How to follow up on a job application: the day-five rule.

When to follow up

Wait five days after you apply. That gives the team time to review the first wave of applications. If you hear nothing, send one more note around day ten. After that, stop and put your energy into new applications.

Who to send it to

The best person is the recruiter or hiring manager named in the posting, or someone you found on the company’s team page. If you can’t find a name, send it to the hiring team address or reply to your application confirmation.

A day-five template

Subject: Following up — [Role] application

Hi [Name],

I applied for the [Role] position on [date] and wanted to confirm it reached you. My work on [one real result from your resume] lines up closely with what the team needs.

Happy to share anything else that would help.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Keep it to four or five lines. Use one real result you already have on your resume. Don’t invent a connection or a number.

A day-ten template

Hi [Name],

Checking in once more on the [Role] role. I'm still very interested and available to talk this week or next.

Thanks for your time,
[Your name]

Common replies and what they mean

“We’re still reviewing.” Normal. Wait for day ten. “We’ve moved forward with other candidates.” Thank them and ask to be considered for future roles. No reply. Also normal. Send the day-ten note, then move on.

Let Dayfive keep count

Dayfive puts every application on a board, counts the days since you applied, and shows a “Day five” badge with a ready note when it’s time. You copy it, send it yourself, and mark it sent.