How to Follow Up After Applying for a Remote Job

You've found a remote job that looks perfect, tailored your resume and submitted your application.

Now you're waiting.

A few days pass. Then a week. Then two weeks.

You keep checking your emails, wondering whether the employer has reviewed your application or whether it's disappeared into a recruitment system.

Should you follow up? How long should you wait? And could contacting the recruiter improve your chances of getting an interview?

These are common questions for Australians searching for remote employment, particularly when applying to companies that receive applications from across the country or internationally.

Following up on a remote job application can be worthwhile, but timing, professionalism and the way you communicate matter.

A well-written follow-up email can reinforce your interest, remind the employer of your relevant experience and help you understand the recruitment timeline.

However, following up doesn't guarantee an interview, and repeatedly contacting recruiters can create a negative impression.

In this guide, we'll explain when to follow up after applying for a remote job, how to contact recruiters professionally, what to write in your email and what to do when an employer doesn't respond.

We'll also cover practical examples for Australian and international remote job applications.

Should You Follow Up After Applying for a Remote Job?

Yes, in many situations it's reasonable to follow up after submitting a remote job application.

Employers may receive large numbers of applications, particularly for positions open to candidates across Australia or internationally.

Recruiters also manage multiple vacancies, coordinate interviews and communicate with hiring managers.

As a result, reviewing applications can take time.

A professional follow-up gives you an opportunity to confirm your interest and ask about the next stage of recruitment.

It can also demonstrate communication skills and initiative.

However, following up isn't always necessary.

Some employers provide clear recruitment timelines or explicitly ask candidates not to contact them.

Others use automated recruitment systems and may not have a suitable contact person.

Before reaching out, review the job advertisement and any confirmation emails.

If the employer has provided instructions, follow them.

The goal is to communicate professionally, not to pressure someone into reviewing your application.

How Long Should You Wait Before Following Up?

For most remote job applications, waiting approximately one to two weeks is a reasonable starting point.

Australian recruitment platform SEEK recommends allowing employers time to review applications, with its updated guidance suggesting around two weeks unless the employer specifies another timeframe.

However, different recruitment processes may justify different approaches.

If the job advertisement states that applications close on a particular date, the employer may not begin reviewing candidates until after that deadline.

In that situation, it's sensible to wait until the closing date has passed.

If the recruiter has already told you when to expect an update, use that timeframe instead.

For example, if you're told that shortlisted applicants will be contacted within three weeks, following up after only five days would be premature.

Some smaller companies may review applications continuously and respond more quickly.

Larger employers may have several stages of internal approval before arranging interviews.

There isn't one perfect follow-up date for every position.

A useful rule is to respect the employer's stated timeline first, then consider a polite follow-up after roughly 7–14 days if no timeframe has been provided.

Why Haven't You Heard Back From the Employer?

Silence after submitting an application doesn't necessarily mean you've been rejected.

There are several possible explanations.

The employer may still be reviewing applications.

The hiring manager could be unavailable or waiting for internal approval.

The recruitment team may be interviewing candidates in stages.

Some companies keep advertisements open while reviewing applications.

Others may delay recruitment because business priorities or budgets have changed.

It's also possible that your application wasn't shortlisted.

Unfortunately, not every employer sends individual rejection emails.

Remote job seekers may find this particularly frustrating because online recruitment processes often involve limited direct contact.

However, you shouldn't assume the reason for a delayed response.

Unless the employer provides an update, you generally won't know exactly what has happened.

A polite follow-up can sometimes provide clarification, but it may not result in a response.

1. Check Your Application Status Before Contacting Anyone

Before sending a follow-up email, review the application process you used.

If you applied through an employer's careers website, you may have received an automated confirmation email.

Some recruitment systems also allow candidates to log in and view their application status.

You might see labels such as "Application Received", "Under Review" or "In Progress".

These statuses don't always provide detailed information, but they can confirm that your submission was recorded.

If you applied through SEEK, Indeed or LinkedIn, check whether the platform provides an application history or messaging feature.

Also check your spam or junk email folder.

Interview invitations and recruitment updates can occasionally be filtered incorrectly.

Make sure you've completed any additional assessments or screening questions requested by the employer.

Sometimes an application cannot progress until those steps are completed.

If you've already received a rejection, there's generally no reason to send an ordinary application-status follow-up.

