Sending a job application follow-up e-mail requires a certain amount of intuition and correctly choosing the right time. Basically, there is no guideline here. Determining the ideal time after which to ask questions about an application status depends on numerous factors, which you as an applicant usually cannot influence as you don't know about internal company processes and what the situation is. Therefore, you should inquire about the status of your application as soon as you think this makes sense, but at the earliest one to two weeks after you have applied. This also underlines your interest, which can be a positive signal for employers.
During a survey by the company Accountemps in 2017, HR managers were asked how long applicants should wait to make a job application follow-up e-mail or phone call. The result: 43 percent of personnel managers recommend that applicants ask about the status one to two weeks after it is sent.
All results of the survey: When should candidates ask about their application?
- Less than a week: 19%
- 1-2 weeks: 43%
- 2-3 weeks: 30%
- 3 weeks or more: 8%
- Applicants should not ask for their application: 0%
This also shows that the request is usually not negatively perceived. You should therefore not shy away from it under any circumstances, as long as you do not ask repeatedly. If you do not receive an answer to your e-mail, you can try by telephone. In most cases, you will be connected to the person in charge when you are asked a friendly question about your application. The Personnel management is responsible for the recruitment of new employees.