Follow Up After Interview Email: Templates and Best Practices

Following up after an interview is expected and appreciated—when done correctly. Make sure you've prepared properly with our interview preparation guide. A good follow-up demonstrates continued interest, professionalism, and thoughtfulness. A poor follow-up (or none at all) can hurt your candidacy.

The balance is between staying present and becoming annoying. Employers want candidates who are interested and professional, not those who pester incessantly. Understanding when and how to follow up helps you maintain visibility without crossing lines.

This guide covers all aspects of post-interview follow-up. You'll learn what to send, when to send it, and how to strike the right balance between persistence and patience.

The Thank-You Email: Non-Negotiable

Sending a thank-you email after interviews is standard professional practice.

Timing matters. Send within 24 hours of your interview, ideally the same day while conversation is fresh.

Send to everyone you met. Each interviewer should receive a thank-you. Personalize each email—don't send identical copies.

Keep it brief. Thank-you emails shouldn't be long. A few sentences expressing appreciation, referencing something specific, and reiterating interest.

Reference conversation specifics. Mention something particular from your discussion. This shows you were engaged and helps interviewers remember you. For common questions to reference, see our interview questions guide.

• Send within 24 hours
• Email each interviewer
• Personalize each message
• Keep it brief
• Reference specific conversation points
• Reiterate interest
• Proofread carefully
• Professional tone throughout
• Don't attach resume again
• Thank them for their time

For more guidance, see interview preparation guide. Related: interview questions guide.

Thank-You Email Template

Subject: Thank You - [Position] Interview

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today regarding the [Position] role. I enjoyed our conversation, particularly discussing [specific topic from interview].

Our discussion reinforced my excitement about the opportunity. [Brief sentence connecting your skills to something discussed]

I look forward to hearing about next steps. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information.

Thank you again, [Your Name] [Phone] [Email]

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Customization notes: - Replace bracketed items with specifics - Reference actual conversation content - Keep to 3-4 short paragraphs maximum - Proofread names and titles carefully

When No Response: The Status Check

If you haven't heard back within the timeframe they indicated (or a week past if none was given), a gentle follow-up is appropriate.

Wait appropriately. Give them time to complete their process. Following up too soon seems desperate.

Keep it simple. You're checking in, not demanding answers. One or two sentences suffice.

Express continued interest. Remind them you remain enthusiastic about the opportunity.

Accept that you might not hear back. Some companies don't respond to unsuccessful candidates. One follow-up is appropriate; multiple follow-ups become harassment.

• Wait until past their stated timeline
• One week past is reasonable if no timeline given
• Brief, simple check-in
• Express continued interest
• One follow-up is sufficient
• Accept possible silence
• Don't take silence personally
• Move on emotionally while waiting
• Keep searching while following up
• Their silence isn't always about you

Status Check Email Template

Subject: Following Up - [Position] Interview

Dear [Name],

I wanted to follow up regarding the [Position] role. I interviewed on [date] and remain very interested in the opportunity.

I understand hiring processes take time, but I wanted to check if there are any updates or if you need any additional information from me.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards, [Your Name]

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Key elements: - Reference the interview date - Express continued interest - Offer to provide more information - Keep very brief - Professional, not demanding

What NOT to Do in Follow-Ups

Certain behaviors hurt rather than help.

Don't follow up repeatedly. One thank-you, one status check. If they don't respond to either, continuing to email crosses into harassment.

Don't call unless they prefer it. Most business communication is email now. Calling can feel intrusive. Exception: if they specifically said to call.

Don't express frustration. Even if the silence is frustrating, never let negative emotions into your follow-up. It immediately disqualifies you.

Don't assume rejection is personal. Companies ghost for many reasons: internal changes, budget issues, role put on hold. It's often not about you.

Don't burn bridges. Even if you're upset, respond professionally if they eventually reach out. Industries are small.

• Don't send multiple follow-ups
• Don't call unless invited
• Don't express frustration
• Don't take it personally
• Don't burn bridges
• Don't send lengthy emails
• Don't ask why you were rejected
• Don't be passive-aggressive
• Don't contact multiple people
• Don't follow up daily or weekly

Following Up After Rejection

Receiving a rejection opens opportunity for professional relationship building.

Thank them for considering you. A gracious response to rejection leaves positive impression for future opportunities.

Ask for feedback (maybe). Some appreciate specific, professional requests for feedback. Keep it simple: "Any feedback would be helpful for my development." Many won't respond; some will.

Express interest in future opportunities. If you genuinely liked the company, say so. "Please keep me in mind for future opportunities" plants a seed.

Keep it brief. Rejection responses should be short. Long responses seem desperate.

• Thank them graciously
• Optionally ask for brief feedback
• Express future interest if genuine
• Keep it very brief
• Stay professional
• Don't argue the decision
• Don't ask for reconsideration
• Move on emotionally
• They may come back later
• Your gracious response is remembered

Rejection Response Template

Subject: Re: [Position] Decision

Dear [Name],

Thank you for letting me know. While I'm disappointed, I appreciate you taking the time to inform me.

I enjoyed meeting the team and learning about [Company]. If any feedback on my candidacy would be appropriate to share, I'd welcome it for my professional development.

Please keep me in mind for future opportunities. I have great respect for what [Company] is building.

Best regards, [Your Name]

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Key elements: - Gracious acceptance - Appreciation for notification - Brief optional feedback request - Future interest if genuine - Positive closing

For more guidance, see LinkedIn profile is optimized. Related: negotiation guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a thank-you email really necessary? Not technically required, but strongly expected. Not sending one can hurt. Sending a good one helps.

Should I send thank-you via email or handwritten? Email is standard and faster. Handwritten can differentiate but risks arriving too late. Email is the safer choice.

What if I don't have interviewer email addresses? Email your main contact (HR, recruiter) asking to forward thanks, or connect on LinkedIn with a thank-you message.

How long should I wait to follow up on status? Until after their stated timeline, or about a week if no timeline given. Don't follow up after 2-3 days.

Is one follow-up really the limit? For status checks, yes. Repeated follow-ups become annoying. Send one, then wait.

What if I forgot to send a thank-you? Send it late rather than not at all. Better late than absent.

Should I connect with interviewers on LinkedIn? Generally appropriate after meeting. Send a personalized connection note referencing your interview. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized first.

How do I follow up without seeming desperate? Keep messages brief, professional, and infrequent. Confidence in your message, patience in your timing.

What if they said they'd contact me and didn't? One follow-up is appropriate. Sometimes processes slow down. One check-in is professional; more becomes pushing.

Should I follow up differently for different interview stages? Thank-you emails for all stages. Status follow-up appropriate after any stage if you don't hear back.

What time should I send follow-up emails? Business hours, early morning for visibility. Avoid evenings and weekends. For salary discussions, see our negotiation guide.

Can following up too much cost me the job? Yes. Excessive follow-up is a red flag. It suggests poor judgment about professional norms.