How to Follow Up After a Job Application on Reddit

"Your resume impressed us!" These words can be the difference between getting your foot in the door or being passed over. But what happens when the response doesn't come? If you've applied for a job through Reddit, the waiting game can feel endless. Here's a powerful guide to follow up in a way that makes you stand out while maintaining professionalism.

Why Following Up is Crucial

Picture this: You've sent off your application, customized your resume, nailed your cover letter—and now, crickets. Is it game over? Not at all. Many companies simply don't respond as fast as applicants would like, or sometimes applications get lost in the shuffle. By following up, you demonstrate initiative, show continued interest in the role, and ensure your application hasn't fallen into the abyss.

Timing Your Follow-Up Perfectly

When should you follow up? Ideally, wait one to two weeks after submitting your application. This gives the recruiter enough time to review submissions and make initial decisions. Reaching out too soon might seem impatient; waiting too long can make you forgettable.

Here's a good example:

• Day 1: Submit your application.
• Day 10-14: Send your follow-up email.

By spacing it out, you're not overwhelming the recruiter, but you're also ensuring that they don't forget you.

Template for Your Follow-Up Email

Now, let's get into the actionable part: writing the perfect follow-up email.

Subject: Application Follow-Up - [Job Title], [Your Name]

Body:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], and I wanted to follow up on my application status. I’m excited about the opportunity to join your team and contribute my [specific skills or experiences] to [specific aspect of the company].

I understand that you're likely still reviewing applications and making decisions, but if there are any updates, I’d love to hear about them.

Thank you again for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]

This template works because it’s polite, concise, and shows enthusiasm without being pushy. Always remember to customize the email to the job and company.

Avoid These Mistakes

When following up, there are common mistakes applicants make that can sabotage their chances:

• Being too aggressive: Pushing too hard or following up too soon can be off-putting.
• Sounding desperate: Instead of saying how much you need the job, focus on what you bring to the table.
• Sending a generic email: Customization is key. Make it clear that you're still interested in this specific job at this specific company.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you'll keep yourself in the running without becoming a nuisance.

How Reddit Changes the Game

Reddit job boards often follow a different etiquette compared to traditional job sites. Communication is more informal, and employers may not have an HR team dedicated to screening applicants. This means that your follow-up might not go through the same professional channels as it would elsewhere.

On Reddit, companies may post job ads in niche subreddits (such as /r/forhire or /r/INAT), which means they're reaching out directly to the community. In this setting, your follow-up should still remain professional, but don't hesitate to acknowledge the platform you're using.

For example, if you see a job post in /r/forhire, your follow-up might look something like this:

Subject: Application Follow-Up - [Job Title] (Posted on /r/forhire)

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Reddit Username],

I hope this message finds you well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position you posted on Reddit in /r/forhire. I’m reaching out to see if there are any updates on the hiring process. I’m excited about the opportunity and look forward to potentially working with [Company Name].

Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]

This follow-up is brief, direct, and acknowledges the platform, making it feel personal while maintaining professionalism.

Tracking Your Application

One major mistake applicants make is failing to track their applications. This can cause confusion when it comes time to follow up. Use a simple spreadsheet to keep track of:

• Company Name
• Job Title
• Date Applied
• Contact Information for Follow-Up
• Follow-Up Status

Here's an example of how your tracking sheet might look:

Company Name	Job Title	Date Applied	Follow-Up Date	Status
ABC Corp	Marketing Lead	Aug 1, 2024	Aug 10, 2024	Awaiting Reply
XYZ Inc	Software Engineer	Aug 5, 2024	Aug 15, 2024	Awaiting Reply
Reddit Hiring	UX Designer	Aug 7, 2024	Aug 17, 2024	Sent Follow-Up

By keeping track of these details, you ensure that your follow-ups are timely and prevent you from accidentally following up on a job you’ve already heard back from.

When to Give Up (and When to Keep Trying)

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might not hear back from the employer. While that can be frustrating, it's essential to know when to move on and focus your energy on other opportunities. Three weeks with no response is a good rule of thumb for shifting your focus.

However, if you're particularly passionate about the role or company, there’s nothing wrong with sending a final "close the loop" email after three weeks to express your interest one last time. Here’s a template for that:

Subject: Final Follow-Up - [Job Title], [Your Name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I wanted to send one final follow-up regarding the [Job Title] position. While I haven’t heard back yet, I’m still enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and would love to know if there are any further steps I can take in the hiring process.

Thank you again for considering my application. I look forward to any updates you can provide.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact Information]

This email conveys that you’re not giving up easily but also acknowledges the need to move forward.

Final Thoughts

Reddit, with its unique structure and informal atmosphere, offers job seekers an innovative way to land new roles. Following up after a job application on Reddit might seem daunting, but with the right strategy, you can stand out in the sea of applicants. Remember: be professional, be patient, and always personalize your follow-ups. With these tips, you'll not only increase your chances of landing the job, but you’ll also build lasting relationships with potential employers.

Following up is an essential part of the job-seeking process—so don’t miss out on your chance to make the best possible impression.