Better ways to say “Any update on the job?”
Why it can fall flat
“Any update on the job?”
Sending “Any update on the job?” can leave the reader guessing which job you mean and sounding a little impatient. You likely want to know where things stand and when you will hear.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Keisha, I'm following up on my application for the Operations Analyst role. Is there any news on the next steps?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Fits an application that has been quiet for a while, since it names the role and asks one clear question.
- 02
Thank you again for meeting me on Tuesday. Could you tell me where things stand and when I might expect to hear back?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Good in the days after an interview, because it thanks them first and asks for a timeframe they can realistically give.
- 03
Hi Tegan, do you have a few minutes this week to talk about my internal transfer to the analytics team? I'd like to know where it stands.
Boss · Chat
Helps when an internal transfer has gone quiet, since it asks for a short conversation instead of demanding an answer.
- 04
Hi Tegan, I wanted to check on the timing of the promotion decision we discussed in March. Is there a date I can plan around?
Boss · Email
Useful when a decision has no date, because it points back to an earlier talk and asks for a date rather than a result.
- 05
Hey Brian, has anything moved on the referral you passed on for the design role? Just wondering if HR has said anything.
Coworker · Chat
Suits a friendly colleague who made the referral, and it makes clear you want information, not a favor.
- 06
Hi Keisha, it's Arjun Rao. Checking in on the Data Analyst role. Any news on next steps? Happy to send anything you need.
Recruiter / HR · SMS
Best saved for a recruiter who has already texted you, since it is short, names you and the role, and offers help.
- 07
Hello Ms. Lopez, I'm following up on the website project proposal I sent on June 4. Have you reached a decision, or can I answer any questions?
Client · Email
Fits a freelance or contract job still undecided, because it invites questions without pressuring the client.
Examples
Dear Ms. Fernandes, I interviewed for the Marketing Coordinator role on May 12 and wanted to check where the process stands. I remain very interested in the position and would be glad to provide any further information you need. Could you let me know when I might expect a decision? Kind regards, Arjun Rao
Hi Tegan, do you have five minutes this week? I'd like to hear where the internal transfer to the analytics team stands and what the next step is.
What to avoid
- Skip a bare “Any update?” with no role, date or context attached.
- Following up by email, text and phone all at once is too much, so pick one channel and wait for a reply.
- Chasing on the day of the interview is too soon, since they will not have had time to decide.
- Hinting at other offers or deadlines only works if they are true and you are ready to discuss them.
- A second follow-up within a day or two of the first will look pushy.