One well-timed follow-up occasionally rescues an application. Three annoy the person deciding.
The timing
Five to seven working days after applying. Earlier looks impatient, later and the shortlist is set.
The three-sentence message
Name the role and the date you applied. Add one thing you did not include — a relevant project shipped, a certification finished. Ask whether they can share the timeline. Nothing else.
When to stop
After the second follow-up, stop. Silence is an answer, and continuing to chase becomes the thing they remember about you.
Common questions
Should I follow up on a job application?
Once, about a week after applying, briefly. It occasionally helps and rarely hurts if kept short.
How long should I wait for a reply?
Two weeks for a screening decision is normal. Many employers never reply to unsuccessful applicants at all.