Follow Up Email After Applying for a Job Template (UK 2026)

Why this matters

Most UK candidates either don't follow up at all (passive) or follow up too aggressively (counter-productive). The candidates who get the best outcomes follow up once, professionally, after a reasonable wait. It demonstrates interest without desperation and often surfaces information the recruiter forgot to share — that the timeline shifted, that the role got reorganised, or that they should resubmit because the original email got lost.

Email template

Subject: Following up — [Role title] application — [Your name]

Dear [Recruiter name or hiring manager name],

I applied for the [Role title] role on [date you applied] and wanted to follow up on the status of the application.

I'm still very interested in the role and would value any update on the timeline. If the process has shifted or you need anything additional from me, please let me know.

Thanks for your time.

Best regards,
[Your name]
[Phone number]

Replace bracketed text [like this] with your details. Specificity is what gets responses.

Step-by-step

1. 1 Wait at least 7-10 working days after the application — earlier reads as anxious
2. 2 Reference the specific role and application date
3. 3 Keep it under 80 words
4. 4 Don't restate qualifications — the original application has them
5. 5 Make the ask soft — 'when convenient' rather than 'urgently'
6. 6 Send to the recruiter or original contact, not company general inbox
7. 7 Don't follow up again for at least 2 weeks if no response

Common mistakes

• ✗Following up within 3-5 days — too soon, reads as desperate
• ✗Re-pitching qualifications — they have your CV, they don't need a recap
• ✗Adding emotional content — 'I really want this role' weakens you
• ✗Using urgency you don't have — 'I have other offers' when you don't is risky
• ✗Sending to multiple addresses or escalating to senior leaders — almost always backfires