How to Ask About Your Job Application Status After an Interview (With Email Examples)

In this guide, we’ll show you the right way to follow up after a job interview. We’ll provide steps to craft a polite and professional email asking about your application status. Plus, you’ll get tips to make your follow-up email stand out and an example email to guide you.

How to Ask About Your Job Application Status After an Interview

After you’ve had an interview, it’s normal to want to know where you stand with your job application. Here’s how to inquire professionally.

1. Start With a Formal Greeting

When you’re reaching out to ask about your job application status, it’s important to start your email or letter with a formal greeting. Use the interviewer’s name if you have it, as this adds a personal touch and shows that you pay attention to details. “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Johnson” are examples of how you can begin the message respectfully.

Avoid using first names unless the interviewer explicitly asked you to do so during your interview. This is a professional communication, and maintaining a level of formality is essential. It sets the tone for the rest of your message and demonstrates your professional demeanor.

2. Express Your Gratitude

Your next step should be to express gratitude for the interview opportunity. Thank the interviewer for their time and for considering you for the position. This not only shows good manners but also reinforces your interest in the job. Mentioning a specific aspect of the interview that you found insightful or enjoyable can personalize your message further and make you more memorable.

Gratitude goes a long way in establishing a positive tone for the rest of your message. It’s an opportunity to remind the interviewer of your enthusiasm for the role and to express appreciation for the chance to discuss your qualifications in more depth.

3. Begin Your Follow-up Note

After your greeting and expression of thanks, it’s time to start the body of your follow-up. Clearly state the purpose of your email right at the beginning. You might say something like, “I am writing to inquire about the status of my application for [the position] following our interview on [date].” This helps the reader understand the context of your message immediately.

Keep this part of the message concise and to the point. While it’s important to express your continued interest in the position, it’s also crucial not to come across as pushy. It’s a delicate balance between showing eagerness and respecting the hiring process.

4. Show Enthusiasm

In your message, make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job and the company. Let the interviewer know that you’re very interested in the position and excited about the possibility of joining their team. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the company’s needs and goals, underscoring why you think you’d be a great fit.

This doesn’t mean you have to overdo it. Your enthusiasm should be genuine and reflect your sincere interest in the role and the organization. This is your chance to remind them of your unique contributions and how you envision making a positive impact.

5. Ask for Feedback

Towards the end of your message, it can be a good idea to respectfully ask for feedback on your interview. Phrase it in a way that shows you’re seeking to improve and value their opinion, such as, “I would greatly appreciate any feedback you could share regarding my interview performance, as I am always looking to improve.”

This request demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. However, be prepared for any response you may receive, or the possibility that you may not receive feedback at all, as not all companies have a policy of providing it.

Tips for Writing an Impressive Follow-up Email

Here are some key tips to help you craft an effective follow-up email after an interview:

• Be Concise: Keep your email short and to the point. The person reading it probably has a lot of other things to do. Aim for a few paragraphs at most, where you clearly say why you’re writing.
• Personalize Your Email: Use the name of the interviewer and reference specific details from your interview to remind them who you are. This makes your email feel more personalized and less like a generic message.
• Proofread Your Email: Before sending, check your email for any spelling or grammar mistakes. This shows that you pay attention to detail and care about making a good impression.
• Express Enthusiasm: Let the interviewer know that you’re still very interested in the job. This shows that you’re eager and motivated, which are qualities that employers look for.
• Be Polite and Professional: Even if you’re feeling anxious about the outcome, it’s important to remain respectful and professional in your communication. Thank the interviewer again for their time and consideration.
• Time Your Follow-up Appropriately: Wait at least a week after your interview before following up. This gives the interviewer time to make their decision without feeling rushed by your inquiry.
• Include a Subject Line That’s Clear: Your email’s subject line should be straightforward and mention the follow-up or your interview date. For example, “Follow-up on [Job Title] interview on [Date].” This makes it easy for the interviewer to know the purpose of your email at a glance.
• Mention Your Added Value: Briefly remind the interviewer how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the job. This reinforces why you’re a strong candidate.
• Ask a Question: Rather than just asking about your status, consider asking a question that shows you’ve thought more about the role or company. This could be about next steps, the company’s future plans, or something specific discussed in your interview.
• Close With Your Contact Information: Even though they have your resume, including your contact information makes it easy for them to reach out to you without having to look up your details.

Follow-up Email Example

Dear Ms. Richardson,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the Marketing Coordinator position last Thursday. It was a pleasure learning more about the innovative strategies your team is implementing.

May I inquire about the timeline for the next steps in the hiring process? I am very much looking forward to the possibility of working together.

Thank you again for considering my application. Please let me know if there are any follow-up questions or additional information you need from me.

Warm regards,
Alex Morgan

Final Thoughts

Following up after a job interview is an important step in the job application process. Doing it the right way can show your interest and keep you in the mind of the hiring team. Use the guidelines and example provided to craft a message that is professional, polite, and shows your enthusiasm for the role. With a good follow-up email, you can increase your chances of moving forward in the hiring process.