Following up with a recruiter: 3 email templates that get a reply

Introduction

You applied ten days ago. Silence. Should you follow up? Almost always yes: studies show 20–30% of recruiters wait for your follow-up before moving to the next step. But a successful follow-up is short, polite, and timely. Here's when to follow up, what to write, and 3 ready-to-use templates.

When to follow up?

• Application sent: follow up on day 7, then a second one on day 14 at the latest. After that, the role is likely filled.
• After an interview: say thank you within 24 hours, follow up if you hear nothing after 7 days.
• After a rejection: one single request for feedback, right away (you have 48 hours to ask).
• Never follow up more than twice for the same application, unless an interview is in progress.

Template 1 — Follow-up after an application (day 7)

The principle: remind them of your application, show your interest, leave the door open — in 5 lines max.

Subject: Application [Job title] — [Your name]

Hello [First name],

I applied on [date] for the [job title] position at [company] and wanted to confirm my strong interest in this opportunity.

My application is still current. I remain available for a call, in person or by video, at your convenience.

Best regards, [Your name]

Template 2 — Follow-up after an interview (day 7)

Subject: Follow-up on our conversation of [date]

Hello [First name],

Thank you again for our conversation on [date]. I really appreciated the clarity of your explanations about [specific point discussed].

I wanted to check in on the next steps of the process. If anything is missing on my side (references, portfolio, availability), please let me know.

Best regards, [Your name]

Template 3 — Feedback request after rejection

Subject: Feedback on my application for [job title]

Hello [First name],

Thank you for your reply. I understand your decision and remain interested in [company].

To improve, could you tell me which aspects of my application fell short (experience, skills, preparation)? This feedback will help me position myself better for my next applications.

Best regards, [Your name]

Mistakes that kill a follow-up

• Following up on day 2 — you look impatient, not motivated
• Copy-pasting a template without personalizing — an obviously generic follow-up won't even be read
• Repeating your CV — the follow-up adds something new (availability, a skill), it doesn't recap
• Following up on a Friday at 6 pm — send it early in the week, in the morning

Conclusion

The follow-up is the most profitable step of a job search: a 5-line email can unlock an interview. Note your follow-up dates the day you apply and keep the calendar. On Motivygo, every application shows its next follow-up deadline — no need to remember who to chase, the board reminds you.