How to Ask for an Update in a Resume Email Message

Asking for an update in a resume email message means writing a polite follow-up after you have sent your application or attended an interview. The goal is to remind the hiring manager of your interest without sounding impatient or pushy. This guide gives you direct phrases, realistic examples, and clear tone notes so you can write a follow-up that feels natural and professional.

Quick Answer: The Best Way to Ask for an Update

Use a short, polite sentence that shows respect for the reader’s time. For example: “I just wanted to check in on the status of my application. Please let me know if you need any more information from me.” Keep the tone warm but professional, and always include your name and the position you applied for.

Why Asking for an Update Feels Tricky

Many English learners worry that a follow-up email will annoy the recipient. In most professional settings, a single polite follow-up is expected and appreciated. The key is to choose the right words and timing. Wait at least one week after sending your resume or after an interview before you write. This shows patience and respect for the hiring process.

Formal vs. Informal Tone in Follow-Up Emails

Your relationship with the recipient and the company culture decide how formal your language should be. Use the table below to compare common phrases.

Use formal phrases for corporate jobs, government positions, or when you have never spoken to the recipient. Use informal phrases for startups, creative industries, or when you have already had a friendly conversation with the hiring manager.

Natural Examples of Asking for an Update

Here are three complete email examples you can adapt. Each one shows a different level of formality.

Example 1: Formal Follow-Up After Sending a Resume

Subject: Follow-Up on Application for Marketing Coordinator Position

Dear Ms. Chen,

I hope this message finds you well. I submitted my application for the Marketing Coordinator position on March 10 and wanted to politely check on the status. Please let me know if you need any additional documents from me.

Thank you for your time.

Best regards,
James Park

Example 2: Semi-Formal Follow-Up After an Interview

Subject: Checking In – Interview for Graphic Designer Role

Hi Sarah,

I hope you’re having a good week. I really enjoyed our conversation last Tuesday about the Graphic Designer role. I was wondering if there are any updates on the hiring decision. Happy to provide more examples of my work if that would help.

Thanks again for your time.

Best,
Mia Torres

Example 3: Short and Polite Follow-Up

Subject: Quick Check on My Application

Dear Hiring Team,

I just wanted to check in on my application for the Customer Support role. Please let me know if you need anything from my side.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Liam O’Brien

Common Mistakes When Asking for an Update

Even small errors can make your email feel less professional. Avoid these common mistakes.

Mistake 1: Being Too Vague

Wrong: “I am writing to ask about my application.”
Better: “I am writing to ask about the status of my application for the Junior Accountant position.”
Why: The hiring manager may handle multiple roles. Naming the position helps them find your file quickly.

Mistake 2: Sounding Impatient or Demanding

Wrong: “I haven’t heard back yet. When will you decide?”
Better: “I wanted to politely check if there are any updates on the hiring timeline.”
Why: The first version sounds frustrated. The second version shows patience and respect.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Include Contact Information

Wrong: No phone number or email in the signature.
Better: Include your phone number and email below your name.
Why: The recipient may want to call you directly instead of replying to the email.

Mistake 4: Writing Too Many Follow-Ups

Wrong: Sending three follow-up emails in one week.
Better: Send one follow-up, then wait at least another week before sending a second one.
Why: Multiple emails in a short time can feel pushy and hurt your chances.

Better Alternatives to Common Follow-Up Phrases

Some phrases are overused or sound unnatural. Use these alternatives instead.

When to Use Each Tone

Choosing the right tone depends on the context. Here is a simple guide.

• Formal tone: Use for large corporations, government jobs, academic positions, or when you have never met the recipient. Example: “I am writing to respectfully inquire about the status of my application.”
• Semi-formal tone: Use for most office jobs, especially after an interview where you had a friendly conversation. Example: “I wanted to check in and see if there are any updates.”
• Informal tone: Use only for startups, creative roles, or when the hiring manager has used casual language with you first. Example: “Hey, just checking in on my application. Hope all is well!”

When in doubt, choose a slightly more formal tone. It is safer and shows respect.

Mini Practice Section

Test your understanding with these four questions. Write your answers down, then check the suggested answers below.

Question 1

You applied for a job at a bank and have not heard back in 10 days. Write a one-sentence polite request for an update.

Question 2

You had an interview at a tech startup where the manager used casual language. Write a short follow-up email subject line.

Question 3

Which phrase is more polite: “I need an update on my application” or “I would appreciate an update on my application when you have a chance”?

Question 4

True or false: You should send a follow-up email every two days until you get a reply.

Suggested Answers

Answer 1: “I wanted to politely check on the status of my application for the Financial Analyst position.”
Answer 2: “Quick check on the Product Designer role”
Answer 3: “I would appreciate an update on my application when you have a chance” is more polite because it uses “appreciate” and shows patience.
Answer 4: False. Sending emails every two days can annoy the hiring manager. Wait at least one week between follow-ups.

FAQ: Asking for an Update in a Resume Email

1. How long should I wait before sending a follow-up email?

Wait at least one week after sending your resume or after an interview. If the job posting says “We will contact you within two weeks,” wait until after that period ends.

2. What if I do not get a reply to my follow-up?

Send one more follow-up after another week. If you still do not hear back, it is best to move on and focus on other opportunities. Do not send more than two follow-up emails.

3. Should I mention the interview in my follow-up?

Yes, if you had an interview. Mentioning it reminds the hiring manager of your conversation and shows you are engaged. For example: “I really enjoyed our discussion about the project management role.”

4. Can I ask for an update by phone instead of email?

Only if the hiring manager gave you their direct phone number and encouraged you to call. In most cases, email is safer because it gives the recipient time to respond and creates a written record.

Final Tips for Your Resume Email Follow-Up

Keep your email short, polite, and specific. Always include the job title and your name. Use the tone that matches the company culture. Remember that a well-written follow-up shows initiative and genuine interest. Practice writing a few versions before you send one, and read it out loud to check if it sounds natural.

For more help with the opening lines of your email, visit our Resume Email Message Starters section. To explore other polite request phrases, see our Resume Email Message Polite Requests page. If you have questions about this guide, please check our FAQ or contact us.