The steps you take after an interview can influence the final hiring decision. A thoughtful follow-up allows you to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and make a lasting, positive impression on the hiring manager. This action can differentiate you from other candidates, demonstrating professionalism and a genuine desire to join the team. It also keeps you on the hiring manager’s radar as they move through their decision-making process.
Sending the Post-Interview Thank You Email
The most immediate follow-up action is sending a thank-you email. This message should be sent promptly, within 24 hours of your interview. This timeframe shows that you are organized, courteous, and highly interested in the position. Delaying beyond this window may give the impression of diminished interest or poor follow-through.
Start with a clear and professional subject line, such as “Thank you – [Job Title] Interview.” In the body of the email, thank the interviewer for their time. Effective thank-you notes go beyond generic appreciation by referencing a specific, positive point from your conversation. Mentioning a project, a company value, or a particular aspect of the role that you found compelling shows you were actively engaged.
Reaffirm your excitement about the opportunity and briefly connect your skills to the company’s needs you discussed. If you interviewed with multiple people, send a separate, personalized email to each one. While the core message can remain the same, alter the specific conversation point you reference in each note. This effort demonstrates attention to detail and personalizes your communication.
For example, a template could be structured as follows:
Subject: Thank you for the [Job Title] opportunity
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position. I truly enjoyed our conversation and learning more about the team and the innovative projects at [Company Name].
I was particularly interested in our discussion about [mention a specific, unique detail from the conversation]. My experience in [mention a relevant skill] aligns well with that, and I am confident I could contribute to your team’s goals. My enthusiasm for this role has only increased after our meeting.
I am very excited about the possibility of joining your team. Please let me know if there is any additional information I can provide.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Checking In After the Decision Timeline
Hiring managers often provide a timeline for when you can expect to hear back. If that date passes without any communication, it is appropriate to send a follow-up email. It is best to wait a business day or two after the specified deadline before reaching out. This shows patience and respect for potential internal delays.
This follow-up message should be brief, professional, and to the point. The aim is to gently remind the hiring manager of your application without appearing demanding or impatient. You are not re-stating your qualifications but simply asking for an update. Maintain a positive and understanding tone, acknowledging that their timelines may have shifted.
A simple structure works best: start by referencing the position you interviewed for and the date of the interview. Politely state that you are checking in for an update on the timeline and reiterate your continued interest in the role. A short, professional closing is all that is needed.
For instance, a check-in email could look like this:
Subject: Following up on the [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you are having a productive week. I am writing to follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position on [Date of Interview].
I am very interested in this opportunity and was hoping you might have an update on the hiring timeline.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Best Practices for Post-Interview Communication
Throughout all your interactions, maintain a professional and respectful tone. This includes carefully proofreading every message before you hit send. Typos or grammatical errors can detract from the professional image you have worked to build.
Conciseness is another element of effective follow-up. Hiring managers are busy, and a long, rambling email is less likely to be read carefully. Get straight to the point while remaining polite.
Differentiate between professional persistence and bothersome pestering. Sending a thank-you email and one check-in email after a deadline has passed is acceptable. Sending more than two follow-ups without any response can be perceived as annoying and may harm your candidacy. Respect the employer’s process and avoid excessive communication.
Stick to email for your follow-up unless instructed to do otherwise. Calling a hiring manager can be intrusive, and reaching out through personal social media channels is unprofessional. Email provides a formal record and allows the recipient to respond at their convenience.
Using LinkedIn to Follow Up
LinkedIn can be a tool for a “soft” follow-up, serving as a supplementary action to your primary email communication. This is not a substitute for a thank-you note or a direct inquiry but rather a professional networking gesture. The best time to do this is within a day or two of the interview.
When you send a connection request to an interviewer on LinkedIn, it is necessary to include a personalized note. A blank request can be easily ignored or forgotten. Your note should be brief and contextualize the request. Simply reference the interview, mention the position you discussed, and thank them again for their time.
This action is a long-term networking strategy that serves a broader purpose beyond the immediate job application. By connecting on LinkedIn, you remain on the hiring manager’s professional radar regardless of the outcome of this specific role. It keeps the door open for future opportunities and helps you build a professional network within companies that interest you.