Why Following Up Matters
After a job interview, many candidates feel anxious about whether they should reach out to the recruiter. A well-crafted follow-up after interview can make you stand out, show professionalism, and demonstrate genuine interest in the role. However, if done incorrectly, it may come across as pushy or impatient.
This guide will walk you through the best practices for following up after an interview without being annoying, including timing, tone, and strategies to leave a lasting impression.
When Should You Follow Up After an Interview?
Timing is crucial in sending a follow-up message.
- Right after the interview: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours to express appreciation.
- After the expected timeline: If the interviewer mentioned a decision timeline, wait until that window has passed before sending a second follow-up.
- General rule: If no timeline was provided, wait 5–7 business days before reaching out.
How to Follow Up Professionally
1. Send a Thank-You Email First
- Express gratitude for their time.
- Reiterate your excitement for the role.
- Keep it short and positive.
2. Be Respectful of Their Time
Avoid multiple emails or daily check-ins. One follow-up after the thank-you note is usually enough unless invited for further communication.
3. Keep Your Message Clear and Polite
Your follow-up should:
- Remind them of your interest in the role.
- Highlight a key skill or point you discussed.
- Politely ask for an update.
4. Use the Right Subject Line
Examples:
- “Thank you for the interview – [Your Name]”
- “Following up on [Job Title] Interview”
5. Maintain a Professional Tone
Stay enthusiastic but avoid sounding desperate. Focus on how you can contribute value to the company.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Follow-Ups
- Sending too many emails.
- Sounding impatient or demanding.
- Using casual or overly personal language.
- Forgetting to proofread your email.
Sample Follow-Up Email After an Interview
Subject: Following up on [Job Title] Interview – [Your Name]
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position on [date]. I truly enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic] and am even more excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name].
I understand you’re still in the decision-making process, but I wanted to kindly follow up to see if there are any updates regarding next steps. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Follow-Up Do’s and Don’ts
✅ Do’s
- Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview.
- Personalize your message by referencing a specific part of the conversation.
- Be professional and polite—show enthusiasm without sounding desperate.
- Proofread carefully to avoid typos or errors.
- Respect timelines mentioned by the recruiter before following up again.
- Keep it short and clear—your email should be easy to read.
- Express genuine gratitude for their time and consideration.
❌ Don’ts
- Don’t send multiple emails in a row or daily reminders.
- Don’t sound demanding or pressure the recruiter for an immediate answer.
- Don’t use overly casual language (like “Hey” or emojis).
- Don’t copy-paste generic templates—make your note specific to the interview.
- Don’t ask about salary or benefits unless the recruiter already discussed them.
- Don’t ghost the employer if you’ve lost interest—still send a polite thank-you.
- Don’t overlook the subject line—a clear subject line increases chances of being read.
FAQs: Follow-Up After Interview
Should I always send a follow-up email?
Yes, at least a thank-you note within 24 hours is expected in most industries.
How long should my follow-up email be?
Keep it brief—3–4 short paragraphs max.
Is it okay to follow up by phone?
Email is generally preferred, but calling is acceptable if the recruiter explicitly mentioned it.
Can I follow up more than once?
Yes, but limit it to two follow-ups unless the employer has communicated a longer process.
What if I get no response after following up?
Move forward with other opportunities—don’t dwell on one employer.
Should I connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn?
Yes, but wait until after the interview and keep the connection note professional.
What if I forgot to send a thank-you email?
It’s better late than never—send it even if a couple of days have passed.
How do I avoid sounding pushy?
Keep your tone polite, focus on appreciation, and avoid demanding updates.
What’s the worst mistake in follow-ups?
Sending daily reminders or expressing frustration at the delay.
Do hiring managers really care about follow-ups?
Yes, follow-ups show professionalism, communication skills, and interest.
Can I mention salary expectations in a follow-up?
Not unless the interviewer brought it up earlier—avoid money talk at this stage.
Is following up different for group or panel interviews?
Yes, ideally send personalized thank-you notes to each interviewer.
Conclusion: Master the Art of Following Up
Knowing how to follow up after an interview without being annoying can boost your chances of leaving a strong impression. Keep your emails polite, professional, and well-timed to stay on the recruiter’s radar without crossing boundaries.
The right follow-up shows that you’re serious about the opportunity—while still respecting the employer’s time.
Experienced Recruiter with a demonstrated history of working in the media production industry. Strong human resources professional with a Bachelor’s degree focused in Psychology from Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana.