How to follow up after a job application or interview

Many candidates send an application and then wait in silence for weeks. A short, polite follow-up at the right moment shows interest and professionalism. Done badly, it can annoy a busy recruiter. Here is how to get it right.

After sending an application

Follow up only if you have a contact name or email, and only after the closing date has passed. A good time is about one to two weeks after the deadline. Keep it short:

Subject: Application for Customer Service Officer, Ref CSO/10/2026

Dear Ms Otieno,
I applied for the Customer Service Officer role on 10 October and wanted to confirm that my application was received. I remain very interested in the position and would be glad to provide any further information.
Kind regards,
Brian Mwangi, 0712 345 678

If the advert says "only shortlisted candidates will be contacted", one follow-up is the limit. Silence after that usually means you were not shortlisted for this role.

After an interview

Send a thank-you email the same day

Thank the panel or recruiter for their time, mention one thing you discussed, and restate your interest in one sentence. It takes five minutes and many candidates skip it.

Dear Mr Kamau,
Thank you for meeting me today about the Logistics Coordinator role. I enjoyed hearing about the plans to open the Mombasa depot, and it confirmed my interest in the position. Please let me know if you need anything further from me.
Kind regards,
Amina Hassan

Follow up after the promised date

At the end of the interview, ask when you can expect to hear back. If that date passes, wait two or three working days and send a brief, polite check-in. Recruitment often takes longer than planned because of approvals and reference checks.

What not to do

• Do not call or email every few days.
• Do not contact panel members on their personal phones or social media.
• Do not ask someone in the organisation to influence the decision on your behalf.
• Do not send long emails repeating your CV.

Handling rejection well

If you are told you were not selected, reply briefly to thank them and ask to be considered for future roles. Where possible, ask for one or two points of feedback. Not every employer gives feedback, but some do, and it is valuable. A gracious reply is remembered. Candidates are often contacted later when the first choice declines or a similar role opens.

Keep track of your applications

A simple list with the employer, role, date applied, contact person and status helps you follow up at the right time and avoid confusion when a recruiter calls. Monica's job board keeps track of applications you make through the site.