Follow-Up Etiquette After Sending Your UK CV – When and How to Email or Call Recruiters Politely

Introduction

Submitting your CV to a UK recruiter or employer is a major step – but what you do after sending that CV can make a real difference. Using correct follow-up etiquette sends a message: you are organised, professional and genuinely interested in the role. Whether you’re wondering when should you email a recruiter after sending your UK CV, or should you ever call, knowing the proper protocol is essential. In this article you will discover when to follow up, how to structure your email or call, the pros and cons of each approach, real examples and statistics. We’ll provide a step-by-step guide, expert insights, and current trends in the UK job market. By the end you’ll be confident in your next move and ready to follow up your CV with polish and impact.

Why follow-up after sending your UK CV matters

Following up your CV may seem optional but it is increasingly viewed as a positive signal by recruiters.

• According to a UK careers site, 82% of recruiters say they view it positively when candidates follow up their job application. Another UK source says that personalised follow-ups can increase response rates by up to 40%.
• A recruiter noted that email communications often form the first (and sometimes last) impression of a candidateSo when done correctly, following up:
• reminds the employer of your application
• shows enthusiasm and professionalism
• gives you a chance to highlight your value or address something you omitted
  Also it helps you stand out in a crowded UK job marketthe average job posting often attracts 100+ applicants. In short: not following up may cost you more than you realise.

What “follow-up etiquette” means (and why it’s critical)

Follow-up etiquette refers to the tone, timing, channel (email or call), content, and frequency when you contact a recruiter or employer after submitting your CV. Getting it wrong can:

• appear pushy or impatient
• annoy the hiring manager or recruiter
• clutter their inbox with irrelevant messages

For example, a recruiter (Michael Sachs) argues that email behaviour is “perhaps more important than your CV or interview” because it forms the first impression in writing.Key components of good etiquette include:

• A clear, professional greeting and tone
• No typos or slang
• Respecting the recruiter’s time and process
• Choosing the appropriate follow-up time-window
• Offering value or a concise status check
• Following the employer’s instructions (e.g., “please do not contact”)

In the UK context this means showing patience and interest.

When to send an email follow-up to a recruiter

Timing is one of the most important pieces of follow-up etiquette. Too soon and you may seem impatient; too late and you may drop out of consideration. Here are guidance and statistics for UK job-seekers:

Recommended time-windows:

• If the job advertisement states a closing date or timeframe, wait until that timeframe has passed (often add a few extra days). If no timeframe is given, many UK experts recommend waiting one to two weeks after submitting your CV before sending a follow-up email.
• If you’ve had contact or an interview already, a follow-up can be sooner, e.g., within 3-5 business days after the recruiter said you’d hear back. Best days/times (UK):
• Mid-morning on a weekday (eg Tuesday or Wednesday) is typically optimal – busy Monday inboxes may delay responses. Avoid weekends or late evenings when emails are likely to be overlooked.

Example timing scenarios:

• You submitted your CV on Monday for a role that closes in two weeks → follow up the next Monday (7 days later).
• You applied and recruiter responded saying “we’ll review and get back by next Thursday” → follow up on the Friday or the next Monday.

By using the right window you show you are engaged but respectful.

When (and how) to call a recruiter instead

While email is the default follow-up channel in the UK, there are circumstances where a call is appropriate – but call etiquette is stricter.
When a call may be acceptable:

• The job advert explicitly provides a recruiter’s phone number and invites calls.
• You have previously spoken with the recruiter and it makes sense to call for brief status update.
• You are in a time-sensitive situation (eg you need to relocate or have other offers) and a call helps clarify.
  Risks and disadvantages of calling:
• If you interrupt the recruiter at a bad time you may annoy them.
• You may come across as pushy or impatient if you call too early.
• There is no written record of tone and words.
  An article suggests that candidates should not call before the recruiter has had time to review your application. Call etiquette best-practice:
• Choose business hours (UK time) and avoid early morning or right before close of day.
• When you call, introduce yourself, mention the role you applied for, mention you sent your CV on [date], and ask politely if there is an update, offering to provide any extra information.
• Keep the call brief (1-2 minutes) and thank them at the end.
• If voicemail picks up, leave a short, professional message with your name, role applied for, date of application and that you’d welcome any update or are available to discuss if useful.
  When not to call:
• If the job advert says “no calls please”.
• If you haven’t yet waited a reasonable time (one week or more).
• If you have already emailed and are awaiting responsecalling too soon may rub the recruiter the wrong way.

