You’ve submitted your resume, crossed your fingers, and now you’re just waiting. But what if the silence stretches too long? Making a phone call to follow up can feel scary—but it might be just the thing that gets your application noticed. Knowing what to say when you call a job after applying can help you sound confident, prepared, and professional.
Many job seekers skip the follow-up call because they fear being a bother or saying the wrong thing. But employers often appreciate motivated candidates who take initiative—if you do it the right way. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what to say, what not to say, and how to stand out without sounding pushy.
Let’s walk through the right way to make the call—so your next step doesn’t feel so uncertain.
Sorry Generator
Why Following Up by Phone Matters
Calling after you apply shows initiative, interest, and professionalism. While emails are easy to overlook, a quick, polite call can leave a stronger impression.
Real-life scenario: Maria applied to a marketing assistant role. She waited a week, then made a friendly follow-up call. The hiring manager had seen her resume but hadn’t made time to review it. Her polite call brought her name to the top of the pile—and she got an interview the next day.
What to say:
- “Hi, I’m calling to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position. I’m very interested in the role.”
What NOT to say:
- “Did you get my resume?”
- “I’m just checking on the job I applied for.”
- “I haven’t heard from you—what’s going on?”
📞 Pro Tip: Wait about 5 to 7 business days after applying before making a follow-up call.
Prepare Before You Call
Don’t call without a plan. Before picking up the phone, have your resume, the job title, and company details in front of you. Practice a short introduction.
What to say:
- “Hi, this is James Taylor. I recently applied for the Graphic Designer position listed on your website. I wanted to check in and express my continued interest.”
What NOT to say:
- “Who am I speaking with?”
- “Wait—what job was this again?”
- “I think I applied to your company last week… maybe?”
📋 Stay calm and organized. Even a short, confident intro can help you make a great impression.
Keep It Short and Professional
You’re not interviewing on the phone—you’re following up. So keep your message clear, respectful, and under one minute.
What to say:
- “Hi, I just wanted to check if there’s any update on the hiring timeline. I’d love to know the next steps.”
What NOT to say:
- “I really need this job—please help.”
- “I’ve applied to so many places, I can’t keep track.”
- “Is this the number for HR?”
👔 Your goal is to sound professional, not desperate. A calm, confident tone goes a long way.
Know Who to Ask For
If you can, call a specific person—like the hiring manager or HR contact listed in the job post. If no name is given, ask politely.
What to say:
- “May I speak with the hiring manager for the [Job Title] position?”
- “Could I talk to someone in HR about a recent application?”
What NOT to say:
- “Can I talk to the boss?”
- “Whoever’s in charge of hiring, I guess.”
- “I just want to know who’s doing interviews.”
📞 Friendly and direct works best. If they aren’t available, ask when might be a better time to call back.
Be Ready to Leave a Voicemail
Most of the time, you’ll go to voicemail—and that’s okay! Just prepare a brief, polite message that includes your name, the job title, and your number.
What to say:
- “Hi, this is Aria Kim. I applied for the Customer Service role posted last week. Just calling to express my interest and see if there are any updates. You can reach me at (123) 456-7890. Thank you!”
What NOT to say:
- “Hey, call me back.”
- “I don’t want to leave a message.”
- “I already applied—check your email.”
📞 Keep it short, friendly, and confident. Practice before you call!
What If They Say the Position Is Filled?
It happens. But don’t hang up right away—this is still a chance to make a positive impression for the future.
What to say:
- “Thanks so much for letting me know. I’d love to be considered for future opportunities—may I stay in touch?”
- “I really appreciate the update. If any similar roles open up, I’d be happy to apply again.”
What NOT to say:
- “Wow, thanks for wasting my time.”
- “That’s disappointing. I was perfect for it.”
- “Seriously? You couldn’t even call me?”
🌱 Being polite now could lead to a call-back later!
Final Thoughts: Confidence Is Key
Knowing what to say when you call a job after applying helps you turn a quiet waiting game into a confident next move. Just remember: be polite, be brief, and be prepared. Your follow-up shows that you care about the opportunity—and sometimes, that’s the edge that sets you apart.
