What to say instead of “any update on my application”
Why it can fall flat
“any update on my application”
Job seekers usually type “any update on my application” after days of silence, but it can read as impatient and gives the recruiter nothing specific to answer. A polite check on timing and a clear next step is the real goal.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Priya, I wanted to check where things stand with my application for the Marketing Analyst role. Is there a timeline I should keep in mind?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Naming the role and asking about timing rather than a decision makes this a good first follow-up.
- 02
Thank you again for speaking with me last week. I'm still very interested in the role. Do you have an idea of when the team expects to decide?
Recruiter / HR · Email
After an interview, this restates your interest and asks a question that is easy to answer.
- 03
Hi Priya, it's Kendall Bailey. Just checking in on my application for the analyst role. Happy to send anything else you need. Thanks!
Recruiter / HR · SMS
A recruiter who already texts you will appreciate how short this is and that it offers help instead of pressing.
- 04
Hi Brandon, I applied for the Data Coordinator role two weeks ago and I'm still keen. Could you tell me if it's still open and what the next step is?
Recruiter / HR · Chat
On LinkedIn or a similar platform, this fits when no reply has come since you applied.
- 05
Hey Meera, I know you passed my CV to the hiring team. Could you ask if there's been any progress? No worries if it feels awkward.
Coworker · Chat
With a friend who referred you, this lets them decline without any pressure.
- 06
Hi Ciaran, I applied for the open role on the Finance team last month and haven't heard back. Do you know who is handling it, or where the process stands?
Boss · Email
For an internal application, your manager may know who to ask, so this fits well.
- 07
Hi Priya, I have another offer that needs an answer by Friday. I'm still very interested in your role. Could you tell me where things stand?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Use this only when it's true, since a real deadline gives a good reason to ask for an earlier answer.
Examples
Subject: Following up on my application Hi Ms. Fernandez, I applied for the Customer Support Lead role on June 3 and wanted to check where things stand. I'm still very interested, and I'm happy to send any extra information you need. Thank you for your time. Best regards, Damian Shah
Hi Brandon, I interviewed for the Operations Assistant role last Tuesday and wanted to ask if you know when the team will decide. Thanks so much!
What to avoid
- Following up more than about once a week is too much, and if they gave you a decision date, wait until it has passed.
- Guilt-trip lines like “I still haven't heard anything” or “Why is this taking so long?” will hurt your case.
- Mentioning another offer or a deadline only makes sense if it is true.
- Sending the same message by email, text and LinkedIn all at once can feel like pressure.
- Vague one-liners get vague answers, so name the role and the date you applied or interviewed.