Waiting to hear back after an interview is stressful. A polite, well-timed follow-up email can get you an update without seeming pushy. Here’s when to send one and what to write.
Thank-You Email vs Follow-Up Email
A thank-you email goes out within 24 hours of the interview. A follow-up email is different: you send it later, when you haven’t heard back, to ask about the status of your application.
How Long to Wait
- If they gave you a date: wait until that date has passed, then give it one or two more working days.
- If they didn’t give a date: wait about a week to ten working days after the interview.
- After your first follow-up: wait another week before a second, final follow-up.
Always follow up with the person who gave you the timeline, usually the recruiter or hiring manager.
Template: First Follow-Up
Subject: Following up – [Job title] interview
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re well. I’m following up on my interview for the [Job title] role on [date]. I enjoyed our conversation about [topic] and remain very interested in the position.
Could you share any update on the timeline for next steps? I’m happy to provide anything else you need.
Thank you,
[Your name]
Template: Second and Final Follow-Up
Subject: Checking in – [Job title]
Hi [Name],
I wanted to check in once more about the [Job title] role. I understand hiring decisions can take time, and I’m still very interested in joining the team.
If there’s any update you can share, I’d appreciate it. Thank you again for considering me.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Template: If You Have Another Offer
If you receive another offer but prefer this role, it’s reasonable to let them know, politely and honestly.
Hi [Name],
I wanted to let you know I’ve received an offer from another company and need to respond by [date]. [Company] is my first choice, so I wanted to ask whether there’s any update on my application before then.
Thank you for understanding,
[Your name]
Template: After a Rejection
A gracious reply keeps the door open for future roles and can sometimes get you useful feedback.
Hi [Name],
Thank you for letting me know. I’m disappointed, but I appreciated learning about the team and the role. If you have a moment, I’d welcome any feedback that could help me in future interviews. I’d also be glad to be considered for future openings.
Best wishes,
[Your name]
Tips for a Good Follow-Up
- Keep it short: three or four sentences is enough.
- Reply in the same email thread if you have one, so they have context.
- Stay positive, even if you’re frustrated by the wait.
- Stop after two follow-ups. If there’s still no reply, put your energy into other applications.
Get Help in the Interview Itself
Preparation gets you most of the way. For the interview itself, ApplyQuick Interview Copilot listens to each question and suggests a structured answer based on your resume and the job description, on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet or a phone call. You can also rehearse first with an AI mock interview. Every plan starts with a 7-day free trial.
