Picture this: you’re looking for a job, you find a role that excites you, and you put together a stand-out resume. You hit “Submit.” Often, you’ll receive a confirmation email saying something along the lines of “Thank you, we’ve received your application.”
At this point, many candidates pause and wonder—should I reply? Will it make a difference? Is it simply a matter of good manners?
In this article, we’ll cover how to respond to a “Resume Received” email, when a reply makes sense, what to say, and a template to help you strike the right tone.
Key takeaways
- Not every email needs a reply: Automated confirmations don’t require responses.
- If it’s personal, respond thoughtfully: A brief thank-you can show courtesy and interest.
- Keep it short and professional: Two or three lines are enough to acknowledge and impress.
- Add context only if it helps: Mention updates or corrections only in manual exchanges.
- Use a simple, genuine tone: Avoid overexplaining or repeating your resume.
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Should you respond to a “Resume Received” email?
Your decision should be based on the type of email you received. There are basically two types of messages you can receive.
Automated acknowledgment (from a no-reply or applicant tracking system)
You don’t need to respond. These are system-generated messages confirming that your application was received, and often, the reply address isn’t monitored. Even if replying is technically possible, it can feel awkward—like talking to a wall. A thank-you note here won’t reach anyone and might come across as not understanding how the process works.
Personal email from a recruiter or hiring manager
This one’s different, but that doesn’t mean you must reply every time. Sometimes a recruiter might send a quick note just to confirm receipt, without expecting a response. In those cases, silence is perfectly acceptable.
However, if the message feels personal—if it’s signed with a name, or includes a short comment about your application—a brief, polite reply can be thoughtful. It shows you read their message and appreciate their time, without trying to force a conversation.
Here are some more benefits of replying:
- Reinforces your enthusiasm and professionalism
- Keeps you top of mind with the recruiter
- Opens the door for a natural follow-up later
When to reply to a “Resume Received” email
| Reply when… | Don’t reply when… |
|---|---|
| It’s sent by a real person—you can see their name, signature, or company domain email. | The email is clearly automated or sent from a “no-reply” address. |
| You want to reaffirm your interest or express appreciation for the update. | The message explicitly says no response is needed. |
| You need to correct or update something (for example, a missing attachment or new availability). | The sender address looks generic (e.g., jobs@company.com). |
If you’re still fine-tuning your application, make sure your resume speaks directly to the role. Tools like Enhancv’s Tailoring Resume Bullets help you adjust your wording for each position—before you even hit “Submit.”
How to respond to a “Resume Received” email
If your circumstances are in favor of sending a response, here’s how to do it effectively. The goal isn’t to write a long message—it’s to acknowledge the recruiter’s note and leave a positive, professional impression.
- Keep it short and professional: Two or three sentences are enough to show attentiveness and courtesy.
- Acknowledge their message: Start by thanking them for confirming receipt of your application or for taking the time to reach out.
- Reaffirm your interest: Briefly restate your enthusiasm for the position or company. A single line like “I’m very interested in the [Job Title] role at [Company]” does the job.
- Provide context only if it adds value: If you forgot to include something important—for example, portfolio links, updated availability, or a corrected attachment—this is the moment to mention it.
- Close politely: End with a short, courteous line such as “Looking forward to hearing from you” or “Thank you again for the opportunity.”
“Resume Received” email template
If you decide to reply to a recruiter’s confirmation, your message should be polite, brief, and genuine.
Here’s a simple template you can adjust for your situation.
Subject: Re: Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]
Dear [Recruiter’s Name],
Thank you for the update. I’m excited about the opportunity and appreciate the confirmation.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information from my side.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Why it works:
- It’s short—just a few lines, no filler.
- It acknowledges the recruiter’s effort.
- It reaffirms interest without sounding pushy.
- It’s easy to customize for any role or company.
Avoid these mistakes
In your email, don’t repeat your resume, don’t reattach documents unless asked, and don’t push for updates too soon.
Just like your resume, your emails benefit from clear, confident writing. If you struggle to summarize your achievements effectively, try Enhancv’s Bullet Point Generator—it helps you write concise, impactful statements that sound professional without overthinking.
Frequently asked questions
Let’s tackle a few other questions that often come up but are best addressed separately—things like follow-ups, mistakes, and what to expect after you hit “Send.”
Is it unprofessional not to reply?
No. Most candidates don’t. These messages are just an acknowledgement for your resume submission, so a reply isn’t expected.
Still, a polite, relevant reply (when it’s from a real person) shows courtesy and attention to detail. It’d only be deemed as unprofessional if you’ve been asked a question, and you don’t respond.
Can I ask questions in my reply?
Recruiters often receive hundreds of emails daily, so we suggest keeping questions to a minimum at this stage. Instead, take the time to reflect on what you want to ask during the interview.
What happens after you reply?
Usually, you’ll get a short acknowledgement or no response at all. Hiring teams often wait to review applications before reaching out again. Silence doesn’t necessarily mean rejection.
When should I follow up after an interview?
If you haven’t heard back after a week to 10 business days, it’s acceptable to send a brief follow-up email. Keep it polite and focused on your continued interest.
Staying organized helps, especially if you’re juggling multiple applications. Use Enhancv’s Job Application Tracker to track your submissions, replies, and follow-ups in one place.
Should I reach out on LinkedIn after submitting my resume?
Sometimes. If the recruiter’s message was personal or you genuinely want to express interest, a brief, polite note on LinkedIn can help reinforce your enthusiasm. Keep it short and avoid sending multiple follow-ups or trying to restate your entire application. The goal is to make a human connection, not to pressure for updates.
When should I assume I didn’t get the job?
If you’ve followed up once and several weeks pass without an update, it’s reasonable to move on. Hiring timelines vary, but after a month of silence, it’s best to continue your search.
Conclusion
You don’t have to respond to every “Resume Received” email. Automated acknowledgments can be left alone, but when a real person takes the time to write, a short, polite reply can leave a lasting impression.
The key is to keep your response brief and genuine—just enough to show professionalism and enthusiasm without overdoing it.
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