Doing well in an interview is important, but following up after the interview is what puts the icing on the cake. Following up after an interview falls into the category of unwritten social rules: although very few interviewers would ever explicitly tell you to do it, it’s often expected all the same. Plus, following up shows you are engaged with the company and can make you stand out among the other candidates. In this guide, we will share tips on how to follow up after an interview and templates that will win over the recruiter and hiring managers. 

1. Follow up with a thank-you note:

Do NOT neglect this step! Create an event in your calendar or set an alarm if you have to. You should be sending your thank-you email within 24 hours after your interview. Sending one shows your interviewers that you are appreciative, gracious, and thoughtful. These are all great qualities to have in a potential employee. Be sure to customize your thank you with the following elements: 

• Gratitude for your interviewer’s time 
• Appreciation for gaining more information and insight into the position and company [Customize this to your interview and include something specific from your conversation!]
• Enthusiasm for the role [This is your chance to set yourself apart as a candidate by succinctly sharing relevant details about why you’re qualified for the role. This is your chance to also include any relevant information that you may have forgot to mention in your interview]

Here is an example of a template you can customize for your next thank you note:

Dear [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me [today/yesterday]. I really enjoyed getting to hear about [interesting thing you learned from this person], and was especially impressed by [quality or trait of the company or team that made you even more eager to work there]. Our conversation reinforced my excitement to join [company] and help you all [achievement you would support in this role]. I look forward to hopefully working together in the future.

Best,

[Your Name]

2. Checking In

After you follow up with the initial thank you, it can feel like a tedious waiting game. Don’t get discouraged! Hiring managers and recruiters are busy people. At any given moment, a recruiter may be coordinating interviews for dozens of other roles. We recommend following up a second time in either of these situations: 

• It’s been 2+ days since they said they would contact you
• You haven’t heard from them in over a week

Don’t panic! This doesn’t necessarily mean that you didn’t get the job. Follow up in a way that’s gracious and professional, without being overbearing. Try customizing this interview follow-up email template:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s name]

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up about my application for the [job title] role at [company]. I really enjoyed meeting you and the rest of the team last week, and I’m very interested in the opportunity. If there is any additional information I can provide during your hiring timeline, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you,

[Your name]

Some additional tips to keep in mind when you are sending a check-in email

• Don’t jump to conclusions that you didn’t get the job. Sometimes the hiring process can take longer than expected, especially if hiring managers and recruiters are tasked with coordinating multiple job postings and even more candidates
• Wait for the established timeframe and deadlines to pass. If you ended your job interview by asking about the next steps of the hiring process and when you should expect to hear back, then stick to that timeline. If that date has passed, then feel free to send a follow-up note by email to the hiring manager.

3. Staying In Touch

Even if you didn’t get the job, there is still an opportunity to stay in touch and build a relationship with the company and have them in your professional network. If appropriate, follow the company on LinkedIn and add the hiring managers and/or recruiters on LinkedIn. 

Need help with interview prep from the pros? Our plans come with career coaching and professional development events like interactive networking workshops.

Want loads more tips on how to ace your interviews, along with other great resources to help you find the perfect career? Download our PathMatch app today!