How to follow up on a job application

So you’ve submitted a job application – now what? While applying for jobs can sometimes feel like an endless cycle of not hearing back, that doesn’t mean it’s all out of your hands.  

Half of New Zealand employers see someone following up as a positive gesture, SEEK research shows. Yet 50% of Kiwis confess to not following up on their applications. 

Shifting your mindset 

Often, candidates might avoid following up on a job application because they think it’s annoying or have a bit of imposter syndrome, but this can hold you back, says Ella Burke, Founding Director of Employii. 

“Following up puts your name front and centre in the recruiter’s mind as it shows you have a level of care and interest beyond a copy paste application,” she says. “It may even give you a priority, especially when there’s a high volume of applications.” 

Sometimes, automatic filtering tools might push your application into the ‘no’ pile. Following up is a chance to reiterate why you think you're a good fit and potentially correct this, something Burke has seen a number of times.  

Tips for following up 

Thinking of following up on a job application? Here’s what you should keep in mind for a best-practice approach. 

How to reach out  

47% of Kiwi employers prefer to be contacted via email, SEEK data shows. Burke agrees. “With email, I can address you when it's convenient to me, whereas if you get me on the phone, I might be on the fly and not have my laptop,” she says.  

Email allows people to read, digest and respond to your follow up at a time that suits them best in their working day. This means they might be able to give it more attention, Burke advises. 

That doesn’t mean phone follow-ups are completely off-limits, however. Half of those surveyed in New Zealand prefer to receive a phone call. Joshua Wrafter, Managing Director NSW at PageGroup, says it’s worth being open to calling if you’ve already sent one or two emails. 

“While it’s best to email first, you can then call to say you’re following up on the application and have tried to reach out a couple of times to see how things are progressing,” he advises. 

Who to contact

Take the time to find out the correct person to address your follow up to, says Burke. Often, the hiring contact might be listed on a job ad or in the email you receive after applying.   

“If you’re not sure, you can always call up reception and simply ask who is best to reach out to – at least attempt to get their name,” she suggests. That way, you can send any follow ups to the correct contact and address them by name. 

What to say 

Following up is an opportunity to go beyond your resumé and reiterate why you’re suited to a role and the broader organisation.  

In the email, be sure to politely call out why you think you’re a great fit for both, says Wrafter. “Talk about your achievements and how these relate to the core parts of the roles, as well as aligning your personal values with those of the organisation to show you’re a good cultural fit.” 

While you shouldn’t be pushy or demanding, there’s nothing wrong with mentioning next steps. “You could say ‘I look forward to hearing from you in regards to interview times in the event my application progresses’,” says Burke. 

When to say it 

Give hirers a little bit of time before following up – but you don’t have you wait until applications close to reach out. As a default, Burke suggests following up a week after applying, with a few exceptions. 

“For example, if they said they’re not going to look at interviews until a certain time then wait until then. Or if they put the role on hold,” she advises. “Follow up twice and if you don’t get a response, then maybe it’s just not the right time.” 

What not to do 

Be mindful of how frequently you’re following up. While once a week is appropriate, reaching out multiple times a day isn’t, says Wrafter. “Timing is important,” he says. “Employers are busy – they simply might not have had time to read the email and get back to you.” 

Remember, don’t be discouraged if you’ve reached out and haven’t heard back. “Don't let one bad experience burn you,” says Burke. “If you try to reach out to somebody and they didn't like it, or you didn't get a response, that doesn't mean every company is going to react the same.” 

Applying for jobs is a numbers game, she advises, and each organisation has a different approach to recruitment. “Put your best foot forward for every job, including reaching out to those you are really interested in. Just keep trying.” 

Source: Independent research conducted by Nature on behalf of SEEK, interviewing 4000 Kiwis annually. Published April 2025.