Knowing how to follow up after submitting your job application through Lever can be a game-changer. How to Follow Up When You Applied via Lever (US) is a question many candidates ask but few execute effectively. Lever’s ATS system streamlines applications but also filters candidates rigorously. Recruiters and hiring managers value concise, respectful follow-ups that reflect genuine interest without crossing the line. This article reveals what recruiters look for, offers concrete examples, troubleshooting advice, and templates to elevate your follow-up game.
Recruiter Perspective: What They Look for in a Follow-Up
From the recruiter’s chair, follow-ups serve as a signal—not just of interest, but of professionalism and communication skills. Lever’s dashboard gives recruiters a snapshot of each candidate’s journey: resume status, interview notes, and communication history. A well-timed, well-crafted follow-up is often the nudge that moves a candidate from the ATS pile onto the recruiter’s shortlist.
Recruiters want to see that candidates respect their time and the hiring process. Overly frequent or generic messages can do more harm than good. Instead, smart follow-ups show you understand the role, the company, and the recruitment workflow.
Key Recruiter Expectations for Follow-Ups
- Clear reference to the job title and application date
- Concise and professional tone
- Demonstrated knowledge of the company or role
- Respect for recruiter’s time and process
- Polite inquiry about application status or next steps
What Good Looks Like: Follow-Up Rubric for Lever Applications
To stand out in a sea of applicants, your follow-up should meet these criteria. Below is a recruiter-approved rubric that separates effective messages from those that get ignored or worse, create a negative impression.
- Timeliness: Wait 7–10 business days after application or last contact before following up.
- Personalization: Mention specific details from the job description or company news.
- Professionalism: Use proper salutations, grammar, and avoid slang.
- Clarity: State your purpose plainly—checking status or expressing continued enthusiasm.
- Conciseness: Keep it under 150 words to respect the reader’s time.
Good vs. Bad Example #1: Initial Follow-Up Email
Bad: "Hey, just wanted to check if you got my application. Really want this job! Please let me know."
This message is too informal and vague, lacking professionalism or purpose.
Good: "Dear [Recruiter Name], I hope this message finds you well. I applied for the Software Engineer role on Lever last week and wanted to express my continued enthusiasm. Could you kindly update me on the status of my application? Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]."
Good vs. Bad Example #2: Second Follow-Up Message
Bad: "Still waiting to hear back. Any updates?"
Too abrupt and lacks context or courtesy.
Good: "Hello [Recruiter Name], I wanted to check back regarding my application for the Marketing Manager position submitted via Lever. I remain very excited about the opportunity and would appreciate any updates when convenient. Thank you for your attention!"
Step-by-Step Checklist for Following Up on Lever Applications
Following up effectively requires attention to detail and timing. Use this checklist to ensure your approach aligns with recruiter expectations and maximizes your chances.
- Confirm your application was successfully submitted via Lever; check your email confirmation.
- Wait 7–10 business days post-application or last recruiter contact.
- Find the recruiter or hiring manager’s contact email, often available on LinkedIn or company site.
- Draft a concise, polite follow-up referencing your application date and job title.
- Personalize your message with a detail about the role or company.
- Proofread for errors and clarity.
- Send the email during business hours, preferably Tuesday through Thursday mornings.
- If no response, wait 7–10 days before sending a second, brief follow-up.
- Respect any indications that the role is closed or no longer accepting candidates.
How to Follow Up When You Applied via Lever (US)
Lever’s interface integrates ATS features that track your application status internally, but this information is rarely visible to applicants. Therefore, reaching out directly to the recruiter or hiring manager is your best bet.
Start by reviewing the job posting or company careers page for recruiter contacts. If unavailable, LinkedIn is a powerful tool to identify the relevant recruiter or HR professional. Your follow-up email should include:
- Your full name and the date you applied
- The exact job title and location
- A brief reminder of your key qualifications or interest
- A polite inquiry about next steps or timeline
Avoid generic phrases like “just checking in” without context. Instead, demonstrate knowledge of the company’s mission or recent news to show authentic engagement. If you’ve already communicated once, reference that interaction to build rapport.
Common Follow-Up Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The difference between a follow-up that opens doors and one that closes them often lies in subtle missteps. Here are pitfalls to avoid when following up after applying via Lever.
