Waiting for news after a job interview is common, but professional follow-up is a standard part of the hiring process. Reaching out for an update demonstrates continued interest and initiative, which recruiters generally view positively. Understanding when and how to send this inquiry transforms a passive wait into a proactive engagement.
Setting Expectations: When to Send the First Follow-Up
The timing of your first update request depends entirely on the information you were given during the interview process. If the recruiter or hiring manager provided a specific decision timeline, wait until that stated deadline has passed. Applying a buffer of one to two business days after the specified date is advisable before sending your message. If a specific timeline was never mentioned, the generally accepted professional waiting period is seven to ten business days following the interview. This duration provides sufficient time for the internal team to debrief, conduct other interviews, and process initial feedback. Remember that the initial thank-you note, sent within 24 hours, is a separate communication and does not count as the first status update request.
Choosing the Best Communication Channel
Selecting the appropriate medium for an update request typically defaults to the method of communication used throughout the process. Email is strongly recommended as the most professional and effective channel for this type of follow-up. It provides the recruiter the flexibility to respond when their schedule permits and creates a traceable record of your communication. A phone call is generally reserved for specific circumstances, such as when the entirety of your prior contact has been exclusively via telephone. If the delay has become excessive, and a previous email went unanswered, a brief, polite phone call may be considered. However, a concise email remains the preferred method.
Writing the Update Request: Tone and Structure
The content of your update request requires a delicate balance of professionalism, politeness, and enthusiasm without sounding demanding. The tone should be brief and respectful of the recruiter’s time, focusing on receiving information rather than applying pressure.
Begin by clearly identifying yourself and the specific position for which you interviewed, as recruiters manage many candidates simultaneously. Reference the date of your interview to provide immediate context for your inquiry. For example, you might write, “I am following up on my interview for the Marketing Manager role that took place on Tuesday, November 5th.” This structure allows the recruiter to quickly locate your file and understand the status of your candidacy.
Following the reminder, include a brief, sincere statement reaffirming your continued strong interest in the opportunity and the company. This reinforces your engagement and enthusiasm, which are attractive qualities in a candidate. Keep this statement concise, perhaps mentioning one specific aspect of the role or team that excites you.
The actual inquiry about the status must be phrased as a polite request for information regarding the updated timeline. Instead of asking, “Have you made a decision yet?” try phrasing it as, “I was hoping you could provide a quick update on the hiring timeline,” or “Could you share the expected next steps in the process?” This demonstrates understanding that the process involves multiple steps and stakeholders. The entire message should be contained within a few short paragraphs, ending with a thank you for their time and consideration.
What to Do If You Receive No Response
If your first update request goes unanswered after an additional five to seven business days, you may send one final follow-up. This second message should maintain the same professional, non-demanding tone as the first. The purpose of this final email is to politely confirm the status of the search, allowing you to move forward gracefully. You might briefly state that you understand the search may have concluded or that the role’s status has changed. This approach provides the recruiter a final opportunity to respond. If silence continues after this last attempt, assume the search has moved on and focus your energy on other opportunities, maintaining professionalism for potential future openings.