How to Ask if a Job Is Still Open

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

So much of the job hunting process involves waiting. Waiting for the right opportunity, waiting for your application to be accepted, and waiting for the results of an interview can all feel excruciating—but having patience is important! If you’d like to follow up on a job to see if it’s been filled, there are a few ways you can do so. We’ve answered some of your most pressing questions so you can reach out to your potential employer while still remaining professional.

Question 1 of 6:

How do you ask if a job is still available by phone?

PDF download Download Article
  1. They’re the ones who will be able to tell you whether or not the job is still open. Try checking the company’s website to see if they have any contact information for their recruiters, too. [1]
  2. 2
    Ask questions about the job. Once you get ahold of someone, start out by asking if the job is still available. If it is, treat the phone call like a pre-interview: ask about the position, what it entails, and who they’re looking for. Always be polite, and try not to take up too much of their time if they sound busy. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Thank the person for their time. At the end of the phone call, thank the person for being so helpful and remind them of your name. Let them know that you’ll be submitting an application later that day so they can watch out for your resumé. [4]
    4. Advertisement
Question 2 of 6:

Is it okay to follow up on a job after submitting an application?

PDF download Download Article
  1. It will show the company that you’re serious about wanting the position. It also tells your potential employer that you’re responsible and dedicated, just like you would be on the job. [5]
Question 3 of 6:

How do you follow up on a job after submitting an application?

PDF download Download Article
  1. An email is probably the easiest way to go for a followup question. [8] You can check the company website or the job application submission criteria for the email of a hiring manager or HR personnel. [9]
  2. 2
    Call the company if you feel comfortable doing so. If you can’t find anyone’s email, giving the company a call is your next best bet. You can try calling an HR person directly, or you can call the main office and ask for a hiring manager. [10]
    3. Advertisement
Question 4 of 6:

What do you say when following up after an application?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Just double-check that the company got your resumé and that everything looks good. If there was an error on your end (or their end), you might need to send in your application again. [11]
  2. 2
    Inquire about a timeframe for the recruiting process. Don’t be pushy about it, but make sure you sound interested about the job. Say something like, “I was wondering how long it typically takes to fill a role like this.” [12]
  3. 3
    See if they need any additional information from you. If there was anything missing on your application, they might not have enough info to approve it. Double-check by asking, “Did you need anything else from me before reviewing my application?” After that, you can thank them for their time and end the call or email. [13]
    Richard N. Bolles, Career Planning Expert

    When following up about a job, show ongoing interest and enthusiasm. A thoughtful message displays initiative and professionalism. You could say, "I applied for the [position] and am very excited about joining [company]. I wanted to check if the role is still open and restate my interest. I believe my [relevant skills] would be a great fit for your team. Thank you for considering me." A friendly inquiry demonstrates continued motivation for the job.

    4. Advertisement
Question 5 of 6:

How long should you wait to hear back from a job interview?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Interviewers are busy, and they might get a little sidetracked before contacting you again. If 1 week passes after you were supposed to hear back from the company, send an email to the person who interviewed you. [14]
Question 6 of 6:

How do you ask if the job is still available after an interview?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Reiterate how you enjoyed your interview and that you’re eager to hear back about the job. End with a line about how you’re excited about the opportunity. You could try something like: [15]
    • “Dear Mrs. Harrington, I wanted to follow up about my interview on March 18th for the management position. I really enjoyed our discussion and learning more about the company. Please let me know if there’s any additional information you need from me. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to work at WikiHow. Best, Jeff Rogers.”
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you send an email and you don’t hear back, don’t send another one. Sending 2 emails in a row can make you look a little pushy.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Get a Job
      How to
      Manifest a Job
      How to
      Apply for a Job
      How to
      Ask About a Job Vacancy over the Phone
      How to
      Work in the USA
      How to
      Get a Job Fast
      How to
      Get a Part Time Job
      How to
      Find Your Dream Career
      How to
      Get a Job With No Experience
      How to
      Work at an NGO
      How to
      Get a Job Without a Car
      How to
      Get Your First Job (for Teens)
      How to
      Apply for the Police Clearance Certificate in India
      How to
      Get a Job As a Teen
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-cold-call-for-a-job
      2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2018/04/27/15-ways-to-inquire-about-a-job-opportunity-without-actually-asking/?sh=4fae8084163c
      3. ↑ Lucy Yeh. Career & Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
      4. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-to-say-when-calling-for-a-job
      5. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/follow-up-on-job-application
      6. ↑ Lucy Yeh. Career & Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
      7. ↑ Lucy Yeh. Career & Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
      8. ↑ Lucy Yeh. Career & Life Coach. Expert Interview. 21 November 2019.
      9. ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/11/4-ways-to-follow-up-after-a-job-interview
      1. ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-to-say-when-calling-for-a-job
      2. ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/articles/how-to-follow-up-on-a-job-application
      3. ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/18/this-is-how-long-you-should-wait-to-follow-up-after-applying-for-a-job.html
      4. ↑ https://www.cnbc.com/2017/10/18/this-is-how-long-you-should-wait-to-follow-up-after-applying-for-a-job.html
      5. ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/11/4-ways-to-follow-up-after-a-job-interview
      6. ↑ https://hbr.org/2020/11/4-ways-to-follow-up-after-a-job-interview

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 153,082 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement