How to Write a Follow-Up Email After Job Application

Now for the practical part: crafting a follow-up email that gets results. A well-structured message demonstrates professionalism whilst keeping the focus on your continued interest in the role.

Essential Elements of an Effective Follow-Up Email

1. A Clear, Professional Subject Line Your subject line should immediately convey the purpose of your email. Examples:

• “Following Up: [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]”
• “Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]”
• “Checking In: [Job Title] Position”

2. A Polite Greeting If you know the recipient’s name, use it:

• “Dear Mr Johnson”
• “Dear Ms Patel”
• “Dear Dr Williams”

If you’re unsure about gender or preferred title, use their full name:

• “Dear Alex Thompson”

3. A Brief Introduction Remind the recipient who you are and what position you applied for. Include the date you submitted your application and any reference number if provided:

“I recently applied for the Marketing Manager position (Reference: MM-2025-01) on 10th November, and I wanted to follow up on the status of my application.”

4. Express Continued Interest Briefly reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Be specific where possible:

“I remain very interested in this opportunity to join your team and contribute to the innovative work you’re doing in sustainable product development.”

5. Offer Additional Information Make it easy for them to learn more about you or move your application forward:

“Please let me know if you need any additional information from me or if there are any updates on the recruitment timeline.”

6. Professional Closing Thank them for their time and consideration:

“Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.”

7. Your Contact Details Include your full name, phone number, and email address in your signature, even though they’re likely already on file.

What to Avoid in Your Follow-Up Email

Being Too Lengthy Hiring managers are busy. Keep your message concise—three to four short paragraphs maximum.

Sounding Desperate or Demanding Phrases like “I really need this job” or “When will you make a decision?” come across poorly. Maintain a confident, professional tone throughout.

Rehashing Your Entire Application They have your CV and cover letter on file. Don’t repeat everything; instead, focus on your continued interest and availability.

Including Errors Proofread meticulously. Spelling mistakes or grammatical errors in a follow-up email can undo all the good work you put into your original application.

Following Up Too Frequently One initial follow-up, with possibly one more a week or two later, is sufficient. More than that becomes harassment.

Making Negative Comments Never speak poorly of their recruitment process, express frustration about waiting, or complain about not hearing back sooner.

Follow Up Email Templates for Every Situation

Here are proven templates you can customise for your specific circumstances. Remember to personalise each one with relevant details about the role and company.

Template 1: Standard Follow-Up Email

Subject: Following Up: [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position on [date of application] and wanted to follow up on the status of my application.

I remain very interested in this opportunity and am confident that my [mention 1-2 key relevant skills or experiences] would allow me to make a meaningful contribution to your team. Having researched [Company Name] further, I’m particularly impressed by [mention something specific about the company, such as a recent project, award, or initiative].

If you need any additional information or would like to discuss my application further, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how my experience aligns with your needs.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[LinkedIn Profile – optional]

Template 2: Follow-Up When You’ve Received Another Offer

Subject: Application Update: [Job Title] – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope you’re well. I’m writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position, which I submitted on [date].

I wanted to update you that I’ve received another job offer, with a response deadline of [specific date]. However, I remain genuinely interested in the opportunity to join [Company Name] because [give specific reason related to the company or role].

I would be grateful if you could provide any update on the timeline for your recruitment process or the status of my application. If it would be helpful to discuss this further, I’m available for a conversation at your convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Template 3: Second Follow-Up Email

Subject: Second Follow-Up: [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to follow up once more on my application for the [Job Title] position, which I submitted on [date].

I understand that recruitment processes can take time, and I appreciate the thorough consideration you’re giving to all candidates. I wanted to reiterate my strong interest in joining [Company Name] and contributing to [mention specific aspect of the role or company].

Since submitting my application, I’ve [mention any new relevant development, such as completing a certification, working on a related project, or gaining new experience – only include if genuinely applicable].

If there’s any additional information I can provide to support my application, please let me know. I remain enthusiastic about this opportunity and would welcome the chance to discuss the role further.

