How to Follow Up After Submitting a Job Application in South Africa

Sending an application and then waiting in silence is one of the most frustrating parts of job hunting. Many people either never follow up or follow up in a way that annoys the employer. Done correctly, a polite follow-up can keep your name visible without damaging your chances.

This guide explains when to follow up, how to do it professionally, and what to avoid.

1. When you should follow up

Timing is important. Following up too early can make you look impatient. Waiting too long can mean the opportunity has already moved on.

Private sector jobs

Wait 7–10 working days after the closing date (or after you submitted the application if there was no closing date).

Government and municipal jobs

Wait at least 3–4 weeks. Many departments take longer because of high application volumes and formal processes.

If the advert gave a specific timeline

For example, “shortlisting will take place within two weeks.” Wait until that period has passed before making contact.

Always check the original advert again before following up. Some employers clearly state that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. In those cases, a follow-up is still acceptable but should be very polite and brief.

2. Best ways to follow up

Email (preferred method)

Email is the safest and most professional method in most cases. Use the same email address you applied from and keep the message short.

Subject line example:

Follow-up: Application for Stores Assistant – Ref RC092026

Body example:

Dear Hiring Manager / HR Team,I hope you are well. I submitted my application for the position of Stores Assistant (Reference: RC092026) on [date]. I remain very interested in the role and would like to enquire whether there is any update on the shortlisting process.

Please let me know if you need any additional information from my side.

Thank you for your time.

Kind regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Phone number]

[Email address]

Keep the tone polite and professional. Do not write long paragraphs or repeat your entire CV in the email.

Phone call

Only call if a telephone number was clearly provided in the advert and the company culture seems open to calls. Keep the conversation under two minutes.

Introduce yourself, state the position and reference number, and politely ask if there is any update on the process. If the person is busy, offer to send a short follow-up email instead.

3. What you should never do

Avoid these common mistakes:

- Sending multiple messages in one week - Using WhatsApp if it was not given as an official contact method - Sounding demanding, entitled or frustrated - Following up on public social media posts and tagging the company - Asking directly “Did I get the job?” - Calling or emailing every day

These actions can create a negative impression and reduce your chances.

4. What to do if you get no reply

Silence is very common in South Africa, especially with government and large private employers. It does not always mean rejection - it often means the process is still ongoing or the volume of applications is high.

You can send one final polite follow-up after another 10-14 days. After that, it is best to move on and continue applying for other roles. Continuing to chase the same application rarely helps.

5. Keep a simple tracking system

Create a basic spreadsheet or notebook with the following columns:

- Date submitted - Company / department - Position title - Reference number - Where you applied (email, portal, etc.) - Date of any follow-up - Outcome (if known)

This system prevents you from following up too early, applying twice for the same post, or forgetting important details.

6. Extra tips that improve your chances

- Always use the correct reference number in the subject line and email body. - Attach nothing extra unless the employer asks for it. - Check your spam or junk folder regularly in case a reply lands there. - If you receive a rejection, thank them politely. It leaves a professional impression for future opportunities. - Continue applying for other suitable roles while you wait. Do not put all your hope on one application.

Final note

A professional follow-up shows interest and organisation. Used sparingly and politely, it can work in your favour. Used too often or too aggressively, it can hurt your chances.

Stay patient, keep applying, and treat every follow-up as a short professional courtesy rather than a demand for an answer.

For more practical career guides and current verified job listings, keep checking SA Easy.