A useful job-application follow-up is short, identifies the vacancy and asks one clear question about the process. Send it to the verified recruitment contact only after checking the advertisement, acknowledgement and any stated decision timeline.
There is no single follow-up interval that suits every employer. An application being received, shortlisted and decided are different stages. If the advertisement says only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, or asks candidates not to call, respect that process.
Decide whether a message would help
First, look for a submission confirmation in the application portal and your email, including spam. Check the closing date and the time zone. A vacancy that has not closed may still be collecting applications; an automated acknowledgement does not promise an interview.
Write down the uncertainty you want to resolve. “Was the attachment received?” is different from “Has a selection decision been made?” If a published timeline has not passed, there may be nothing useful for the employer to add yet.
The JobAccess application guide explains the importance of following submission instructions. Use those same instructions to identify the appropriate contact rather than messaging several employees through different channels.
Example one: asking about the recruitment timeline
This is an original fictional email. The role and reference are illustrative.
Subject: Administration Assistant application — ADMIN-EXAMPLE
Dear Recruitment Team,
I submitted my application for the Administration Assistant role, reference ADMIN-EXAMPLE, through your careers portal. I remain interested in the position and would appreciate any update you can share about the expected next stage of recruitment.
I understand the team may still be reviewing applications. Please let me know if you need any further information from me.
Kind regards,
Alex Example
This message identifies the application without repeating the cover letter. It asks about the next stage rather than demanding a decision or assuming the applicant has been shortlisted.
Replace the role, reference and channel with your own details. Include a submission date if it helps locate the record. Do not attach a new résumé unless requested or clearly necessary; multiple versions can create uncertainty about what the employer should assess.
Example two: checking a possible submission problem
Subject: Attachment confirmation — Operations Assistant application
Dear Recruitment Team,
I submitted an application for the Operations Assistant position through your advertised application page. The upload screen did not show a clear confirmation that my résumé was attached.
Could you please advise how I should check whether the submission is complete? I have retained my submission reference and can provide it through your preferred channel.
Thank you for your help.
Kind regards,
Sam Example
This fictional message focuses on a technical uncertainty. It does not submit a duplicate application without instructions. If the closing time is approaching, use the employer’s stated support route promptly and keep a record of the problem; acceptance of a late or incomplete application remains the employer’s decision.
Use the correct application route
If the listing sent you to an external employer or recruiter, contact that organisation through its verified channel. Brisbane Olympic Jobs does not automatically receive the application submitted on another website.
For a website application, follow the contact and process shown in the listing. BOJ-managed applications and approved employer-managed applications have different recipients. Do not assume every application goes to the same inbox or is automatically forwarded.
Record the response and choose the next action
Keep the message date, recipient, reply and any promised next step in your own application record. If the employer provides a revised timeline, update your reminder rather than sending the same question again immediately. If there is no reply, avoid repeated daily messages and continue with other suitable opportunities.
A follow-up is an enquiry, not evidence that the vacancy remains open or that you will progress. Once an unsuccessful decision is confirmed, a focused request for feedback is a separate task.
Our application-process guide explains the wider preparation process. Keep following the individual instructions when browsing current vacancies.
