Hiring managers get busy, but that doesn’t make waiting easier. As someone who’s written and reviewed hundreds of professional follow-up emails, here’s my take:
- Don’t panic after silence
- Follow up the right way
- Use MailTracker to time it perfectly
This guide gives you 7 clear strategies, with templates you can use right away.
How to Email a Hiring Manager About a Delayed Response
1. You Applied for a Job, and It’s Been Over a Week with No Reply
You submitted your application, and it’s been 7–10 business days. No reply, no confirmation.
A polite follow-up can help make sure your email wasn't overlooked, especially if you're applying to a startup or a smaller company.
Email Example: First Follow-Up After Job Application
Subject: Following up on [Job Title] application
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you're doing well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name] and wanted to follow up to see if there’s any additional information I can provide.
I’m really excited about the opportunity and would love to contribute to your team.
Thank you for considering my application, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number or LinkedIn – optional]
2. You Had an Interview, but Haven’t Heard Back in 10+ Days
You had a positive first interview and expected some kind of update, but nothing yet. This email shows continued enthusiasm and reminds them of your interest without applying pressure.
You can also see our full guide on internship follow-up emails if you’re applying for student or entry-level roles.
Email Example: Post-Interview Follow-Up
Subject: Thank you + quick follow-up on [Job Title]
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I really appreciated the chance to speak with you last [Day] about the [Job Title] role. I enjoyed learning more about your team and the work you’re doing at [Company].
I wanted to follow up to see if there have been any updates regarding next steps. I’m still very interested in the opportunity and happy to provide anything you need.
Thanks again for your time!
Saludos,
[Su nombre]
3. You Were Told You’d Hear Back by a Specific Date—But Didn’t
If a hiring manager gave you a clear timeline (“We’ll get back to you by Friday”) and missed it, a kind follow-up shows initiative without being pushy.
Email Example: Timeline-Based Follow-Up
Subject: Following up on [Job Title] timeline
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope your week is going well. You had mentioned that decisions for the [Job Title] role would likely be made by [Date], so I just wanted to check in.
I remain very excited about the role and would love to contribute to the team at [Company]. Please let me know if there's anything I can share in the meantime.
Gracias de nuevo por su tiempo y consideración.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
4. You Saw Your Email Was Opened, But Still No Response
You used MailTracker and noticed your original application or follow-up was opened, maybe even multiple times, but no one replied.
This is a good time to send a polite nudge, acknowledging that you’re still available and interested.
Email Example: Follow-Up After Open Without Reply
Subject: Still interested in the [Job Title] role
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] role — I just wanted to express again how excited I am about the opportunity at [Company Name].
I’d be happy to provide anything else you might need on my end. Looking forward to hearing from you whenever the time is right.
Saludos cordiales,
[Su nombre]
5. You Got a Positive Signal, But Then Silence
Maybe you had a great interview or a promising reply, but the conversation just… stopped. This follow-up takes a warm, friendly tone and reopens the loop.
Email Example: After Initial Interest Fades
Subject: Quick check-in on [Job Title]
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope everything’s going well on your end. I really appreciated our conversation and the positive feedback you shared earlier — I just wanted to follow up and see if there are any updates regarding next steps for the [Job Title] role.
I’m still very interested and would be thrilled to join the team.
Thanks again for your time!
Saludos,
[Su nombre]
6. You’ve Followed Up Once, But Still No Reply
If you’ve already sent a polite follow-up and heard nothing, this second email should be your final nudge, kind, clear, and respectful.
Email Example: Second (and Final) Follow-Up
Subject: Final follow-up on [Job Title] application
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I wanted to follow up once more regarding my application for the [Job Title] role. I completely understand that hiring timelines can shift, and I appreciate the time you’ve spent reviewing my materials.
If the position has been filled or is on hold, no worries at all — just wanted to say thank you again and that I’d love to be considered for any future openings.
Wishing you and the team all the best.
Saludos cordiales,
[Su nombre]
7. You’ve Moved On, But Want to Leave a Good Impression
Maybe it’s been weeks, and you’ve accepted another role, but it’s still good practice to follow up and close the loop.
And this kind of email builds your long-term network and leaves the door open.
Email Example: Graceful Exit
Subject: Thank you — and hope we cross paths again
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I wanted to thank you again for considering my application for the [Job Title] role. Since I hadn’t heard back, I’ve recently accepted another offer, but I truly appreciated the chance to connect with your team and learn more about [Company Name].
Saludos,
[Su nombre]
Send More Confident Follow-Ups with MailTracker
Every example in this guide works better when your timing is right, and that starts with knowing whether your email was actually seen.
MailTracker helps you follow up based on real activity. It shows when your email is opened (and reopened), so you can:
- Follow up when you’re top of mind
- Avoid sending a second message that gets ignored
- Stay professional and intentional throughout your job search
It’s free to use and leaves no visible signature. A Gmail tool trusted by job seekers, freelancers, and professionals in every industry.
FAQs
Is it okay to follow up after a delayed reply from a hiring manager?
Yes. In most cases, following up is part of effective communication during the recruitment process. If you've waited a reasonable amount of time (usually 5–10 business days), a professional email that respects the other person's time can actually leave a positive impression.
What should I say in a follow-up after radio silence?
Keep it polite and brief. Acknowledge the slow reply without blaming anyone. You can express continued interest in the role, ask if there are updates in the hiring process, and offer to provide any additional information. A personal touch and tone of patience go a long way in maintaining a good connection.
How do I apologize for a late reply to a hiring manager or client?
If you're the one replying late, start with a simple, sincere apology like “Sorry for the late response” or “Apologies for the delay.” If it makes sense, briefly explain the reason, then get straight to the point and suggest a next step. Keeping it professional and solution-focused shows respect for the other person’s time. For more workplace email tips beyond hiring, here’s how to ask for a day off via email — the right tone makes all the difference.
