How to Follow Up on Job Applications When You Don’t Have Contact Information
You’ve found your dream job, spent hours crafting the perfect resume, and hit “submit.” Now comes the hardest part—waiting. But what happens if you hear nothing back? How do you follow up when you don’t have any contact information? It can feel frustrating and like your application has fallen into a black hole, but there are ways to take control.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to follow up professionally and effectively, even when you don’t have direct contact details for the company’s hiring team.
1. Revisit the Job Posting for Instructions
Before taking any further steps, revisit the original job posting. Some companies include specific instructions for follow-up communications. They may even outline the hiring timeline or ask applicants not to follow up. Following these instructions is essential if they’re provided—ignoring them could reflect poorly on you as a candidate.
If there are no clear instructions about follow-up, proceed to the next steps.
2. Search for Key Contacts on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an excellent tool for finding relevant contacts at the company. Start by searching for the company’s profile and look for employees who work in human resources, talent acquisition, or recruiting. Key job titles to look for include:
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Recruiting Manager
HR Manager
Hiring Manager
Once you’ve identified a potential contact, send a brief and professional message introducing yourself and asking about the status of your application. Here’s an example of what you could say:
"Hi [Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], and I wanted to follow up on my application. I’m really excited about the opportunity and would love to know if there are any updates on the hiring timeline. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
This approach shows initiative without being pushy and helps you stand out.
3. Use General Company Contact Information
If you can’t find a specific contact on LinkedIn, the company’s website is the next best place to search for general contact information. Many businesses have a careers@companyname.com or info@companyname.com email address listed on their careers page or contact page. While your email may not go directly to the hiring manager, it could still be routed to the appropriate person.
Here’s how you could phrase a follow-up email to a general inbox:
"Dear Hiring Team,
I hope this message finds you well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and wanted to follow up on my application status. I’d appreciate any updates you can share about the hiring process or a point of contact for the hiring team.
Thank you for your time,
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
This email is polite, professional, and keeps the door open for a response without sounding demanding.
4. Find the Email Format Using Tools
Sometimes, it’s possible to guess a contact's email format using email discovery tools. These tools can help you find the most common email structure for a company, especially if you’ve identified a hiring manager’s name from LinkedIn.
For example, if you find that firstname.lastname@companyname.com is the typical format, you can use that to send your follow-up email. Just be cautious and respectful, ensuring your message is professional.
5. Try Social Media Channels
Social media can also be a valuable tool for follow-ups. Many companies are active on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. While these aren’t traditional job-seeking platforms, some businesses welcome inquiries via social media—especially in industries like tech, media, or startups.
You can send a polite message through these channels, something like:
"Hi [Company Name],
I recently applied for the [Job Title] position and wanted to inquire about the status of my application. Is there a point of contact I can reach out to for more information? Thank you for your time!"
Keep it short and sweet—companies appreciate professionalism, even on casual platforms like social media.
6. Call the Company’s General Office Line
If all else fails, a direct phone call can sometimes get you the answers you need. Many companies have a general office number listed on their website. Call and ask to be transferred to the recruiting department.
Here’s a simple script to use:
"Hello,
I’m [Your Name], and I recently applied for the [Job Title] position. I’m calling to see if there are any updates on the hiring process and to inquire if there’s someone I can follow up with.
Thank you for your time."
While it might feel intimidating, this can sometimes be the most effective way to reach someone directly involved in hiring.
7. Be Patient and Keep Moving Forward
It’s easy to get stuck waiting for a response from a company, but the best strategy is to keep applying to other opportunities while you wait. Silence from one company doesn’t mean the end of your job search—it just means it’s time to shift focus to other roles.
Using a Job Application Tracker, like the free tool offered by Open To Work Now, can help you stay on top of your applications. The tracker allows you to log when you applied, set reminders for follow-ups, and track responses, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Stay Organized and Take Control
While it can be frustrating when companies don’t provide direct contact information or respond promptly, you can still be proactive. Following up shows initiative and interest, and by using tools like OTWN’s Job Application Tracker, you can streamline your process and reduce stress. Even if you don’t have all the information upfront, persistence and professionalism go a long way.
Remember, the job search is often a waiting game, but by staying organized and actively managing your applications, you’ll stay one step ahead.
Have you tried these strategies before? Share your experiences with us! Your feedback helps us build even better resources for job seekers, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
