Following Up on Applications: The Waiting Game
You submitted the application days or weeks ago. The online portal says "under review" with no additional detail. You have no idea if it was received, if something is missing, or when you will hear back. The only reliable way to get a status update is to call, but calling feels pushy, intrusive, and anxiety-inducing.
This scenario plays out across every type of application: jobs, rentals, loans, schools, government benefits, insurance claims, and permits. The anxiety of not knowing is compounded by the anxiety of having to call to find out. And the person who answers may not have specific information about your application, requiring them to "look into it and call you back," which restarts the waiting cycle.
Here is how to get application status updates without the awkward phone call.
Why Following Up by Phone Is Uncomfortable
- !Fear of seeming pushy or impatient, especially for job applications
- !Reaching the right person who has information about your specific application is difficult
- !Many organizations have policies against giving status updates by phone
- !The person who answers may need to research and call back, adding more waiting
- !Phone follow-ups on government applications involve extreme hold times
- !Not knowing the appropriate timing for follow-up creates social anxiety
Ways to Follow Up Without Calling
Online Application Portal
WorksCheck the status through the same portal where you submitted the application. Many systems show real-time status updates.
Status descriptions are often vague ("under review," "in progress") without useful detail. Some portals are not updated in real time. Government portals are especially prone to lag.
Email Follow-Up
WorksSend a polite follow-up email asking about the status and expected timeline.
Response rates vary. Job applications often go unanswered. Some organizations have no-reply email addresses. The response may be generic without specific timeline information.
LinkedIn Message (for Job Applications)
WorksMessage the hiring manager or recruiter on LinkedIn to inquire about your application status.
Can feel intrusive if you do not have a prior connection. Not appropriate for all industries. The hiring manager may not be the right person for status updates.
Automated Status Notifications
WorksSome application systems send automatic email or text updates at each stage of the process.
Not all organizations have automated notifications. Updates may be infrequent or stop after initial confirmation. You cannot accelerate the process through notifications.
KallyAI Executive Assistant
WorksKallyAI calls the organization to check your application status, ask about timeline, and find out if any additional information or documents are needed.
For job applications, a phone follow-up from an AI may not be appropriate as the employer may want to evaluate your communication skills. Best for rental, loan, government, and school applications.
Let KallyAI Check Your Application Status
KallyAI calls the organization with your application details and gets a definitive status update, expected timeline, and whether any action is needed from you.
Provide application details
Tell KallyAI the organization name, type of application, your application or reference number, and date of submission.
KallyAI calls to check status
The AI contacts the appropriate department and inquires about your application status, providing verification details as needed.
Status and next steps reported
KallyAI reports the current status, expected timeline for a decision, and whether any additional documents or information are needed.
Scheduled follow-ups
If the status is still pending, KallyAI can schedule periodic follow-up calls to keep you updated without you having to remember to check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I follow up on a job application by phone?
Industry norms vary. For corporate jobs, email is usually more appropriate. For small businesses, trades, and local employers, a phone call is acceptable. Consider having KallyAI call if the phone format is appropriate but anxiety is the barrier.
How long should I wait before following up?
General guidelines: Job applications, 1-2 weeks after deadline. Rental applications, 2-3 business days. Loan applications, 1 week. Government applications, after the stated processing time has passed.
Can KallyAI follow up on government benefit applications?
Yes. Government offices for benefits like Social Security, unemployment, and permits often have long hold times. KallyAI can wait on hold and check your application status.
What if the application requires additional documents?
KallyAI will find out exactly what is needed, the deadline for submission, and how to submit it (online, mail, fax, in person).