After you’ve found and applied to a job that looks like a great fit for you, there’s nothing more frustrating than radio silence while you anxiously await the next steps in your process. Did they receive my resume? Did they make a decision yet? Did all of my application materials suddenly disappear into a big black hole?

When your mind is full of questions, it can be easy to overthink the follow-up, not wanting to seem too complacent, too eager, or worse — too annoying. So if you’re wondering about the right time to check in — and what to say — here’s a good place to start.

After you’ve applied

After you’ve submitted your application materials, lay low until the advertised application deadline has passed. Give it a couple days after that (or one week after you’ve applied if there’s no advertised deadline), and reach out to the contact person or hiring manager listed on the job listing with a simple, thoughtful email that introduces who you are, shares (briefly) why you’re a great fit for the position, and reiterates how much you’re looking forward to moving forward in the process.

Dear Mr. Smyth,

My name is Jennifer, and I recently submitted my application for the editor position listed on your website. I wanted to check in to ensure you’ve received my resume, cover letter, and work samples.

I’m excited to discuss how my 10 years of digital media experience can help your company achieve its goals of developing quality content and strategic social media campaigns. I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps.

Thanks,

Jennifer

Be sure to read the job listing thoroughly and note any preferred (or non-preferred) methods of follow-ups. Many job listings will say “no phone calls,” and remember that’s a rule, not a suggestion.

Altogethr Tip: Add a “task” to remind you to follow-up one week after you’ve applied.

After an interview

If you’ve landed a phone interview or in-person interview, your prospective employers have hopefully addressed the timeline they’re working on, and given you some idea of when they will be in touch with news. If that’s the case, write a short and sweet thank you note immediately following the interview, and then give them space to work on their schedule. If you don’t hear from them a day or two after the original date they mentioned, it’s time to follow up. If they’ve made no mention of timing, check-in a week after your interview.

Dear Mr. Smyth,

Hope you’re doing well.

When we met recently, you mentioned that you would be making a final decision about the editing job this week. I wanted to take a moment to check in and see if there’s anything additional I can provide to aid in your decision-making progress.

Since our interview, I’ve only grown more confident that the editor role would be a great fit. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best,

Jen

The hiring process can often be riddled with red tape, so if you don’t hear back, give them a break and wait at least another week before following up again. Then, send another email. Consistent and professional follow-up can be the key to getting a (hopefully) long-term working relationship off on the right foot.

Altogethr Tip: You can create a “follow-up” task one and two weeks after your interview to remind you to check in. (You’ll receive an email reminder to do so.) Doing this at the time of the interview ensures that you won’t forget, and staying on top of follow-up lets the interviewer know of your continued interest.

Have another interview coming up? Check out these tips on how to prep for and ace your next interview.

Need more tips on securing that job? Check out these 8 steps to a better job search.