How to Follow Up After an Interview: Best Practices & Examples
Why Following Up Matters
Following up after an interview is a crucial step that demonstrates professionalism, reinforces your interest in the role, and keeps you on the employer’s radar. A well-crafted follow-up can set you apart from other candidates.
When and How to Follow Up
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours: Express gratitude for the opportunity and highlight a key takeaway from your conversation.
- Follow up after the expected response time: If the interviewer gave a timeline (e.g., "We'll get back to you in a week"), wait until that period has passed before reaching out.
- Be professional and concise: Keep your message polite, brief, and to the point.
- Use multiple channels if needed: If you've received no response via email, consider following up through LinkedIn or a phone call.
Example Follow-Up Emails
1. Thank-You Email (Sent Within 24 Hours)
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I appreciate the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] yesterday. I enjoyed learning more about your team and the exciting projects you’re working on.
Our discussion reinforced my enthusiasm for the role, and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing my skills in [mention a relevant skill or experience]. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to your feedback.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2. Follow-Up Email (After No Response)
Subject: Following Up on [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and wanted to check if there are any updates on the hiring process.
Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide to assist in your decision-making. I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
3. Final Follow-Up (After a Long Delay)
Subject: Checking in on [Job Title] Position
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check in once more regarding the [Job Title] position. I understand that hiring decisions can take time, and I appreciate the opportunity to be considered.
If the position has been filled, I’d still love to stay in touch for future opportunities. Thank you again for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Common Follow-Up Mistakes to Avoid
- Following up too soon: Give the employer enough time to make a decision before checking in.
- Being too pushy: Avoid sounding impatient or demanding.
- Sending generic messages: Personalize each email to show genuine interest.
- Not proofreading: Typos and errors can leave a bad impression.
Practice with AI
Improve your follow-up emails with AI-powered suggestions:
- Receive real-time feedback on clarity and tone
- Optimize your follow-up timing and wording
- Increase your chances of a positive response