If / when to follow up on a job application

[Greenwriter76]

I applied for a job on 09.01.26. Closing date was 12.01.26. Interviews commence w/b 19.01.26.

I am extremely interested in this job and it matches my skills set and experience, which I evidenced in my application and cover letter. The role is double my current hours, and hence, wages.

I haven’t heard anything from them yet and interviews commence w/b 19th.

Has anyone here followed up on a job application after a week? What did you say and did you secure an interview as a result? Or do you think they would have contacted me by now if I was shortlisted?

I can see on Indeed they have viewed my application.

Any advice appreciated, thankyou.

I've never followed up. If you were going to be invited you should have heard by now. Unfortunately the job market is so competitive now!

I worked in recruitment and I would not follow up. The fact they have not been in touch tells you that you have not been shortlisted for interview unfortunately.

I seen it from both sides , while job hunting I have followed up with a polite ' I would like to confirm that i am still interested in x position ( make sure you state the position / role , not just 'the job') with the interviews starting to take place on x date I just want to see if you needed any more information from me'
Tbh they are not likely to need more info , however if they have been on the fence with asking you to come in or someone else has dropped out it pushs you back to the forefront of their mind.

Do not send msgs like I have received like ;
you must give me this job or my children will starve ,
You have wasted my time,
I know where place of work is so I am coming for a interview anyway !

You can politely follow up but it seems you have been passed over

Thanks for your replies.

@DeanStockwell wow, no I would definitely not send messages like those 🤣

I worked for a short time in recruitment myself and from my experience I agree that oftentimes there are applicants recruiters are on the fence about, for whatever reason. After I posted here I figured I had nothing to lose, having had no interview invite so close to commencement week, so I emailed them anyway with similar wording to what you have used yourself.

@Greenwriter76 I have also had ones like , pet needs surgery, boiler broke , gambling debts , and goodness knows how many other odd ones.
Even if they were true do they think we are going to pay them a full month's wages the day they start.

I am glad you sent a follow-up email, as you said you have got absolutely nothing to loose.
Good luck ☘️🤞

I never follow up, certainly not in the timeframe in your situation. Recruitment often doesn’t follow the timeframe set for a variety of reasons and people chasing just causes more admin. I don’t understand why people think chasing is a good idea. I knew someone who kept phoning up when she was told it was between her and one other person and I was cringing for her as i’d think constant chasing would put them right off her. Just wait patiently, they will tell you when they are ready.

@Greenwriter76 did you manage to get a interview?