I remember oh so vividly the sensation of receiving that confirmation that you hit “submit” on a job application after I was finally done with my CV: relief, hope, and a little dash of panic in one. Back when I was trying to break into remote work and tech, I thought that applying was the finish line. But the truth? It’s just the beginning.
What you do after you apply can make just as much of a difference as the application itself. Furthermore, follow through, staying organized, and holding a good mindset is crucial to getting the position you want and using your head in the process.
In this post, I’m walking you through exactly what I did (and wish I had done sooner) to stay focused and feel more in control of the job hunt. Let’s dive in.
Why Following Up Matters More Than You Think
One of the biggest surprises to me was finding out that the majority do not take follow-ups. I would say to myself, “If they liked my application, they will contact me. But hiring teams are swamped. Sometimes, a gentle nudge is the reason your name gets to reach the top of the list.
When I began sending polite, follow-up emails a week after applying, I did see a very real difference in responses, even if it was just a quick update or thank you.
Here’s the simple email template I use:
Follow Up Email Template (After One Week of Applying):
Subject: Follow Up on [Job Title]Application
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope that you have been having a great week. I wanted to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] position, that I had applied for on [Date], and seek your response. I’m very much looking forward to working for [Company Name] and adding [mention one specific skill or experience] to the team.
Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me. I’m happy to provide additional information or complete any next steps.
Thank you again for your time and consideration!
Best,
[Your Name]
Make it short, brief, enthusiastic, and respectful. If you have already, then only modify the message to thank them again and remind them that you still have interest in the job.
You do not need to be pushy; you only have to be present. And if they don’t reply? That’s okay. Not all the follow-ups are likely to get a reply, but by sending a follow-up, you exhibit initiative and you do not remain passive.
The Job Tracker That Saved My Sanity
When I first started applying, I had links and job titles all over the place, screenshots, tabs, notebooks, sticky notes. It didn’t take long for me to forget which resume I used or when I was supposed to follow up. So I built a simple job tracker that changed everything.
Here’s what I recommend tracking:
Company Name
Job Title
Link to the Job Posting
Date Applied
Which Resume/Portfolio Version Did You Send
Follow-Up Date
Response/Next Steps
Interview Notes (if applicable)
Status (Applied, Interviewed, Rejected, etc.)
You can use Google Sheets, Notion, Trello, whatever feels easy to update and check regularly. I used Google Sheets because it was simple and shareable. I even color-coded it so I could quickly scan what needed action.
Having this system helped me feel less scattered and more in control. I didn’t have to rely on memory, and I wasn’t constantly wondering if I was missing something. It also gave me small wins to celebrate, like when I marked a job as “Interviewing” or “Offer Received.”
If you want, you can also track rejections. Not to dwell on them, but to normalize them. Every “no” means you’re one step closer to a “yes.” And sometimes, rejections come with feedback you can use to get better.
Your Mindset Matters (A Lot)
Let’s be honest: job hunting can mess with your head. It’s full of unknowns, long waits, and self-doubt. There were days I felt like giving up completely. I’d think, “What’s the point? No one’s hiring me.”
But over time, I learned to shift my mindset from outcome-based to action-based. Instead of focusing on whether I got a response, I focused on what I could control—like how many quality applications I sent, how well I followed up, or how much I improved my portfolio that week.
Here’s what helped me get through:
Daily Goals Instead of Job Goals
I started setting small, achievable daily tasks. Apply to 2 jobs. Send 1 follow-up. Learn 1 new thing in tech. That was it. These mini wins helped me build momentum without burning out.
Reframing Rejections
Every rejection email stings, but I began treating them like steps in the process, not signs of failure. I’d tell myself: “This one wasn’t the right fit, but I’m getting better each time.” It sounds cheesy, but it worked.
Creating Before Consuming
On hard days, I’d write a blog post, make a project, or update my resume layout. Doing something creative reminded me of my value, even if no one had hired me (yet).
Community and Connection
I joined a few online groups for job seekers and new tech professionals. Talking to people who got it made me feel less alone. We’d share wins, rejections, advice, and sometimes even job leads.
Bonus: What to Do While You Wait
The waiting game can be brutal. So I made a list of things I’d do while waiting to hear back:
Build or polish a personal website or portfolio
Write about something I learned on LinkedIn or a blog
Watch tutorials to build new skills or tools (like Notion, Figma, or GitHub)
Reach out for virtual coffee chats or informational interviews
Volunteer for a nonprofit or open-source project to keep building experience
These “while-you-wait” actions kept my energy moving in the right direction, and they often made me a stronger candidate for the next opportunity.
Conclusion
Keep Showing Up
If you’re reading this, you’re doing the work. You care about your future, and you’re showing up, even when it’s hard, even when it’s quiet. That matters more than you know.
I don’t say this lightly: the job that changes everything for you is out there. It might take longer than you hoped, and it might not look like what you expected. But if you keep applying, following up, tracking your progress, and protecting your mindset, you will get there. I did, and so can
Also Read: How to Gain Remote Work Experience When You’re Just Starting Out – zeelr.com
