How to Ask for an Update in a Resume Email Conversation
Asking for an update in a resume email conversation means sending a polite follow-up message to check on the status of your job application after you have not received a reply for a reasonable period. This guide gives you direct, practical wording for these requests, explains tone differences, and helps you avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances.
Quick Answer: How to Ask for an Update
Use a short, polite email that references your previous application, states your continued interest, and asks for a status update. Keep the tone professional and patient. Here is a safe template:
Subject: Follow-up on Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I submitted my application for the [Job Title] position on [Date] and wanted to politely follow up on its status. I remain very interested in the role and would appreciate any update you can share.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Understanding the Context: Formal vs. Informal
Resume email conversations usually sit in a formal or semi-formal zone. You are writing to someone who may be reviewing many candidates, so clarity and respect matter more than creativity. However, the level of formality can shift depending on your relationship with the recipient and the company culture.
Formal Tone
Use formal language when you have never spoken to the person before, when the company is traditional (e.g., law firms, banks, government), or when the job posting uses very formal language. Formal requests avoid contractions, slang, and casual phrases.
Example: “I would be grateful if you could kindly provide an update regarding the status of my application.”
Informal Tone
An informal tone works when you have already had a friendly conversation with the hiring manager, when the company has a casual culture (e.g., startups, creative agencies), or when the job description itself uses casual language. Even then, keep it respectful.
Example: “Just checking in on my application. Any news would be great!”
Comparison Table: Formal vs. Informal Update Requests
| Aspect | Formal | Informal |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting | Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name] | Hi [First Name] |
| Request phrasing | “I would appreciate an update at your earliest convenience.” | “Could you let me know if there is any news?” |
| Closing | Sincerely / Best regards | Thanks / Cheers |
| Best for | Large corporations, traditional industries | Startups, creative roles, after a positive interview |
| Risk | May feel stiff if overused | May seem too casual if the recipient expects formality |
Natural Examples of Asking for an Update
Here are realistic examples you can adapt. Each one shows a different situation.
Example 1: Follow-up after submitting a resume (formal)
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Application for Marketing Coordinator
Dear Ms. Chen,
I submitted my resume for the Marketing Coordinator position on March 10. I understand you are busy, but I wanted to politely ask if there is any update on the selection process. I remain very interested in joining your team.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
David Park
Example 2: Follow-up after an interview (semi-formal)
Subject: Follow-up on Interview – Software Developer Role
Hi James,
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview last Tuesday. I was wondering if you have any update on the hiring decision. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.
Best,
Maria Lopez
Example 3: Very short follow-up (informal, after a positive conversation)
Subject: Quick check-in on my application
Hi Sarah,
Hope you are having a good week. Just checking in to see if there is any update on my application for the designer role. No rush at all.
Thanks,
Tom
Common Mistakes When Asking for an Update
Even a polite request can backfire if you make these errors. Avoid them to keep your application moving forward.
Mistake 1: Asking too soon
Sending a follow-up within 24 hours of submitting your resume or after an interview can make you seem impatient. Wait at least one week after submitting a resume, and at least three to five business days after an interview.
Mistake 2: Sounding demanding or entitled
Phrases like “I need an update” or “You haven’t replied yet” create a negative impression. Always use polite language.
Better alternative: “I would appreciate any update you can share when you have a moment.”
Mistake 3: Repeating your entire resume
Your follow-up is not the place to re-list your qualifications. Keep the focus on the update request, not on selling yourself again.
Better alternative: Mention your continued interest briefly, but do not attach your resume again unless asked.
Mistake 4: Using an unclear subject line
A subject line like “Hello” or “Question” may get ignored or lost. Always include your name and the job title.
Better alternative: “Follow-up: Application for Accountant Position – John Smith”
Mistake 5: Forgetting to proofread
A typo in a follow-up email can suggest carelessness. Read your message aloud or use a spell checker before sending.
When to Use Each Tone
Choosing the right tone depends on the stage of the conversation and the relationship. Here is a simple guide:
- After submitting a resume (no prior contact): Use formal tone. You have no relationship yet, so err on the side of politeness.
- After a first interview: Semi-formal is usually safe. Use the interviewer’s first name if they introduced themselves that way.
- After a second or final interview: You can be slightly more informal if the interview was friendly, but stay professional.
- When the job ad uses casual language: Match the company’s tone. If they write “Hey, we are looking for a rockstar,” a slightly informal follow-up is fine.
Better Alternatives for Common Phrases
Some phrases sound weak or awkward. Here are stronger, more natural replacements.
| Weak or Awkward Phrase | Better Alternative |
|---|---|
| “I am just writing to see if you got my resume.” | “I wanted to follow up on my application submitted on [date].” |
| “Please update me on my status.” | “I would appreciate any update you can provide regarding my application.” |
| “I hope you haven’t forgotten about me.” | “I remain very interested in the position and wanted to check in.” |
| “Can you tell me when I will hear back?” | “Could you kindly let me know the expected timeline for decisions?” |
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding with these four questions. Write your own answer first, then check the suggested response.
Question 1
You submitted a resume for a job at a bank five days ago. The job posting was very formal. Write a polite follow-up email subject line.
Suggested answer: “Follow-up on Application for Financial Analyst Position – Emily Wong”
Question 2
You had a friendly interview at a tech startup. The interviewer said to call her by her first name. It has been four business days. Write the first sentence of your follow-up email.
Suggested answer: “Hi Lisa, I hope you are doing well. I wanted to follow up on my interview last Thursday and ask if there is any update on the decision.”
Question 3
You are tempted to write: “I need to know what is happening with my application.” Rewrite it politely.
Suggested answer: “I would be grateful for any update you can share about my application status.”
Question 4
You have not heard back after two weeks. Should you send a second follow-up? If yes, what is one thing you should change from your first follow-up?
Suggested answer: Yes, you can send one more follow-up after two weeks. Change the subject line slightly, for example: “Second follow-up: Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]”. Keep the tone polite and do not express frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long should I wait before asking for an update?
Wait at least one week after submitting a resume. If you had an interview, wait three to five business days. If the job posting mentioned a specific timeline, follow that instead.
2. Can I ask for an update by phone instead of email?
Only if the job posting or the interviewer specifically invited phone calls. Email is safer because it gives the recipient time to respond and creates a written record. If you do call, keep it brief and professional.
3. What if I never get a reply to my follow-up?
Send one polite second follow-up after another week or two. If you still get no response, it is usually best to move on. Do not send more than two follow-ups for the same application.
4. Should I mention that I have other job offers in my follow-up?
Only if you genuinely have another offer with a deadline. In that case, mention it politely and professionally, for example: “I have received another offer with a decision deadline of [date], but your company remains my first choice. Any update would help me make an informed decision.” Do not bluff, as this can backfire.
For more guidance on polite email requests, explore our Resume Email Conversation Polite Requests section. If you need help with starting a conversation, visit Resume Email Conversation Starters. For common questions, check our FAQ page. To understand how we create content, see our Editorial Policy. You can also contact us with specific questions.