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Template 4: LinkedIn Connection Request Message

[Note: LinkedIn limits messages to around 300 characters for connection requests]

Subject: [Job Title] Application at [Company Name]

Hi [First Name],

I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and was impressed by the work your team is doing in [specific area]. I have experience in [relevant skill] and would value the opportunity to connect and learn more about the role.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template 5: Follow-Up After Meeting at a Networking Event

Subject: Following Up: [Job Title] Application – Nice to Meet You at [Event Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

It was a pleasure meeting you at [Event Name] last [day/week]. I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic you discussed].

As mentioned, I applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] on [date]. After our discussion, I’m even more enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your team, particularly in [relevant area discussed].

I would welcome the chance to discuss my application further and explore how my [relevant skill/experience] could support your goals in [specific area].

Thank you for your time, and I hope we can connect again soon.

Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Template 6: Follow-Up With Additional Information

Subject: Additional Information: [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope you’re well. I’m following up on my application for the [Job Title] position, submitted on [date].

Since applying, I’ve [completed a relevant certification/worked on a relevant project/gained additional experience] that I believe further demonstrates my suitability for this role. Specifically, [briefly describe what you’ve done and how it’s relevant – 1-2 sentences maximum].

I remain very interested in joining [Company Name] and would be happy to discuss how my skills and recent experience align with your needs. Please let me know if you’d like me to provide any additional details about my qualifications.

Thank you for considering my application.

Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Following Up

Even with the best intentions, job seekers sometimes sabotage their own follow-up efforts. Here are the pitfalls to avoid:

Being Overly Aggressive

The Mistake: Sending multiple follow-ups within a few days, calling repeatedly, or using demanding language like “I need to hear from you immediately.”

The Solution: Stick to the recommended timeline—one initial follow-up after one to two weeks, possibly one more a week later. Use polite, professional language that shows confidence without desperation.

Sending Generic Messages

The Mistake: Using a template without customisation, failing to mention specific details about the company or role, or sending the exact same message to multiple contacts at the same organisation.

The Solution: Personalise every follow-up email. Reference specific aspects of the job description, mention something you admire about the company, and tailor your message to show you’ve done your research.

Following Up Too Soon

The Mistake: Sending a follow-up email two or three days after applying, before the application deadline has even closed, or before the timeframe mentioned in the job posting has elapsed.

The Solution: Exercise patience. Review the job posting for any stated timelines and respect them. The standard one to two week waiting period exists for good reason.

Poor Proofreading

The Mistake: Sending an email with spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, incorrect company names, or the wrong job title.

The Solution: Proofread your email multiple times before sending. Read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing. Use spell-check, but don’t rely on it exclusively. If possible, ask a trusted friend or colleague to review it.

Being Impolite or Presumptuous

The Mistake: Expressing frustration about the wait, criticising the company’s recruitment process, or assuming you haven’t been contacted because they’re disorganised.

The Solution: Maintain a gracious, understanding tone. Recognise that recruitment takes time and that hiring managers are juggling multiple priorities.

Forgetting Contact Information

The Mistake: Neglecting to include your phone number, using an unprofessional email address, or failing to provide alternative ways to reach you.

The Solution: Include a complete email signature with your full name, phone number, professional email address, and optionally your LinkedIn profile.

Exaggerating or Misrepresenting

The Mistake: Overstating your qualifications, claiming skills you don’t have, or embellishing your experience to seem more suitable for the role.

The Solution: Be honest and authentic. If your genuine qualifications aren’t a good fit, no amount of exaggeration will help in the long run.

Not Following Up at All

The Mistake: Assuming that following up is pushy or unnecessary, or simply forgetting to do so amidst a busy job search.

The Solution: Set reminders in your calendar or use a job application tracker to ensure you follow up appropriately on promising opportunities.

Understanding UK Job Market Context

The UK job market has unique characteristics that influence when and how you should follow up on applications. Understanding these nuances helps you navigate the process more effectively.

The Current State of UK Hiring

Recent data shows that UK job vacancies have been declining since mid-2022 and are now below pre-pandemic levels. This more competitive environment makes following up even more important, as standing out from the crowd is increasingly challenging.

Average time to fill a role currently sits at approximately 36-37 days across most sectors. This means even if your application is successful, the process from application to offer typically takes over a month. This context is useful when managing your expectations about response times.

