How to Follow Up After an Interview: Email Templates and Timing
Master the art of post-interview follow-up. Learn when to send thank-you emails, how to check on your application status, and what to write for maximum impact.
The follow-up after an interview is a critical but often overlooked step in the hiring process. A well-timed, thoughtful follow-up can reinforce your candidacy and keep you top of mind with the hiring team, while a poorly executed one can actually hurt your chances.
Send a thank-you email within twenty-four hours of your interview. Address each interviewer individually if you met with multiple people. Reference specific topics you discussed to show you were engaged and attentive. Keep the email concise, professional, and genuine rather than overly formal or generic.
In your thank-you note, briefly reiterate why you are excited about the role and how your skills align with the team's needs. If there was a question you could have answered better during the interview, this is an appropriate place to provide additional context or a more complete response.
If you have not heard back by the timeline the interviewer mentioned, send a polite follow-up email. Express your continued interest in the role and ask if there are any updates on the hiring process. Avoid being pushy or sending multiple follow-ups in quick succession, as this can come across as desperate.
While waiting for a response, continue your job search and interview preparation. Putting all your hopes on one opportunity creates unnecessary stress. Keep practicing with HireFlow and applying to other positions so you maintain momentum regardless of the outcome of any single interview.