Early career: stop sending “any update?” when the real question is different.

If you are waiting after an interview, use the timeline they gave you. Once that passes, send one clear follow-up.

“Thanks again for discussing the coordinator role. You mentioned an update this week. Has the timing changed, or is there anything else you need from me?”

If you have another offer deadline, state the actual deadline. Don’t manufacture one to get a response.

Then keep applying. A warm conversation, a reference request and an encouraging email can all happen before a hiring decision is final. You can stay interested without putting your entire search on hold.

What you need from a follow-up is usable information. More messages don’t create an approved role or make the decision happen faster.