Competition for roles has reached levels not seen since 2021, with multiple jobseekers vying for each available position. In this environment, strategic follow-ups that demonstrate your continued interest and enthusiasm become valuable differentiators.

Sector-Specific Considerations

Public Sector Government organisations and public bodies often have more formal, structured recruitment processes with longer timelines. Following up on public sector roles typically requires more patience, as these organisations may specify “We will contact candidates by [specific date]” and actually mean it.

Start-Ups and SMEs Smaller companies often have more informal recruitment processes and may appreciate more direct communication. A phone call might be perfectly appropriate, and responses often come more quickly.

Large Corporations Multinational companies typically use applicant tracking systems and have established recruitment timelines. Your follow-up should be more formal, and you should be prepared for a longer wait before receiving a response.

Creative Industries In sectors like advertising, marketing, and design, showing initiative through your follow-up can be particularly valued. Consider following up via LinkedIn or including a link to recent relevant work.

Regional Variations

Whilst professional standards are consistent across the UK, there are subtle regional differences in communication style:

London and Southeast The fast-paced nature of these markets often means quicker responses, but also potentially less tolerance for multiple follow-ups.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland You may find a slightly more personal approach is appreciated, though professionalism remains paramount.

Regional Cities Cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Leeds have thriving job markets with their own sectoral strengths. Research the dominant industries in the region you’re applying to and tailor your follow-up accordingly.

Best Practices for Following Up After a Job Application

Beyond the basics of when and how to follow up, these professional strategies will help you make the strongest possible impression.

Keep Detailed Records

Create a spreadsheet or use a job application tracker to record:

• Company name and position applied for
• Date of application
• Contact person’s name and details
• When you followed up and by what method
• Any responses received
• Next steps and reminder dates

This organisation prevents embarrassing mistakes like following up twice in one week or contacting the wrong person.

Time Your Follow-Up Strategically

Send your follow-up email during business hours, ideally mid-morning (between 10am and 11am) on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Research suggests these are the times when emails are most likely to be opened and read. Avoid Monday mornings when inboxes are overwhelming, and Friday afternoons when people are winding down for the weekend.

Maintain a Professional Online Presence

Before following up, ensure your LinkedIn profile is current and professional. Hiring managers often look up candidates who contact them, so your profile should:

• Have a professional photo
• Include an up-to-date headline and summary
• List relevant skills and endorsements
• Show recommendations from colleagues or managers
• Be consistent with the information on your CV

Similarly, review your other social media accounts and adjust privacy settings if necessary. Employers increasingly check candidates’ social media presence, so ensure there’s nothing that might reflect poorly on you professionally.

Consider Networking as a Follow-Up Strategy

If you have genuine connections within the organisation, thoughtfully leveraging them can be effective. Reach out to your contact to:

• Ask about the company culture and team
• Seek advice on the application process
• Request that they mention your application to the relevant person (only if appropriate)

However, be cautious about overstepping. Your contact should feel comfortable with your request and shouldn’t feel pressured to advocate for you if they’re not familiar with your work.

Be Prepared for Different Responses

Your follow-up might elicit various responses. Be ready to handle each professionally:

Positive Response If they express interest and want to schedule an interview, respond promptly (within 24 hours) confirming your availability and enthusiasm.

Request for More Information If they ask for additional documents or clarification, provide what’s needed quickly and professionally. This is an opportunity to impress them with your responsiveness.

Rejection If you receive a polite rejection, respond graciously. Thank them for considering you and express interest in future opportunities. This leaves the door open for other roles at the company.

No Response If your follow-up receives no reply after a reasonable time (another week or so), it’s appropriate to send one more brief email. After that, focus your energy elsewhere.

Continue Your Job Search

Whilst following up is important, never put all your eggs in one basket. Continue applying for other positions even after sending your follow-up. This serves two purposes:

• It ensures you’re not left with nothing if this opportunity doesn’t pan out
• It prevents you from becoming too emotionally invested in a single application, which can lead to desperation in your communications

Learn from Each Experience

After each follow-up (successful or not), reflect on what worked and what didn’t. If you secured an interview after following up, consider what aspects of your message might have resonated. If you received no response, think about whether you could have timed your follow-up differently or personalised your message more effectively.

