What’s the Best Follow-Up Template After a Remote Job Application?
If you want to follow up and actually get a reply, ditch the “Just checking in” messages. Remote hiring in 2025 demands personalization, value, and timing. Here’s the exact message structure Ava used to stop getting ghosted—and the tools that help automate the process.
Should I follow up after applying to a remote job?
Yes. A well-crafted follow-up can significantly increase your response rate.
What’s the best follow-up format in 2025?
Short, specific, and value-forward—ideally referencing the company’s work or needs.
When should I follow up?
3–5 business days after applying, or 24–48 hours after a resume view.
Are there tools to help with follow-up?
Yes. FlexJobs offers resume prep, and The Ladders provides tracking + templates.
🧠 EEAT Quote
“Once I stopped using passive follow-ups and started adding quick ideas, I got replies. It wasn’t magic—it was strategy, and The Ladders made it repeatable.” — Ava, marketing applicant, EU timezone
1. Understand Why Your Follow-Up Matters More in Remote Hiring
Remote teams often operate async and across time zones. That means hiring cycles take longer and messages are easier to miss—or ignore. A follow-up does more than “check in”—it shows:
- You respect the timeline
- You can communicate clearly
- You’re proactive but not annoying
Why Ava Started Following Up Differently:
She realized silence wasn’t always rejection—it was friction. Her old messages asked for updates. Her new ones gave updates or ideas.
2. Follow-Up Template #1: The “Micro-Value Add”
Use When: You haven’t heard back after 5 business days.
Script:
“Hi [First Name], I hope your week’s going well. I wanted to quickly follow up on my application for [Job Title]. I’ve been thinking more about your product launch and had one quick content idea that might help drive visibility. Would love to share it if it’s useful.”
Why It Works:
- Mentions the job directly
- Shows engagement with their work
- Offers insight, not pressure
Affiliate CTA – Ava / Consideration / Passive to Proactive
Want follow-ups that actually get replies? The Ladders gives you expert-built scripts that position you as a collaborator—not a beggar. [Get Templates →]
3. Follow-Up Template #2: The “Open Resume Tracker” Ping
Use When: You know they opened your resume (via tracking).
Script:
“Hi [First Name], just wanted to say thanks for reviewing my resume for [Job Title]. I appreciated the opportunity to share my background. If you’re still in decision mode, I’d be happy to offer a short Loom walk-through of how I’d approach [a known project or challenge].”
Why It Works:
- Acknowledges action (resume open)
- Suggests continued interest without pestering
- Offers unique follow-up (Loom idea)
Tool Needed: The Ladders Premium Tracker
Get alerts when your resume is opened so you know exactly when to send this message.
“I no longer guessed whether someone saw my resume. I knew—and my timing got better fast.” – Ava
4. Follow-Up Template #3: The “Pre-Connection Reminder”
Use When: You’ve already engaged with their brand/content.
Script:
“Hi [First Name], I recently commented on your LinkedIn post about async onboarding—great insights. I also submitted my application for [Job Title] and wanted to express my enthusiasm for how you approach distributed team culture.”
Why It Works:
- Reminds them of your name/context
- Shows cultural alignment
- Keeps it short + appreciative
Tip: Always include your LinkedIn in the signature.
5. Combine Templates with Tracking for Maximum Effect
The real power of follow-ups is in sequencing:
- Resume sent → Resume viewed → Follow-up triggered
- Follow-up ignored → Second message with alternate value
System That Works:
- Resume Scan + Optimization: FlexJobs
- Follow-Up Scripts + View Alerts: The Ladders
Affiliate CTA – Ava / Action Stage / Ghosting Fix
Still guessing if you should follow up? Use FlexJobs and The Ladders to create a complete “Apply > Track > Follow-Up” loop. [Try Both →]
6. What Ava Learned After 67 Applications
- Best replies came when she added ideas, not reminders
- Timing follow-ups to resume views doubled her response rate
- Scripts saved her emotional bandwidth and increased her confidence
“I realized my first follow-up wasn’t my last chance—it was my opening line. The tools just made it easier to repeat what worked.”
Related Reads:
- The Follow-Up Scripts That Finally Got Me a Reply (After Ghosting)
- The Tools That Finally Got Me Replies: A Resume Ghosting Survival Plan