The job market is strong, and recruiters are busy, so your ability to follow up and check in with grace, confidence and professionalism is a critical skill when you’re looking for a job.

And the way you follow through could be a make-or-break interaction point in the process. If you’re too eager or pushy, you could alienate an employer. But at the same time, you don’t to fade away or be forgotten.

Here’s how to find the balance, communicating your enthusiasm and your assertiveness without putting employers off.

Busy and Busier

The need for follow up is influenced by the job market and the extent to which talent recruiters are stressed, strained and overextended. According to a poll by Jobvite, 65% of recruiters say their job is more stressful today than it was a year ago and 81% of talent acquisition professionals say attracting top talent has become more challenging in the past year.

Perhaps based on recruiters’ busyness, candidates aren’t receiving responses as they wish. In fact, 90% of people say they’ve experienced ghosting and 73% have said they’ve lost faith in the system, according to a poll by Monster. The experience can cause negative consequences for job seekers, with 69% saying they experience mental side effects and 12% having physical side effects based on the job search process.

Just Do It

Not sure if you should follow up? Generally, you should. Unless the application instructions have directed you otherwise, it’s typically acceptable to follow up about one or two weeks following your application.

But how you follow up is critically important. Keep in mind if the hiring professional hasn’t reviewed your application yet, your note could be their first impression of you. You’ll need to be professional and ensure your message is high quality. You can “inquire about the status of your application” or say you’re “checking in” or “following up.” Avoid jargon like, “circle back,” or anything gimmicky.

In the Jobvite poll, 62% of practitioners said their top priority is increasing the quality of their hires. They’re looking for the best and the brightest, so your approach to the follow up is a way to shine.

Be Positive

You’ll also want to be positive, expressing your continued interest in the position. And you should be appropriately deferential—respecting that you are one of many responsibilities the hiring leader owns and you’re part of a broader process.

You want to communicate confidence, but also gratitude for their time and their support. If your message has a tone that the hiring leader owes you something or hasn’t followed up adequately, it will be a turn off. Be firm and assertive, without being pushy or presumptuous.

Make It Easy

When you’re checking in, address your note to a specific person, if possible. In addition, make your message easy for them. Do this by including a clear subject line and keeping your note brief. Remind them of the job you’re applying for and include just a bit about yourself and your qualifications

Also attach relevant information (ex. your cover letter, your resume, a link to your application). And of course, ensure your note is free of errors or typos. Include an offer to provide any additional information they may need, and invite them to contact you.

By making it easy for the talent professional to check on your status and get back to you, you’ll build the relationship because they’ll appreciate your approach, and you’ll increase the chances they’ll reply.

Show You Get It

You’re also wise to demonstrate empathy by acknowledging they’re busy and demonstrating knowledge of the process. With these, you’ll also build credibility.

Ultimately, you want your follow up to demonstrate who you are and raise the likelihood the person would want to keep interacting with you (read: work with you as a colleague in their organization).

Worth It

Checking in on an application can be tough, because it can feel like reaching out blindly in the dark. But it will be worth it to keep yourself top-of-mind for recruiters and to demonstrate your commitment, interest and follow through—all of which will set you apart for the job.

Read the full report here.