You can instead decide whether requesting feedback would be appropriate.

2. Find the Right Person to Contact

One of the biggest challenges when following up is identifying the appropriate contact.

Ideally, you'll communicate with the recruiter or hiring manager responsible for the vacancy.

Check the original advertisement for a contact name or email address.

If you've previously exchanged messages with a recruiter, use that existing conversation.

Some employers provide a dedicated recruitment email address.

Others allow applicants to communicate through their applicant tracking system.

If the vacancy was advertised through a recruitment agency, contact the agency recruiter rather than bypassing them to approach the employer directly.

Avoid sending messages to unrelated employees simply because they work at the company.

For example, contacting a random software engineer about an administration vacancy is unlikely to be helpful.

You should also avoid guessing email addresses or using someone's personal contact information.

If no appropriate contact method is available, it's reasonable to continue your job search without following up.

Not every application needs additional outreach.

3. Write a Clear Follow-Up Email Subject Line

Your subject line should make the purpose of the email immediately obvious.

Recruiters may manage several vacancies at once.

A clear subject line helps them identify which position you're asking about.

For example:

"Application Follow-Up – Remote Customer Success Specialist"

Or:

"Remote Account Manager Application – [Your Name]"

If the employer uses a job reference number, consider including it.

For example:

"Application Update – Project Coordinator – Ref 2486"

Avoid vague subject lines such as "Just Checking In" or "Important Question".

You should also avoid exaggerated language designed to create urgency.

The objective is to make your message easy to identify and respond to.

4. Keep Your Follow-Up Email Short

Recruiters don't need another lengthy cover letter after you've already submitted your application.

A follow-up email should be concise and professional.

Start by identifying the position you applied for.

Mention when you submitted your application.

Briefly confirm your interest and highlight one relevant qualification or area of experience.

Then ask whether there is an update on the recruitment timeline.

For example:

Subject: Application Follow-Up – Remote Customer Success Specialist

Hi [Name],

I hope you're well.

I applied for the Remote Customer Success Specialist position on [Date] and wanted to follow up on my application.

I'm very interested in the opportunity, particularly given my background in account management and supporting commercial customers.

I was wondering whether there have been any updates on the recruitment process.

Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

This message is straightforward.

It doesn't demand a response or imply that the employer has done something wrong.

It also reminds the recruiter why your application may be relevant.

5. Mention One Relevant Strength

A follow-up email can reinforce your suitability for the position.

However, don't repeat your entire resume.

Choose one relevant skill or achievement.

For example, if you've applied for a remote customer support position, you might mention your experience resolving customer enquiries through email and telephone.

If you're applying for remote sales, you could refer to your account management or business development experience.

For a remote administration position, you might highlight scheduling, documentation or coordination responsibilities.

An example sentence could be:

"With five years of experience managing commercial customer accounts and coordinating supplier relationships, I remain very interested in the opportunity."

This gives the recruiter useful context.

However, avoid making unsupported claims or exaggerating your experience.

A concise, credible statement is more effective than several paragraphs of self-promotion.

6. Ask About the Recruitment Timeline

A follow-up doesn't need to ask directly whether you've been successful.

Instead, consider asking whether there are any updates or an expected timeframe for the next stage.

For example:

"I was wondering whether you have an estimated timeframe for shortlisting candidates."

Or:

"Could you please let me know whether there have been any updates on the recruitment process?"

These questions are professional and easy to understand.

However, the employer may not have a definite answer.

Recruitment timelines can change because of internal approvals, staff availability or other business circumstances.

If the recruiter provides a timeframe, respect it.

Avoid following up repeatedly before the date they've given you.

7. Should You Follow Up Through LinkedIn?

LinkedIn can sometimes be an appropriate way to contact a recruiter.

However, it depends on the circumstances.

If the recruiter has advertised the vacancy and invited candidates to contact them, a brief message may be reasonable.

Similarly, if you've already communicated with the recruiter through LinkedIn, continuing that conversation can make sense.

However, avoid sending connection requests to several employees in an attempt to force attention onto your application.

You should also avoid lengthy messages explaining your entire professional background.

A short message is usually sufficient.

For example:

"Hi [Name], I recently applied for the Remote Account Manager position at [Company] and wanted to express my continued interest. My background is in commercial account management, and I believe the role aligns well with my experience. Thanks for your consideration."

