How to follow up after a job application or interview

You sent your application. Now you wait. It's normal to feel unsure about what to do next.

A short, polite follow-up shows the employer that you are interested and organized. Managers of busy stores and restaurants get many applications, and a friendly reminder can help them notice your name. One or two messages are enough. More than that can feel like pressure.

Keep track first

Before you follow up, you need to know where you applied. Keep a simple list in a notebook or spreadsheet:

• Employer and store location
• Job title
• Date you applied, and how (online, in person, or by email)
• Name of anyone you spoke to
• Date you plan to follow up
• What happened

This also stops you from contacting the same place twice by mistake.

After you apply

When: Wait about one week after you apply online. If you dropped off a resume in person, wait a few days.

First, read the posting again. If it says "no phone calls," don't call. If there is no contact information at all, a short visit to a local store may be your only option. For a big chain, the store may tell you to wait for an email or text. That's fine. You still made a good impression.

In person

This works best for local stores, cafés, and restaurants.

• Go at a quiet time, like mid-morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday. Avoid the lunch and dinner rush.
• Dress neatly, as if it were a short interview. Sometimes it becomes one.
• Bring a printed copy of your resume.

What you might say:

"Hi, my name is (your name). I applied online for the part-time cashier job last week. I wanted to say that I'm still very interested. Is the manager available, or is there a good time to come back?"

If the manager is busy, ask for their name and the best time to return. Thank the person who helped you.

By email

Use email when the posting gives an email address, or when you already wrote to someone.

Subject: Following up: Part-time Cashier application, (your name)

Hello (manager's name, or "Hiring Manager"),

I applied for the part-time Cashier position at your (location) store on (date). I'm still very interested in the job. I can work weekday evenings and all day on weekends, and I'm ready to start right away.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

(Your name)

(Your phone number)

By phone

Call only if the posting gives a phone number and doesn't say "no calls." Call at a quiet time.

"Hi, my name is (your name). I applied for the part-time cashier job on (date). I'm calling to check whether you've had a chance to look at applications, and to say I'm still interested."

If you get voicemail, say your name, the job, and your phone number. Say your number slowly, twice.

After an interview

Say thank you

Send a short thank-you message the same day or the next day. Email is fine.

Subject: Thank you for today's interview

Hello (interviewer's name),

Thank you for meeting with me today about the Barista position. I enjoyed learning about how your team works together during the morning rush. I'm still very interested in the job.

Best regards,

(Your name)

Mention one thing from the interview. It shows you were listening.

Know when to expect an answer

At the end of the interview, it's okay to ask, "When do you expect to make a decision?" Write down the answer.

If that date passes and you haven't heard anything, wait one or two business days. Then send one polite message asking whether a decision has been made.

In Ontario, there is a rule that helps. If an employer with 25 or more employees interviews you for a publicly advertised job, it must tell you within 45 days after the interview whether a hiring decision has been made. If you had several interviews, the 45 days start after the last one. This applies to interviews held on or after January 1, 2026 (Ontario job posting rules).

How often is too often?

A good rule:

• One follow-up after you apply
• One thank-you after an interview
• One check-in if the decision date has passed

Don't message every day. Don't contact managers through their personal social media accounts. Don't show up during the busiest hours.

When to move on

It's time to move on when:

• You have followed up twice and heard nothing
• The employer tells you the job is filled
• The posting is closed or removed

Keep applying while you wait. Don't stop your search for one job, however much you want it.

If you get a "no," reply kindly. Thank them, and ask to be considered for future openings. You can also ask for one tip to improve. Managers remember polite applicants, and some will call when a new shift opens.

If a reply looks strange

Be careful with messages that don't match what you applied for. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre warns about job offers for jobs you never applied for. It also warns that scammers may contact you by text message, WhatsApp, email, or Messenger after you share your resume on job websites (CAFC).

A real employer won't ask you to pay a fee or to deposit a cheque for them. Learn the warning signs in Job scams that target first-time job seekers and Fake cheque job scams.

Next steps

• Get ready for the next stage: Your first job interview
• Plan your applications: How to apply for jobs online at big chains
• Keep applying in Metro Vancouver and the Greater Toronto Area