IT’S ALL IN HOW YOU COMMUNICATE
Following up is a normal part of the job search, and there’s nothing wrong with wanting an update!
The key is to express your interest while respecting people’s time and the hiring process.
A polite, well-worded message can communicate professionalism, confidence, and genuine interest without putting pressure on the other person.
AFTER SENDING AN APPLICATION
You’ve applied for a position for which you genuinely meet the requirements, but you haven’t heard back.
Give the family or agency reasonable time to review applications. If no timeline was provided, waiting around 5–7 business days before following up is a reasonable guideline.
AFTER AN INTERVIEW
You’ve met with a family, had an interview, and would love to work with them. It’s okay to let them know you’re still interested!
If they gave you a timeline, wait until it has passed before asking for an update.
What if they didn’t give you a timeline?
Allow a reasonable amount of time for the family to consider their options. Waiting around 3–5 business days after the interview before following up is a reasonable guideline, unless they indicated that their decision would take longer.
YOUR WORDING MATTERS
Sometimes, it’s not what you want to know, but how you ask.
Instead of:
❌ “Any update?”
Try:
✓ “Hi [Name]! I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up and see if there have been any updates regarding the position. I’m still interested in the opportunity. Thank you!”
Instead of:
❌ “I still haven’t received an answer.”
Try:
✓ “Hi [Name]! I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check in regarding the nanny position and see if there is any news you’d be able to share. Thank you for your time!”
When following up, take a moment to think about how your message comes across. A short, vague question may not communicate the level of professionalism and genuine interest you want to convey.
Besides, a follow-up should open the door to communication, not make the other person feel guilty for not responding. Avoid accusatory messages or repeated requests for an answer. They can create unnecessary pressure and may hurt your chances of being considered for the position.
WHAT IF THEY STILL DON’T RESPOND?
Give them some time. Families may be busy, interviewing other candidates, or still deciding what works best for their household.
If a reasonable amount of time has passed, you can send one more polite follow-up.
If you still don’t receive a response, it’s important to recognize that no response can itself be a response. They may have chosen another candidate, changed their plans, or decided not to move forward.
You may not get the closure you hoped for, but repeated messages are unlikely to change the outcome.
A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER
💌 Keep your message polite and professional.
💌 Be clear about why you’re reaching out.
💌 Respect any timeline the family has given you.
💌 Avoid sending multiple messages in a short period.
💌 Don’t demand an immediate answer or assume you’re entitled to a particular outcome.
💌 Don’t apologize excessively for following up. A respectful follow-up is perfectly reasonable!
💌 When working with an agency, remember that positive news is usually communicated as soon as there is something concrete to share. If you haven’t received an update, it may mean there is no news yet, or that there isn’t positive news to share at this stage. You can check in professionally, but repeated messages won’t make a decision happen faster.
Following up is a normal part of the hiring process, and doing so professionally can demonstrate initiative and genuine interest.
However, there is a difference between following up and repeatedly contacting someone for an answer. Too many messages, unnecessary pressure, or attempts to make someone feel guilty for not responding can leave a negative impression and even affect your chances of being considered.
Your goal is to express your interest, not to pressure someone into choosing you.
It’s not always easy to accept silence, especially when you’re genuinely interested in a position and hoping for a positive outcome. Sometimes, you have to accept that you may not get a clear answer and learn to move forward without one.
Knowing how to handle that uncertainty with patience and professionalism is part of being a strong candidate, too.
