The period after a job interview is often filled with anxiety. Wondering whether you should reach out, when the right time is, and what to say are common concerns for job candidates. Navigating this stage professionally is an important part of the hiring process. A well-considered and timely follow-up reinforces your interest and can leave a lasting positive impression, demonstrating your respect for the hiring team’s process.
The Immediate Thank-You Note
Before considering a follow-up about the hiring decision, send a thank-you note within 24 hours of your interview. This professional courtesy expresses gratitude for the interviewer’s time and reiterates your enthusiasm for the position. A prompt thank-you message, sent via email for speed, ensures you remain fresh in the hiring manager’s mind.
Your thank-you note should be personalized and concise. Reference a specific detail from your discussion to make the note memorable and show you were engaged. You can also briefly connect a key job requirement to one of your skills or experiences, adding value to your candidacy.
Conclude by restating your strong interest in the opportunity and that you look forward to hearing about the next steps. Keep the tone professional and proofread carefully before sending.
Determining the Right Time to Follow Up
Deciding when to check on a hiring decision depends on the information you were given at your interview. The primary rule is to be patient and respectful of the employer’s process. Rushing to follow up can seem impatient, while waiting too long might be misinterpreted as a lack of interest.
If the hiring manager provided a specific timeline, adhere to it strictly. For instance, if they mentioned a decision by the end of next week, wait until that period has passed. It is recommended to wait one to two business days after the stated deadline before sending a message, which accounts for potential internal delays.
Where no timeline was provided, the rule is to wait at least five to seven business days before reaching out. This timeframe gives the hiring team sufficient space to complete interviews and hold internal meetings without feeling pressured. Following up sooner can make you appear overly eager.
Crafting Your Follow-Up Message
Once you have determined the appropriate time to reach out, the message itself must be crafted with care. The goal is to be professional, polite, and concise. Your follow-up should serve as a gentle reminder of your candidacy and reaffirm your interest, not as a demand for an answer.
Begin with a clear subject line, such as “Following up on the [Job Title] interview.” In the email, remind the person who you are and the position you interviewed for, mentioning the date for context. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
A strong follow-up message can include a value-add. This can be a brief mention of a relevant skill or a thought you had about a challenge discussed in the interview. For example, “Since our conversation, I’ve been thinking more about your goal to expand into a new market, and I’m confident my experience in [specific area] would help your team succeed.” Close your message politely, stating you look forward to any updates.
Navigating a Second Follow-Up
In some cases, your initial follow-up email may not receive a response. This does not always mean the position has been filled, as hiring processes can face unexpected delays. If you find yourself in this situation, sending a second follow-up is acceptable, but it requires a careful approach.
It is advisable to wait at least another five to seven business days after your first follow-up before sending a second one. This message should be even more concise than the first. Its purpose is to check on the status of the position and confirm if a decision has been made.
This second message should be your final attempt to get an update. A simple note that reiterates your interest and asks if the role has been filled is sufficient. If this second message also goes unanswered, it is a sign to redirect your energy toward other opportunities, as further contact can appear unprofessional.
Common Follow-Up Mistakes to Avoid
- Following up too soon or too frequently: This can make you seem impatient or desperate. Respect the timelines provided and allow at least a week between follow-ups.
- Sending a generic, non-personalized message: Always personalize your note by referencing specific details from your interview to show genuine interest.
- Being demanding or seeming desperate in tone: Your language should always be professional and polite. Avoid phrasing that sounds like you are demanding an answer.
- Contacting the interviewer on personal platforms: Stick to professional channels like email. Reaching out via social media is often overstepping boundaries unless invited to do so.
- Forgetting to proofread the message for typos: Errors in spelling or grammar leave a negative impression and suggest a lack of attention to detail.