“How long is too long to wait for a reply from an employer?” she asked?
“When did you send it?” I replied?
“About two weeks ago” she said.
And there it was.
She’d been asked to apply for a cadetship with the ABC — probably poured as much heart and caffeine into that application as a young journalist can.
She’d likely proofread the thing 17 times because ADHD does that to you. She hit submit and then did what everyone does.
Nothing.
All while her inner molougloue was whispering:
“Maybe they’re still shortlisting.”“Maybe they’ve gone on holiday.”“Maybe they hated my resume and have framed it as an example of what not to do.”
Following up after applying for a job feels a bit like texting someone after a first date. You don’t want to look desperate. But you also don’t want to die wondering.
Yet if you do it right, following up isn’t pushy — it’s professional.
And it’s often the thing that nudges your name from the bottom of the pile to the top.
There are two moments most people avoid: the application follow-up and the interview follow-up.
Here’s how to handle both — without sounding like a pest.
1. The Application Follow-Up
(a.k.a. “Did You Get My Resume, or Did It Fall Into a Black Hole?”)
If it’s been a week or two and you’ve heard nothing, it’s completely fine to send a polite message or make a quick call.
You’re not harassing them — you’re showing initiative.
It can be as simple as:
Hi [Name], I wanted to check in about my application for the [Role Title] role submitted on [date]. I’m still interested in the opportunity and happy to provide anything else you might need.
That’s it. Two lines. Friendly. Direct. No begging, no pleading, no emotional hostage situations.
Best case, they reply and you get an update.
Worst case, they ignore you — and at least you can move on knowing you tried, instead of refreshing your inbox like it owes you money.
2. The Post-Interview Follow-Up
(a.k.a. “Did I Imagine That Went Well?”)
You had a great interview. You even made them laugh.
And then… silence.
It’s been a week since they said, “We’ll be in touch soon.” But soon, apparently, is a very flexible concept.
This is where a quick, respectful follow-up makes all the difference.
Something like:
Hi [Name], Thanks again for the meeting with me last [day] — I really enjoyed hearing about the [team/project]. Just checking in to see if there’s been any update on next steps.
It’s short, it’s polite, and it reminds them you exist — which is handy, given how many candidates they’ve spoken to since.
Why Bother?
Because while everyone else is sitting around waiting, you’re the one actually keeping the conversation going.
Following up shows confidence. It shows you care. And in a hiring world full of ghosting, that small act of persistence stands out more than you think.
Bottom line: don’t overthink it.
Be polite.
Be brief.
Be the person who actually follows through — not the one still checking their spam folder three months later.
~Lisa