How to follow up on a job application (with a sample message)

In short: wait about 10 business days after you apply, write to whoever posted the job (or to the hiring team) in 3 or 4 lines, and ask what stage the process is at.

When

About 10 business days after you apply. Sooner can look rushed. Much later, the hiring may already be far along.

Who to write to

The person who posted the job on LinkedIn, or someone in the «Meet the hiring team» section. If there's nobody there, someone in the company's recruiting team.

Sample message

Hi, I hope you're well. A few days ago I applied for the Digital Marketing Manager role at Acme. I'm still very interested: I'm currently Marketing Manager at Another Company and I think I can bring a lot to this role. Could you tell me what stage the process is at? Thanks, and best regards!

What not to do

• Send more than one follow-up a week.
• Paste your whole CV into the message.
• Push with deadlines («I need to know by tomorrow»).