If you've already sent an email, don't immediately send the same message through LinkedIn.

Give the recruiter time to respond.

Professional persistence is different from contacting someone repeatedly across multiple channels.

8. Should You Call the Employer?

For some positions, a telephone follow-up may be appropriate.

However, email is generally a better starting point for many remote job applications.

Remote-first companies may operate without a traditional office or central recruitment telephone number.

Some international employers rely heavily on written communication.

Others explicitly request that applicants avoid telephone enquiries.

If the advertisement provides a recruitment phone number and welcomes questions, a brief call may be reasonable.

Introduce yourself, mention the position and politely ask whether there's an update.

Avoid calling repeatedly.

And don't contact a company's general customer support number simply to ask about your application unless the employer has directed applicants to use it.

That channel may be intended for customers rather than recruitment enquiries.

9. How to Follow Up After Applying Through SEEK or Indeed

If you applied through a major recruitment platform, check which communication options are available.

Some employers manage applications directly through the platform.

Others redirect applicants to their own careers websites.

Indeed allows follow-up messaging for certain applications when the employer has enabled that feature.

However, it's not available for every vacancy.

If a messaging option is provided, use it professionally.

If the employer has directed you to its recruitment portal, check whether that system offers status updates or communication options.

Don't assume that sending an additional application through another website will improve your chances.

Duplicate applications can create confusion.

If you've already submitted a complete application, a polite follow-up is usually more appropriate than applying repeatedly.

10. How to Follow Up After Applying Directly to a Company

Many remote jobs are advertised through official employer careers websites.

These may use recruitment platforms such as Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby or Workday.

After submitting your application, you may receive an automated confirmation.

Some systems allow applicants to check their status, while others provide limited information.

If a recruiter is named in the advertisement, you can consider contacting them after an appropriate waiting period.

If no contact is provided, review the employer's careers page for recruitment guidance.

However, avoid contacting unrelated departments.

A company's general sales or customer support inbox may not be appropriate for recruitment enquiries.

And remember that direct applications aren't necessarily reviewed more quickly than applications submitted through SEEK or LinkedIn.

The employer's internal process determines the timeline.

11. How to Follow Up With an International Remote Employer

Following up with an international employer requires a little additional consideration.

First, confirm the company accepts applicants based in Australia.

Some vacancies are advertised as remote but only permit employment in specific countries.

If you've applied to a company in the United States, Europe or Asia, be mindful of time-zone differences.

You don't need to send your email at exactly the beginning of the recruiter's working day.

However, using a professional communication schedule can be sensible.

You should also be clear about the position you've applied for, particularly if the company advertises similar roles in multiple regions.

For example:

"Application Follow-Up – Customer Success Manager, APAC"

If the employer has provided a recruitment timeline, follow it.

International recruitment may involve additional considerations such as employment eligibility, payroll arrangements and regional approvals.

However, don't assume that every delay is caused by these factors.

The company may simply still be reviewing applications.

12. What if the Job Advertisement Has Closed?

A closed job advertisement doesn't necessarily mean the employer has filled the position.

Some employers close applications before beginning interviews.

Others remove advertisements after receiving enough candidates.

The vacancy may also have been cancelled or filled.

If you've already applied and the advertised closing date has passed, a polite follow-up may be reasonable.

For example:

"I noticed applications for the Remote Operations Coordinator position have now closed, and I wanted to check whether there is an expected timeframe for the next stage of recruitment."

However, don't assume that the position is still available.

If the employer confirms it has been filled, thank them for the update and continue your search.

13. Should You Follow Up More Than Once?

In some circumstances, a second follow-up may be reasonable.

For example, you might send your first message two weeks after applying.

If you receive no response, you could consider one final message after another week or two.

However, there isn't a universal requirement to send multiple follow-ups.

If the employer has explicitly asked applicants not to contact them, don't follow up.

If you've already received a rejection, respect the decision.

And if you've sent one or two polite messages without receiving a response, it's usually sensible to move on.

Repeatedly contacting the recruiter is unlikely to improve your application.

Your time may be better spent identifying other suitable vacancies.

Example: First Follow-Up Email After Applying

Subject: Application Follow-Up – Remote Administration Officer

Hi [Name],

I hope you're well.

