How to follow up after an interview
There are really two follow-ups after an interview. The first is a thank-you, sent within a day. The second is a status check, sent if the date they gave you has passed and you haven't heard anything.
Both should be short. The hiring manager already knows who you are. You're just staying visible and making it easy for them to give you an update.
Email template builder
How to follow up after an interview: 8 to copy
1. Thank you, next day
Hi [Interviewer's name], Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday about the [job title] role. I enjoyed hearing about [specific thing they mentioned], and it made me even more excited about the position. Please let me know if you need anything else from me. Best regards, [Your name] [Phone]
2. No news after the deadline
Hi [Name], I hope you're well. I interviewed for the [job title] role on [date], and I wanted to check whether there's any update on the timeline. I'm still very interested in the position and happy to provide anything else you need. Thank you, [Your name]
3. One week, no timeline given
Hi [Name], It's been a week since our interview for the [job title] position, and I wanted to follow up. Do you have an idea of when you'll be making a decision? Thanks again for your time. [Your name]
4. After a second interview
Hi [Name], Thank you for meeting with me again today. It was great to meet [names] and hear more about [team/project]. I'm confident I could help with [challenge they mentioned]. I look forward to hearing about next steps. Best, [Your name]
5. You have another offer
Hi [Name], I wanted to let you know that I've received another offer and need to respond by [date]. [Company] is my first choice, so I'd love to know if there's any update on your decision. Thanks so much, [Your name]
6. To the recruiter
Hi [Recruiter's name], Thank you again for setting up my interview with [hiring manager] on [date]. Is there any news on the next steps? Happy to make myself available if they'd like to talk again. Best, [Your name]
7. After a phone screen
Hi [Name], Thanks for the call today. It was great learning more about the [job title] role, and I'm keen to move forward. Let me know if there's anything I can send over. [Your name]
8. After a rejection
Hi [Name], Thank you for letting me know, and for considering me for the [job title] role. I enjoyed meeting the team and I'd be glad to be considered for future openings. If you're able to share any feedback, I'd really appreciate it. Best wishes, [Your name]
Subject lines
- Thank you – [Job title] interview
- Following up on my [Job title] interview
- [Job title] interview – checking in
- Thank you for your time on [day]
- Any update on the [Job title] role?
Interview follow-up timeline
- Within 24 hours: thank-you email to each interviewer (see thank-you email after interview).
- The day after their stated deadline: first status check.
- No deadline given: wait about one week, then check in.
- Still nothing: one more email a week later. If you're still waiting after two weeks, try our 2-week follow-up templates.
- After that: stop following up and keep applying. Silence usually means no, or not yet.
Tips
Address it to the person you met, not a generic HR inbox. Mention one specific thing from the conversation, so it doesn't read like a form letter. Don't attach your CV again unless they asked for it. And keep it under 100 words.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait to follow up after an interview?
Send a thank-you within 24 hours. If they gave you a decision date, follow up the day after it passes. If they didn't, wait about a week.
Is it OK to follow up twice after an interview?
Yes. Two follow-ups after the thank-you note is reasonable, about a week apart. After that, move on unless they get in touch.
Should I follow up by email or phone?
Email. It's easier for busy hiring managers to answer, and it doesn't put them on the spot.