How to write a follow-up email after an interview

How to write a follow-up email after an interview that actually gets a response

You had the interview. You sent a thank you note. Now what?

It’s completely normal to feel uncertain after a job interview, especially when you haven’t heard back yet. But don’t confuse silence with rejection. The next step is a smart, professional follow-up email.

Following up doesn’t make you look desperate, it makes you look engaged, proactive, and respectful of the process.

This guide will show you when to follow up, what to say, and how to do it with confidence and clarity.

When to send a follow-up email after an interview

• 📅 1–2 business days after the interview, send a thank you email (if you haven’t already)
• ⏱️ 5–7 business days later send a follow-up if you haven’t received any updates
• ⏳ After a promised decision date passes, follow up with a professional check-in

You want to be proactive, but also patient. Respect that hiring takes time, especially in larger organizations.

What to include in your follow-up email

A strong follow-up email is brief, polite, and reaffirms your interest. Here’s what to include:

1. Greeting, address the interviewer by name
2. Reference the role and the interview date
3. Express continued interest in the opportunity
4. Invite updates or next steps
5. Thank them again for their time

Follow-up email template (after no response)

Subject: Following Up, [Your Name] Interview for [Job Title]

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding our conversation on [interview date] about the [Job Title] position. I really appreciated the chance to learn more about the team and your vision for the role.

I remain very excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name], especially after hearing more about [specific project, team, or value discussed].

If there’s any update or additional information you need from me, I’d be happy to provide it. Looking forward to hearing from you when the time is right.

Thanks again for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn – optional]

How often is too often to follow up?

One thoughtful follow-up is enough. If they mentioned a decision timeline (e.g. “within two weeks”), don’t nudge before that date. If you follow up twice with no reply, it’s okay to let go or to gently check in one last time a few weeks later.

When is it OK to follow up sooner?

• 📌 You received another offer and need to make a decision
• 📌 You remembered something critical you forgot to mention
• 📌 The recruiter invited you to follow up directly

In these cases, it’s totally fine to check in earlier, just be clear and respectful in your tone.

What if they ghost you completely?

Unfortunately, some companies stop responding, even after promising updates. If this happens:

• ⏳ Give it time, delays are often internal, not personal
• 📧 Send one final check-in after a few weeks
• 🔚 If no reply, move on gracefully. Your energy is better spent elsewhere

Final tips for effective follow-up

• 📨 Keep it short: 4–6 sentences max
• ✅ Be specific: mention the role and something you connected on
• 🧠 Proofread: small mistakes can leave a big impression

Follow-up isn’t a formality, it’s a chance to reinforce your value and professionalism at a critical moment in the hiring process.