What to Do After You’ve Followed Up

Following up is just one part of the job search process. Here’s how to proceed once you’ve sent your email.

Wait Patiently (But Stay Proactive Elsewhere)

After sending your follow-up email, give the recipient at least a week to respond. During this time:

• Continue applying for other positions
• Work on developing relevant skills
• Network with professionals in your industry
• Keep your LinkedIn profile active and engaging

Respond Promptly to Any Reply

If the hiring manager or recruiter responds to your follow-up, reply quickly—ideally within 24 hours. Whether they’re requesting an interview, asking for additional information, or even sending a rejection, prompt responses demonstrate professionalism and genuine interest.

Prepare for Next Steps

Use the waiting period productively:

• Research the company thoroughly
• Prepare answers to common interview questions
• Think about questions you’d like to ask them
• Review your CV and application materials so details are fresh in your mind
• Identify stories and examples that demonstrate your key skills

Know When to Move On

If you’ve sent an initial follow-up and one additional message with no response after several weeks, it’s time to redirect your energy. Some applications simply don’t result in responses, and that’s not a reflection on you. Focus on opportunities where your efforts are more likely to be rewarded.

Stay Positive and Persistent

Job searching can be challenging, with periods of silence and rejection. Following up on applications is one of many tools in your arsenal. Each follow-up is practice that hones your communication skills and builds your confidence. The right opportunity is out there, and strategic follow-ups increase your chances of finding it.

Key Takeaways: Follow Up After Job Application UK

Following up after submitting a job application in the UK is a professional, expected practice that can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. Here are the essential points to remember:

Timing Is Critical Wait one to two weeks after submitting your application before following up. Respect any timelines stated in the job posting and never follow up before the application deadline closes.

Choose Email as Your Primary Method Email is the most professional and widely accepted way to follow up on job applications in the UK. It gives hiring managers flexibility to respond at their convenience and creates a record of your communication.

Personalise Every Message Generic follow-ups rarely make an impact. Research the company, mention specific aspects of the role that interest you, and demonstrate that you’ve put thought into your message.

Keep It Concise and Professional Your follow-up should be brief—three to four short paragraphs maximum. Use a clear subject line, maintain a professional tone throughout, and proofread meticulously.

Follow Up No More Than Twice One initial follow-up, with possibly one more follow-up a week or two later, is sufficient. More frequent contact can damage your candidacy.

Stay Organised Track all your applications, follow-ups, and responses in a spreadsheet or job tracking tool. This prevents embarrassing mistakes and ensures you don’t miss important deadlines.

Continue Your Search Never stop applying for other positions whilst waiting to hear back. Maintaining momentum in your job search prevents desperation and keeps your options open.

Handle Responses Gracefully Whether you receive an invitation to interview, a rejection, or no response at all, maintain professionalism. Thank people for their time, respond promptly to any communication, and keep doors open for future opportunities.

Quick Reference Guide: Follow Up After Job Application UK

Final Thoughts

Following up after a job application in the UK is both an art and a science. When done correctly, it demonstrates professionalism, enthusiasm, and strong communication skills—all qualities employers value. The templates and strategies in this guide provide a solid foundation, but remember to adapt them to your specific circumstances, the company culture, and the role you’re pursuing.

The UK job market may be competitive, but strategic follow-ups give you an edge. They transform your application from a document in a pile to a conversation with a real person. Every follow-up is an opportunity to reinforce your interest, showcase your professionalism, and potentially open the door to your next career move.

Remember, rejection is a normal part of job searching. Not every application will result in an interview, regardless of how perfect your follow-up email might be. What matters is that you approach each opportunity professionally, learn from the experience, and continue moving forward.

Now that you’re equipped with proven strategies, templates, and best practices, it’s time to put this knowledge into action. Review your recent applications, identify opportunities where a follow-up would be appropriate, and start reaching out. Your next interview could be just one well-crafted email away.

Good luck with your job search!

Read also: Is Resume and CV the Same? Your Complete Guide to Understanding the Differences

About the Author: This guide draws on current UK recruitment practices, professional standards, and insights from career development experts. The templates and strategies have been crafted specifically for the UK job market and reflect contemporary expectations of professional communication.