Following Up After an Interview
How to send a post-interview thank-you note and follow up professionally on a pending decision.
Definition
Following up after an interview means sending a timely, personalised thank-you message to your interviewers and recruiter after completing an interview round, and professionally checking in when an expected decision date has passed. A follow-up email is sent within 24 hours of the interview. A status check-in is appropriate after the timeline the recruiter provided has elapsed. Both are standard professional practice and, when done well, can reinforce a positive impression.
Why It Matters in Interviews
A CareerSidekick survey found that 68% of hiring managers say a thank-you note influences their hiring decision, yet fewer than 25% of candidates send one. At competitive roles where multiple candidates are closely scored, a thoughtful follow-up can be a genuine differentiator. Conversely, failing to follow up when a decision is overdue leaves candidates uninformed and removes their ability to manage competing offers.
How to Use It
Within 24 hours of an interview: send a brief, personalised thank-you email (3–5 sentences) to each interviewer via your recruiter. Reference one specific topic from the conversation to show genuine engagement. If a decision date passes: wait one additional business day, then send a polite check-in to your recruiter referencing the original timeline.
Example
"Hi Sarah, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. I particularly enjoyed our discussion about the team's approach to [specific topic] — it reinforced my excitement about the opportunity. I look forward to hearing about next steps. Best, [Name]"
Quick Tips
- Keep thank-you notes brief — 3–5 sentences is ideal. Longer risks looking desperate.
- Personalise each note with one specific detail from the conversation.
- Send notes to all interviewers, not just the hiring manager.
- Don't follow up more than once per week — multiple messages signals anxiety, not enthusiasm.
FAQ
Should I send a thank-you note even if the interview went badly?
Yes. It's professional etiquette regardless of how you think it went. Interviewers sometimes score candidates higher than the candidate expects, and a thoughtful note can only help.
How long should I wait before following up on a decision?
Wait until the timeline the recruiter gave you has passed, then allow one extra business day. If no timeline was given, one week is a reasonable default.