I applied for the Remote Administration Officer position on [Date] and wanted to follow up on my application.

I'm very interested in the opportunity and believe my experience in administration, scheduling and customer communication aligns well with the role.

I was wondering whether there have been any updates on the recruitment timeline.

Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

This is a useful general template for Australian remote job applications.

It's concise and allows the employer to respond without feeling pressured.

Example: Follow-Up Email for a Remote Sales Position

Subject: Remote Account Manager Application – [Your Name]

Hi [Name],

I recently applied for the Remote Account Manager position at [Company] and wanted to express my continued interest.

With six years of experience in business-to-business sales and commercial account management, I believe my background aligns well with the responsibilities of the role.

I was wondering whether there is an expected timeframe for shortlisting candidates.

Thanks for your consideration.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

This example is slightly more specific.

It reinforces relevant commercial experience without repeating the entire resume.

Example: Follow-Up Email for a Remote Customer Service Job

Subject: Application Update – Remote Customer Support Representative

Hi [Name],

I hope you're having a good week.

I submitted my application for the Remote Customer Support Representative position on [Date] and wanted to check whether there have been any updates.

I'm very interested in joining [Company], particularly given my background in customer service and resolving enquiries across different communication channels.

Please let me know if any further information would be helpful.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

This message demonstrates interest while remaining professional.

Example: Following Up After an Interview

Following up after an interview is different from following up after an initial application.

If you've already spoken with the employer, you have an established point of contact.

A brief thank-you email within a day or two of the interview can be appropriate.

For example:

Subject: Thank You – Remote Project Coordinator Interview

Hi [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the Remote Project Coordinator position.

I enjoyed learning more about the team and the responsibilities of the role.

Our conversation reinforced my interest in the opportunity, particularly the focus on stakeholder coordination and project delivery.

I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing about the next steps.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

If the employer has provided a decision timeline, wait until it has passed before requesting an update.

Example: A Final Follow-Up Email

If you've already sent one message and haven't received a response, you may decide to send one final follow-up.

Keep it especially brief.

Subject: Final Follow-Up – Remote Operations Coordinator

Hi [Name],

I hope you're well.

I wanted to follow up once more regarding my application for the Remote Operations Coordinator position.

I remain interested in the opportunity and would appreciate any update you may be able to provide.

I understand recruitment timelines can change, and I appreciate your consideration.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

After sending this message, it's generally best to continue your job search rather than contacting the recruiter again.

What Not to Say in a Job Application Follow-Up

A follow-up should be professional, even when you're frustrated by the lack of communication.

Avoid messages such as:

"I applied two weeks ago and still haven't heard anything. Why?"

Or:

"I know I'm qualified, so I don't understand why I haven't been interviewed."

These statements can sound confrontational.

Similarly, avoid demanding an immediate response or suggesting that the recruiter has acted unprofessionally.

You may genuinely be disappointed by the recruitment process.

However, expressing frustration in your follow-up is unlikely to help.

It's also important not to exaggerate your qualifications or claim that you're the perfect candidate.

A short, respectful message reinforcing your interest is generally more effective.

Will Following Up Improve Your Chances of Getting an Interview?

It might help in some situations, but there's no guarantee.

A follow-up can remind the recruiter of your application and demonstrate continued interest.

It may also give you an opportunity to highlight a relevant qualification.

However, it cannot compensate for missing essential requirements.

For example, if the employer requires a particular professional registration and you don't have it, a follow-up email won't resolve that issue.

Similarly, if an international company cannot employ someone based in Australia, contacting the recruiter repeatedly won't necessarily change its hiring restrictions.

Your application still needs to match the position.

Think of following up as a professional communication step rather than a strategy that automatically increases your chances.

What if the Employer Never Responds?

Unfortunately, some employers don't respond to every application.

This can be frustrating, particularly when you've spent time tailoring your resume and cover letter.

However, a lack of response doesn't necessarily provide useful information about your professional abilities.

You may have been competing against candidates with more directly relevant experience.

The position may have been filled internally.

Recruitment could have been delayed or cancelled.

Or the employer may simply not provide individual updates.

Without information from the recruitment team, you can't know the exact reason.

After an appropriate follow-up, focus on other opportunities.

Don't allow one unanswered application to stop your job search.

How to Track Remote Job Applications and Follow-Ups

If you're applying for several remote positions, keeping records can help you stay organised.