How to structure your follow-up email (step-by-step)

Here is a practical, step-by-step breakdown on how to write a follow-up email after sending your CV:

1. Subject line  Keep it concise and clear.
   Examples:
   • “Follow-up: Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]”
   • “Checking in on application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]”
     The subject must give instant context.
2. Greeting  Use “Dear [Name]” if you know the recruiter’s name; if not “Hello [Hiring Manager/Recruiter] team” is acceptable. Avoid casual greetings.
3. Opening sentence  Remind them briefly of: the role you applied for, date you sent your CV, and express your interest.
   Example: “I hope you are well. I submitted my CV on [Date] for the [Job Title] role at [Company].”
4. Body main point  – Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role or company.
   – Remind briefly why you’re a strong fit (one or two key skills/achievements).
   – Optional: highlight any new information since you applied (for example, you’ve completed a relevant course or project) – adds value rather than just checking in.
   Indeed UK advises that follow-up emails should highlight your value and be concise. Call to action / status check  Politely ask if there is an update on the recruitment timeline or if you can provide any additional information.
   Example: “If there are any updates on the recruitment process I would be grateful to hear them. I am of course happy to supply any further detail if required.”
5. Closing  Thank them for their time and consideration. Use a professional sign-off (“Kind regards,” “Best regards,”) with your full name, phone number, email address.
6. Proofread & send  Double check for typos, correct name of recipient, correct role title. One typo can harm your impression. Email length guidance:

• Keep the whole message under around 150-200 words. UK recruiters prefer brevity. Avoid large attachments or overly complex contentthis is just a touch-point.

Pros & cons of following up: email vs call

Email is usually the safer choice in UK recruitment, especially when you have no prior relationship with the recruiter. A call can add impact but must be used carefully.

Examples of good vs poor follow-up messages

Good Example (email):

Subject: Follow-up: Application for Marketing Executive – Muhammad Yousuf Khan

Dear Ms Smith,

I hope you are well. I submitted my CV on 3 November 2025 for the Marketing Executive role at ABC Ltd. I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my digital marketing and graphic-design skills (including front-end development experience) to your team, and I believe my recent project with XYZ increased engagement by 35% in three months.

If there is any update on the recruitment process or any additional information you require, I would be delighted to provide it.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,
Muhammad Yousuf Khan
+44 70 XXX XXXX
Poor Example (email):

Subject: Hi can I get an update?

Hello,

I applied two days ago for the job. Can you tell me what’s happening?

Thanks.
Yousuf

See how the “poor” example lacks context, value, professional tone and may come off as impatient.

Expert insights and statistics for UK job-seekers

• The UK website Reed reports that follow-up shows genuine investment in the opportunity. “In fact, 82% of recruiters say they view it positively when candidates follow up.” ApplyBuddy UK reports that around 65% of UK hiring managers recommend sending a follow-up email 5-7 days after applying
• Email etiquette expert Michael Sachs emphasises that candidate emails live “forever” and can be forwarded  sloppy emails cost credibility. On when to follow up he states: “Don’t follow up before the initial contact… If you don’t hear from the recruiter within that time frame, a call may be unnecessary.” From these insights you can derive rules: Wait at least a week, send email, keep it short and value-adding, avoid calls until appropriate.

Trends in UK recruitment follow-up behaviour

• Increasingly recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and receive large volumes of applicationsmaking visibility harder. A thoughtful follow-up helps you not get lost.
• Personalised messages matter more than evergeneric “Checking in” emails produce lower response. In fact applybuddy found personalised notes improved response by up to 40%.
• Remote and hybrid working have increased email communication. As more work is done via email, your email tone and timing matter even more.
• Some UK job adverts explicitly advise not to contact the recruiter follow-up. Respecting that instruction is now considered part of good etiquette

Step-by-step guide for follow-up after sending your UK CV

1. After submitting your CV, note the date and any timeline mentioned in the job advert.
2. Wait one week (or the timeframe indicated plus a few working days) before sending your email.
3. Draft your follow-up email using the structure above. Make sure to:
   • Use a clear subject line
   • Address the recruiter by name if possible
   • Remind them of the role and submission date
   • Restate your interest and key match to the role
   • Offer additional information or ask for a status update
   • Thank them and sign off professionally
4. Proofread carefully: correct spelling, check names and role title, ensure your contact details are correct.
5. Send the email mid-morning on a weekday if possible.
6. If you haven’t heard back after another week (i.e., two weeks after first follow-up), you may send one more brief, polite follow-up. But avoid repeated messages beyond that unless you have new value to add.
7. If you notice the job advert said no calls or no contact, do not call. Otherwise, if you choose to call:
   • Confirm the recruiter is available, or ask for a brief 2-minute discussion
   • Introduce yourself, mention the role and submission date, ask if there is any update or if you can supply additional info
   • Keep the call short, professional, respectful
8. Continue your job search regardlessdo not pause other applications while awaiting response from one.

Internal linking suggestion

If you were linking this blog into your own content on your website (for example your agency or services site), you might include an internal link such as:

If you’d like help optimising your CV before sending and following up, check out our CV Writing Service.

Or link to a related blog:

See our blog “How to Tailor Your UK CV for ATS & Cloud-Recruiter Systems” for further guidance.

