Top Tip for Candidates: How to Follow Up After Submitting Your CV
It’s Thursday, 7th August 2025—and if you've been job hunting recently, you’ve probably sent out more than a few CVs this week. So today’s Top Tip for Candidates tackles the next step in the process: how (and when) to follow up after you’ve applied.
Submitting your CV can feel like sending it into a black hole—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Following up professionally can nudge your application to the top of the pile and show that you’re genuinely interested, proactive, and on the ball.
Here’s how to do it without sounding pushy or impatient.
Give It a Few Days First
Don’t hit “send” on your CV and then chase 24 hours later. Give the employer or recruiter time to review applications—3 to 5 working days is usually fair. If they mentioned a closing date, wait until a day or two after that before following up. Timing matters, and patience shows professionalism.
Send a Short, Friendly Email
Keep your follow-up message polite, upbeat, and to the point. Something like:
"Hi [Name], I just wanted to follow up on my application for [Job Title]. I'm really interested in the opportunity and would love to know if there's any further information I can provide. Looking forward to hearing from you."
That’s it. No essays. No pressure. Just a nudge in the right direction.
Use the Right Channel
If you applied through a recruiter, follow up with them directly. If it was a direct employer application, respond via the method listed in the advert (usually email). Avoid following up through multiple channels—that can come across as pushy rather than proactive.
Be Prepared for Silence (But Stay Positive)
Not every follow-up gets a reply. That doesn’t mean your application wasn’t considered—it might just mean the process is slow or the volume of applicants is high. If you don’t hear back after a second polite message, it’s okay to move on. But keep the door open—you never know when they might revisit your CV.
Need Help With What to Say? Let’s Work on It Together
If you’re not sure how to follow up without sounding too eager—or you’re simply not hearing back from employers at all—we’re here to help. At Howard James Recruitment, we’ll support you with personalised advice to improve your response rate and keep things moving.
Landing your dream job starts with the right guidance. Whether you need help refining your CV, preparing for interviews, or navigating your job search, we’re here to help.
Book a free 30-minute consultation with our expert recruiters and get personalised advice to accelerate your career.
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