1. Following Up Too Soon or Too Often
Recruiters handle hundreds of applications daily. Sending a follow-up within days of applying or multiple times a week signals impatience and can hurt your chances.
2. Being Vague or Generic
Messages lacking job-specific details or personalization come across as mass outreach, which recruiters often disregard.
3. Ignoring ATS Signals
If Lever’s system shows your application status as rejected or closed, a follow-up won’t change that. Respect the system and focus on other applications.
4. Neglecting Professionalism
Using informal language, emojis, or slang in follow-ups damages your professional image.
5. Overlooking Resume and ATS Optimization
Before following up, ensure your resume is ATS-friendly and tailored to the job description. Otherwise, your message may not matter if your resume never reaches the recruiter’s eyes. Check out HireFlow’s ATS resume guide for actionable tips.
Troubleshooting Follow-Up Challenges: When You Don’t Hear Back
Sometimes, despite perfect timing and wording, you receive silence. Here’s how to troubleshoot and adjust your follow-up strategy.
Check Lever Application Status
Lever often updates application status internally. If your status reads "Not Moving Forward" or "Closed," avoid further follow-ups and focus on new opportunities.
Review Your Resume and Job Match
Poor resume match or formatting issues can cause automatic ATS rejection. Use HireFlow’s resources to improve your resume’s ATS compatibility and keyword optimization.
Use Alternative Contact Methods
If email follow-ups fail, consider respectful LinkedIn messages to the recruiter or hiring manager. Keep messages professional and brief, similar to your email approach.
Expand Your Network
Sometimes internal referrals or connections accelerate response times. Engage with company events, webinars, or employees to build rapport that can complement your application.
Templates for Follow-Up Emails After Applying via Lever
Use these recruiter-approved templates to craft your own follow-up messages. Personalize each to the role and company for maximum impact.
Initial Follow-Up Template
Subject: Application Follow-Up for [Job Title] – [Your Name]
Dear [Recruiter Name],
I hope you’re well. I submitted my application for the [Job Title] position via Lever on [Date] and wanted to express my continued interest in joining [Company Name]. With my background in [brief relevant skill or experience], I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team.
Could you please share any updates on my candidacy or the hiring timeline? Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile or Contact Info]
Second Follow-Up Template
Subject: Checking in on [Job Title] Application – [Your Name]
Hello [Recruiter Name],
I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] role submitted via Lever on [Date]. I remain very enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name], especially after reading about your recent [specific company news or project].
Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide. I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile or Contact Info]
FAQ: How to Follow Up When You Applied via Lever (US)
1. When is the best time to send a follow-up after applying via Lever?
The optimal window is generally 7 to 10 business days after your initial application or last communication. This timeframe respects recruiters’ busy schedules while showing your sustained interest. Sending a follow-up too soon can seem pushy; too late may appear indifferent. Monitor your application status on Lever if possible to time your message appropriately.
2. Should I send a follow-up if Lever shows my application as "Under Review"?
If your status is "Under Review," it’s acceptable to wait before following up, as this indicates the recruiter is actively screening. However, if 10 business days pass with no updates, a polite follow-up email expressing your continued interest can be appropriate. Avoid multiple follow-ups while the status remains unchanged.
3. How can I find the recruiter’s contact information for my follow-up?
Start by checking the job posting or company careers page for recruiter or HR contacts. If not listed, LinkedIn is a practical tool to identify recruiters or hiring managers connected to the role or company. When reaching out, keep messages professional and concise. Avoid generic “info@” emails as they are less likely to get responses.
4. What if I don’t receive a reply after two follow-ups?
If you receive no response after two polite follow-ups spaced 7–10 days apart, it’s best to move on. Silence often means the recruiter’s focus lies elsewhere or the position is filled. Use this time to apply to other roles and refine your resume or application strategy for better results.
5. Can following up harm my chances of getting hired?
A well-crafted, respectful follow-up generally enhances your candidacy by demonstrating professionalism and interest. However, overly frequent or aggressive messaging can damage your reputation. Always prioritize quality over quantity in your follow-ups and respect recruiters’ timelines and responses.
6. How does following up affect my ATS or Lever application status?
Following up does not directly alter your ATS status but can influence a recruiter’s attention. Lever tracks communication history, so a thoughtful follow-up can prompt recruiters to review your profile more closely. However, the core of your success lies in your resume’s ATS compatibility and job fit, so optimize those first.