Common mistakes to avoid in follow-up

• Following up too early (eg next day) – may appear impatient.
• Sending a generic “just checking in” email with no added value.
• Ignoring the job advert’s instruction not to contact.
• Calling repeatedly or calling at inappropriate times.
• Typos, incorrect names, messy formatting – reflects poorly.
• Neglecting to mention your added value or interest in the role.
• Assuming silence means you’re out – you should keep applying.

Real-life example case study

Situation: A UK marketing candidate applies for a digital role on 1 May to a London based firm. The advert does not list a closing date.
Action: The candidate waits 7 working days and on 10 May sends a follow-up email:
Subject: Follow-up: Application for Digital Marketing Executive – Jane Doe
Body: Reminds of the date, role, emphasises 2-3 key skills, offers additional info, thanks recruiter.
Result: The recruiter replies two days later inviting Jane to a short call to discuss next steps. Jane is subsequently shortlisted.
Why it worked:

• The timing was respectful (7 days)
• The email was concise, personalised and value-adding
• The tone was professional and positive
• The candidate did not call or email repeatedly
  Lesson: A well-timed thoughtful follow-up email helped Jane stand out in a competitive pool in the UK market.

How to decide whether email or call is best

Ask yourself:

• Did the job advert provide a phone number and encourage calls? If yes, calling may be acceptable.
• Do you already have a relationship with the recruiter or hiring manager? If yes, a call may feel more natural.
• Is your situation time-sensitive (other offers, visa deadline)? If yes, a short call may clarify sooner.
• If the advert says “no calls please” or you don’t know the recruiterstick with email.
• Are you confident you can keep the call brief, polite and professional? If yes, go ahead; if unsure, use email.

Trends and future directions for UK job-search follow-up

• Use of LinkedIn messages is rising as recruiters check social profiles. A follow-up via LinkedIn in addition to email can provide a gentle reminderif done professionally. Video follow-ups or short voice messages (with permission) are emerging in creative sectorsbut must still follow core etiquette.
• More companies are explicitly publishing timelines and process steps in adverts; tracking those and aligning your follow-up becomes a competitive advantage.
• The growth of remote hiring means response times may be slower; so your follow-up patience may need to be slightly longer while still showing initiative.
• Personalisation is more important than evergeneric blasts will be ignored; showing understanding of the company and role will help you stand out.

Final takeaway

Following up after sending your UK CV is not just an optional extrait can set you apart when done right. Use the proper timing (typically one week later), choose the right channel (email is safest), craft a concise, value-adding message and avoid common mistakes. Whether you email or call, demonstrating professionalism, respect and genuine interest will leave a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. For your job search in the UK to succeed, follow-up etiquette should become a standard step in your process.

Conclusion

In a competitive UK job market your application doesn’t end the moment you hit “send” on your CV. How and when you follow up can influence whether you are remembered, called for interview or overlooked. By using polite, strategic follow-up etiquette you remind recruiters of your application, reinforce your interest and highlight your suitability with minimal fuss. We covered why follow-up matters, when and how to email or call, the pros and cons of each method, expert insights, trends and step-by-step guidance. Follow the best practice above and you’ll boost your chances of moving forward confidently. Ready to make a stronger impression? Get your CV written by experts today to ensure your application is stellar from the start and your follow-up stands out.

FAQs

1. When should I follow up after sending my CV in the UK?
   Wait about one to two weeks after submitting your CV unless a shorter timeline is stated. This shows interest without impatience. (See also: how long after sending CV should I email recruiter UK)
2. Is it okay to call a recruiter after I send my CV in the UK?
   Only if the advert invites calls or you already have contact with the recruiter. Otherwise email is the safer option.
3. What should I write in a follow-up email after sending my CV?
   Remind them of the role and date of your application, express your enthusiasm, highlight 1-2 key skills, ask politely for an update and thank them for their time.
4. Can following up hurt my chances in the UK job-market?
   Yes, if you follow up too soon, repeatedly or with a pushy tone. Good timing and tone are critical.
5. How long should my follow-up email be?
   Short and concise – ideally under 200 words. UK recruiters prefer direct and professional messages.
6. Should I mention other offers or deadlines when I follow up?
   Only if relevant and carefully worded (eg “I have another offer and would appreciate any update on your timeline”). Make sure it remains courteous.
7. Is LinkedIn a good follow-up method after sending my CV?
   It can complement your email, especially if you already sent one and haven’t heard backbut don’t rely on it alone. Personalise your LinkedIn message.
8. How many times can I follow up after sending my CV?
   One well-timed follow-up is usually sufficient. If you haven’t heard after a second follow-up a week later, move on other applications to stay active.
9. What if the job advert says “no calls please” or “do not email”?
   Respect those instructions. Following up in violation of a stated preference may harm your application and reputation.
10. Will a follow-up guarantee I get an interview in the UK?
    No guarantee, but a polite, timely follow-up can increase your chances of being remembered and considered among clustering applications.