Why following up matters
A follow-up message does three things:
- Shows appreciation and professionalism
- Helps the interviewer remember you
- Reinforces your interest without sounding desperate
Many candidates skip this step — which means your message can help you stand out immediately.
Step 1: Send a thank-you message within 24 hours
This applies whether the interview was in person or online. Keep the message short — around 3–5 sentences.
Simple thank-you template
“Hi [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed learning more about the role and the team.
I’m even more excited about the opportunity, especially after hearing about [specific detail you learned].
Please let me know if you need anything else from me. Thanks again for your time.”
Replace the bracketed part with one real detail — something you discussed, a project they mentioned, or something interesting about the role.
Step 2: If they said they need time
Sometimes interviewers say something like:
“We’ll get back to you by the end of next week.”
In that case, do not follow up before the deadline (unless you forgot to send your initial thank-you).
When the date arrives, you can check in politely:
“Hi [Name], just checking in as we’re now at the end of the week. I’m still very interested in the position and wanted to see if there were any updates. Thank you again for the opportunity.”
Step 3: If a week passes with no update
If they didn’t give a specific timeline, a gentle follow-up after 5–7 days is appropriate.
Polite “any update?” message
“Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to check in on the [role name] position. I’m still very interested and would love to know if there have been any updates. Thanks again for your time and consideration.”
Short, respectful, and pressure-free.
Step 4: If you receive another offer
This is a great situation — but you need to handle it respectfully.
You can let the other employer know you’re still interested, while being honest about timing:
“Hi [Name], I wanted to share that I’ve received another offer with a deadline. I’m still very interested in this role and wanted to check whether you’re able to share any updates on your end. Thank you either way.”
You’re not forcing them; you’re just communicating clearly.
Step 5: When you decide it’s time to move on
If you’ve followed up politely twice and still haven’t heard back, it often means:
- The role is delayed
- You’re still in the running, but low-priority
- They hired someone and didn’t communicate
In any case — keep applying. You can send one last note:
“Hi [Name], just sending one last check-in. I’d still be happy to be considered for future roles if this one has closed. Thank you for your time throughout the process.”
Professional, clean, and leaves the door open.
Quick recap
- Send a thank-you message within 24 hours.
- Don’t follow up before a stated timeline.
- Check in after 5–7 days if no timeline was given.
- Be polite if you have another offer.
- Move on gracefully if you’ve followed up twice with no response.