How Long to Wait After Submitting a Job Application and How to Follow Up

This article is part of our series "Job application tips and strategies"

Job hunting can be a daunting process, and waiting to hear back after applying is often the most nerve-wracking part. Whether you've applied to a target job application or a McDonald's job application, you may find yourself asking, "How long should I wait before following up on my job application?" In this blog post, we will discuss the typical timeline for following up on job applications and the reasons for these waiting periods. Additionally, we will provide some tips on how to follow up on a job application.

How long to wait after submitting a job application

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to wait for at least one to two weeks after submitting your job application before following up. This is because hiring managers often receive a large number of applications and need time to review and assess each one. By allowing them sufficient time to review your application, you demonstrate patience and professionalism.

However, there may be instances where the hiring timeline is expedited, and waiting too long to follow up could result in a missed opportunity. For example, if the job posting mentions an urgent need, you may consider following up within a few days to a week after submitting your application.

Reasons for waiting periods

There are several reasons for waiting periods in the job application process. These include:

• Large applicant pool: Employers may receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for a single position. This means that it takes time for them to review each application and decide on a shortlist of candidates to interview.
• Varying priorities: Hiring managers often have multiple responsibilities in addition to reviewing job applications. As a result, they may not be able to dedicate a significant amount of time each day to reviewing applications, which can extend the process.
• Internal processes: Many companies have specific protocols and procedures for handling job applications, which can include multiple stages of review and approval. This can cause delays in the process, even if your application is highly competitive.

How to follow up on a job application

When the appropriate amount of time has passed, and you're ready to follow up on your job application, here are some tips to ensure a professional approach:

• Use the appropriate method of communication: If the job posting specified a preferred method of contact, be sure to follow those instructions. If no method was specified, email is typically the most appropriate and non-intrusive way to follow up.
• Keep it brief and professional: Your follow-up message should be concise and to the point. Reiterate your interest in the position, mention the date you submitted your application, and politely inquire about the status of your application.
• Attach your resume and cover letter: Including your resume and cover letter in the follow-up email serves as a gentle reminder of your qualifications and helps the hiring manager quickly reference your application.
• Be patient: After following up, give the employer at least a week to respond. If you still haven't heard back, it may be a sign that they have chosen to pursue other candidates.

Feel free to use this free email template for your next follow up email:

Subject Line: Following Up on [Job Title] Application - [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I submitted my application on [Date] and am very excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise to your team.

I understand that reviewing applications can be a time-consuming process, and I appreciate your efforts in evaluating each candidate. If it would be helpful, I have attached my resume and cover letter to this email for your reference.

Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide or if there are any next steps in the hiring process. I am eager to learn more about the role and how I might be a good fit for [Company Name]. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

Whether you've submitted a target job application or a McDonald's job application, waiting to hear back can be an anxious time. However, by understanding the typical timeline and reasons for waiting periods, you can follow up on your job application professionally and with confidence. Remember to be patient and respect the hiring manager's time, and with a bit of persistence, you may find yourself landing the perfect job.

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