How to Follow Up After an Interview (With Templates)
Following up after an interview can feel awkward, but it's expected—and often necessary. Here's exactly when and how to do it, with templates you can use.
The Timeline: When to Follow Up
Immediately After: The Thank-You Email (Within 24 Hours)
Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview—ideally the same day. According to The Muse, "I would follow up the same day or one day later" is standard practice.
A thank-you email accomplishes three things:
- Shows professionalism and courtesy
- Keeps you top-of-mind with the hiring team
- Gives you a chance to reinforce key points or address something you forgot to mention
The Waiting Period: 3-14 Days for Response
Based on data from 1,000+ job seekers (Careery.pro, 2026), the median response time after interviews is 3-14 days. According to NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers), the average time from interview to offer is 23.5 days.
If the interviewer gave you a timeline ("We'll be in touch within two weeks"), respect it. Don't follow up before their stated timeframe.
The Follow-Up Check-In: 5+ Business Days
If you didn't get a timeline and haven't heard back, send a follow-up email after 5 business days (one work week). Keep it brief and professional—you're checking in, not demanding an answer.
The Second Follow-Up: 1-2 Weeks Later
Still no response? Send one more polite follow-up after another 1-2 weeks. After that, move on. If they haven't responded after two follow-ups, the answer is likely "no" and they're ghosting you (unfortunately common).
Email Template #1: Thank-You Email (Send Within 24 Hours)
Subject: Thank You – [Position Title] Interview
Hi [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Position Title] role at [Company]. I really enjoyed learning about [specific project, team goal, or company initiative discussed], and I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific way you'd add value].
Our conversation reinforced my interest in this role, especially [mention something specific that resonated with you]. I'm confident that my experience in [relevant skill/experience] would allow me to make an immediate impact.
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. I look forward to hearing from you about next steps.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Why This Works:
- Specific: References actual conversation topics, not generic platitudes
- Enthusiastic but professional: Shows interest without sounding desperate
- Brief: Respects the interviewer's time (~150 words)
- Reinforces fit: Connects your skills to their needs
Email Template #2: First Follow-Up (5 Business Days After Interview)
Subject: Following Up – [Position Title] Interview
Hi [Interviewer Name],
I wanted to follow up on my interview for the [Position Title] role on [date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and would love to hear about any updates on the hiring process.
If you need any additional information from me, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm happy to provide references, work samples, or answer any further questions.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Why This Works:
- Polite nudge: Reminds them without being pushy
- Offers help: Makes it easy for them to request more info
- Short: Under 100 words, respects their time
Email Template #3: Second Follow-Up (1-2 Weeks After First Follow-Up)
Subject: Checking In – [Position Title] Interview
Hi [Interviewer Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out one more time regarding the [Position Title] role. I remain very interested and excited about the opportunity to join [Company].
I understand hiring timelines can shift, and I'm happy to wait for the right decision. If the role has been filled or if you've decided to move forward with other candidates, I'd appreciate knowing so I can plan accordingly.
Thank you again for considering me. I hope we'll have the chance to work together in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Why This Works:
- Graceful exit: Gives them an easy out while staying positive
- Not desperate: Shows you have other options and respect their process
- Final attempt: Clearly signals this is your last check-in
When NOT to Follow Up
Don't follow up if:
- They gave you a timeline and it hasn't passed yet: Wait until their stated timeframe expires
- They explicitly said "Don't call us, we'll call you": Respect their process
- You've already sent two follow-ups with no response: Three is the maximum; more looks desperate
- The role was filled and they notified you: Don't try to re-litigate a rejection
Common Follow-Up Mistakes
1. Following Up Too Soon
Sending a follow-up email 2 days after the interview (unless they said "we'll decide tomorrow") looks impatient. Wait at least 5 business days.
2. Being Too Casual or Too Formal
Match the company's communication style. Startups? Conversational is fine. Law firm? Keep it formal. Avoid slang or emojis, but don't sound like a Victorian-era letter.
3. Writing a Novel
Follow-up emails should be under 150 words. Recruiters are busy—get to the point.
4. Sounding Desperate or Demanding
Avoid phrases like:
- "I really need this job"
- "I haven't heard from you, what's going on?"
- "This is my dream job and I can't imagine working anywhere else"
Instead, sound interested but professionally detached. You're evaluating them as much as they're evaluating you.
5. Not Proofreading
Typos in a follow-up email undermine everything. Triple-check names, company name, job title, and spelling. Use Grammarly or have a friend review it.
Should You Call Instead of Emailing?
No, unless they explicitly asked you to call. Email is standard practice for follow-ups because:
- It's less intrusive than a phone call
- It gives the recruiter time to respond when convenient
- It creates a paper trail
Only call if:
- The interviewer gave you their direct phone number and said "feel free to call"
- You're in a high-touch industry (sales, real estate) where phone calls are expected
- You've emailed twice with no response and it's been 3+ weeks
What If They're Ghosting You?
Unfortunately, ghosting is common. Many companies don't send rejection emails, especially after early-stage interviews. If you've sent two follow-ups with no response after 3-4 weeks, assume it's a no and move on.
Don't take it personally. Companies ghost for many reasons:
- The role was put on hold or canceled
- They're slow and disorganized (not your fault)
- They went with an internal candidate but haven't officially closed the posting
- They're still interviewing and don't want to reject anyone yet
Keep applying elsewhere. Never pause your job search waiting for one company to respond.
LinkedIn Follow-Up: Should You Connect?
It's okay to send a LinkedIn connection request to your interviewer, but:
- Wait until after the interview: Don't connect before meeting
- Include a personalized note: "Hi [Name], it was great speaking with you about the [Role] at [Company]. I'd love to stay connected."
- Don't be pushy: If they don't accept, don't follow up about it
Some recruiters like this, others find it presumptuous. Use your judgment based on the interview vibe.
Special Cases
Following Up After a Panel Interview
Send a thank-you email to each interviewer individually, not one group email. Customize each message based on what you discussed with that person. It's more work, but it shows effort.
Following Up After a Final Round
If you've made it to the final round, the stakes are higher. Your thank-you email can reinforce why you're the right choice:
- Reference specific challenges they mentioned and how you'd address them
- Mention a project or initiative you're excited to work on
- Restate your enthusiasm but stay professional (no begging)
Following Up If You Have Another Offer
If you receive another offer while waiting to hear back, it's okay to politely expedite:
Hi [Interviewer Name],
I wanted to reach out because I've received another job offer with a decision deadline of [date]. [Company] remains my top choice, and I'm very interested in the [Position Title] role.
Is there any possibility of getting an update on your timeline? I want to be respectful of your process while also being fair to the other company.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
This is professional and often prompts faster decisions. Just make sure it's true—lying about competing offers will backfire.
What to Do While You Wait
Don't sit around waiting for one company to respond. While you wait:
- Keep applying: Apply to 5-10 jobs per week minimum
- Prepare for other interviews: Research companies, practice answers
- Network: Reach out to connections, attend industry events
- Upskill: Take a course, build a project, update your portfolio
- Stay positive: Rejection is normal—most people apply to 50-100 jobs before landing one
Pro Tip
The best time to follow up is when you genuinely have something to add. If you read an article about the company, completed a relevant project, or earned a certification since the interview, mention it in your follow-up. It gives you a reason to reach out beyond "just checking in."
Final Thoughts
Following up after an interview is part of the job search game. Do it professionally, do it strategically, and don't overdo it.
One thank-you email within 24 hours + one or two follow-ups after 5+ business days = the standard. Beyond that, move on and keep applying.
Remember: If a company ghosts you after interviews, that's a red flag about their culture. You dodged a bullet.