Navigating the time after a job interview requires a balance of demonstrating continued interest without appearing impatient. Understanding the unwritten rules of post-interview communication can help manage this uncertainty and reinforce a positive impression with a potential employer. It includes strategic steps to keep the lines of communication open professionally.
The Immediate Post-Interview Thank You
Before a formal follow-up, the first step is to send a thank-you note to express gratitude and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position. The guideline is to send this email within 24 hours of the interview. This quick turnaround shows professionalism and genuine interest. Mentioning a specific point from your conversation can make the message more memorable and reinforces the positive connection you made.
Determining the Follow-Up Timeline
The most important factor in deciding when to follow up is whether the interviewer provided a specific timeline. If the hiring manager stated they would be in touch by the end of the week, it is important to respect that timeframe. Allow at least one full business day to pass after the specified date before initiating contact.
If the interviewer did not offer a timeline for their decision, the general rule is to wait approximately five to seven business days before sending a follow-up email. This period allows the hiring team sufficient time to interview other candidates and debrief internally without feeling pressured. Rushing this process can be perceived as impatience, while waiting too long might be misinterpreted as a lack of interest.
How to Craft Your Follow-Up Message
Your follow-up email should be professional, polite, and concise. Start with a clear and direct subject line, such as “Following up on the [Job Title] position,” to ensure the recipient immediately understands the email’s context. The body of the message should be brief.
Begin by politely referencing the interview and the position for which you were interviewed. Reiterate your strong interest in the role and the company. Then, you can ask if there is an update on their decision-making timeline. A simple template could be: “Dear [Hiring Manager Name], I hope you are having a productive week. I am writing to follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position last [Day of the week]. I truly enjoyed our conversation and remain very interested in the opportunity to join your team. I was hoping you might have an update on the hiring timeline. Best regards, [Your Name].”
What to Avoid When Following Up
It is important to avoid sending multiple follow-ups in a short period. After the initial thank-you note and one well-timed follow-up, further contact can appear overly persistent and may negatively impact your standing. Maintain a patient and professional tone in all communications, avoiding any language that could be interpreted as demanding or entitled.
Resist the temptation to contact multiple people within the organization or to go above the hiring manager’s head. Your primary point of contact is the person who has been managing the interview process. Sending messages outside of standard business hours can also be perceived as unprofessional. Finally, avoid sending generic, low-effort messages like “Any updates?” without providing the context of your interview or reiterating your continued interest.
When to Move On
There comes a point where it is best to shift your focus. If you have sent a thank-you note within 24 hours and a polite follow-up after waiting the appropriate amount of time, and you still have not received a response, it is often wise to move on. While a lack of response can be disheartening, it can be due to many factors beyond your control, such as shifting internal priorities or budget changes.
Continuing to pursue a non-responsive employer can be a drain on your energy and time, which could be better invested in exploring other opportunities. It is common for some companies not to inform every applicant of their final decision. Directing your efforts toward employers who are communicative and engaged in their hiring process is a more productive use of your job-seeking efforts.