A simple spreadsheet is often sufficient.

Record the company name, job title, application date and recruitment contact if one was provided.

You can also track the application status and any follow-up messages you've sent.

For example, you might record that you applied for a customer success position on 1 October and sent a follow-up on 15 October.

If the employer responds with an expected decision date, add that information.

This helps prevent duplicate messages and ensures you respect recruitment timelines.

It also makes it easier to identify which applications are progressing.

Over time, you may notice patterns in the types of roles generating interviews.

Use that information to refine your job search.

Don't Stop Applying While Waiting for a Response

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is becoming too focused on a single vacancy.

You might find a remote job that seems perfect and spend weeks waiting for an update.

However, even a strong application doesn't guarantee an interview.

Employers may receive many qualified candidates.

Internal recruitment priorities can also change.

Rather than waiting for one company, continue researching and applying for suitable positions.

You can still follow up professionally with employers you're particularly interested in.

But maintain momentum.

A consistent job search gives you more opportunities and reduces the pressure associated with any individual application.

Find More Remote Opportunities With Deskless

If you're tired of repeatedly checking the same applications on SEEK, Indeed and LinkedIn, expanding your job search can help you discover more employers.

Deskless is a dedicated remote job board featuring opportunities sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.

Rather than relying exclusively on traditional recruitment platforms, Deskless helps job seekers discover remote vacancies published through employer career pages.

New opportunities are added daily, with positions across customer service, administration, sales, marketing, technology, finance and other professions when available.

Deskless operates through a paid membership model.

For Australians searching for remote employment, employer-sourced listings provide another way to discover opportunities beyond conventional recruitment websites.

However, not every vacancy is fully remote, and international employers may have geographical hiring restrictions.

Before applying, confirm that the position accepts Australian-based applicants and matches your experience.

Explore Remote Jobs on Deskless

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before following up on a remote job application?

Waiting approximately one to two weeks is generally reasonable if the employer hasn't provided a timeline. Always follow any specific recruitment instructions first.

Is it okay to email a recruiter after applying?

Yes, provided the employer hasn't requested that candidates avoid follow-up contact. Keep your message brief, professional and relevant to the position.

What should I say in a job application follow-up email?

Mention the position, when you applied, your continued interest and one relevant qualification. Politely ask whether there are updates on the recruitment timeline.

Should I follow up after applying through LinkedIn?

You can consider following up if the recruiter has provided an appropriate contact method or invited messages. Avoid contacting multiple employees or repeatedly messaging the same person.

Can following up help me get a remote job interview?

It may reinforce your interest or remind a recruiter of your application, but it doesn't guarantee an interview or overcome missing essential qualifications.

Should I call the employer after submitting my application?

Email is often more appropriate, particularly for remote-first companies. Only call when the employer has provided a suitable recruitment number or welcomed telephone enquiries.

How many times should I follow up on a job application?

One polite follow-up is often sufficient. A second may be reasonable after another week or two, but avoid repeated contact without a response.

What if the employer doesn't respond to my follow-up?

Continue applying for other suitable positions. Silence doesn't necessarily explain why you weren't contacted, and repeatedly chasing the employer is unlikely to help.

Should I follow up after a remote job interview?

A brief thank-you email within a day or two can be appropriate. For a status update, wait until the employer's stated decision timeframe has passed.

Where can I find more remote jobs in Australia?

Research official employer careers pages and use dedicated remote job boards such as Deskless to discover employer-sourced opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Following up after applying for a remote job can be a useful way to demonstrate professionalism and continued interest.

However, the approach matters.

Give the employer enough time to review applications, respect any recruitment instructions and contact the appropriate person.

Keep your email short, mention the position and highlight one relevant area of experience.

You don't need to write another cover letter or convince the recruiter to respond immediately.

And if you don't receive a reply, avoid taking it as a definitive judgement of your abilities.

Recruitment processes vary, and not every employer provides individual updates.

A good follow-up can support your application, but it shouldn't replace a consistent, well-targeted job search.

Continue exploring suitable opportunities, improving your applications and preparing for interviews.

Ready to discover your next remote opportunity?

Explore remote jobs on Deskless and find vacancies sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.

Discover remote careers across customer service, administration, sales, technology, marketing, finance and more, and keep your remote job search moving forward.