Waiting To Follow Up After A Job Interview? What To Do + How Long To Wait

Following up after a job interview can be a daunting task. In 2026, it’s generally advisable to wait between five to ten business days to inquire about your interview status. This timeline reflects the evolving hiring practices and the increased emphasis on candidate experience in today’s job market.

This article will outline the optimal timing for follow-ups, provide effective follow-up strategies, and discuss potential reasons for lack of communication from your interviewer. Our goal is to equip you with the tools to navigate this crucial phase of the job application process with confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Wait between five and ten business days before following up after a job interview.

• Always inquire about the timeline for feedback at the end of the interview.

• In your follow-up thank-you email, express your enthusiasm for the role and anticipation of a response.

• Delays from companies may stem from unforeseen circumstances or a meticulous hiring process.

How Long Should You Wait After an Interview to Follow Up?

It is recommended to follow up five to ten business days after your interview. For example, if your interview is on a Wednesday, aim to follow up the following Wednesday at the earliest.

Your position in the interview process can also influence your follow-up timing. Consider the following:

• If you’re in the initial round of interviews, it’s acceptable to check in sooner than if you’re in later stages.

• As you advance past initial screenings, allow the employer more time to respond before reaching out.

At the end of your interview, ask the hiring manager or recruiter when you can expect to hear back. Respect their timeline and add a few extra days to avoid appearing impatient.

Over-communicating can annoy potential employers. They understand candidates are eager but ultimately control the hiring timeline.

Sample Ways to Follow Up After an Interview

Email remains the most common follow-up method, although calling is also an option. Regardless of your approach, ensure you include the following elements:

• The interviewer’s name

• Your name and the reason for your follow-up

• The position you interviewed for and the date

• A direct inquiry about the status of your application

• A reiteration of your interest in the position, concluding with a thank you

Here are suggested follow-up methods along with tailored message examples:

1. Phone Call. Prepare a script before making your call. Be clear about your goals for the conversation, whether you speak with the interviewer or leave a voicemail. Maintain a positive and enthusiastic tone.

   “Hello, this is Colton Flint calling to follow up on my interview with [interviewer’s name] on [date] for the [job title] position. I am very interested in the role and would love to contribute to your team at [company name]. Is there any additional information you need from me, or can I assist in any way with the process? Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.”

2. Voicemail. If you reach voicemail, provide your name, the position applied for, and your phone number. A pre-prepared script can help keep your message concise.

   “Hello, this is [your name] calling to follow up on my interview with [interviewer’s name] on [date] for the [job title] position. I remain very interested in the opportunity at [company name]. Please let me know if there’s anything else your team needs or if there’s a good time for us to connect. You can reach me at [your phone number]. Thank you.”

3. Email. A strong subject line can enhance your email’s visibility. If you’ve been in touch previously, reply to that thread. If not, a subject like “Follow-up: [your name] Interview on [date]” works well.

   Dear [full name],

   I am writing to check in on any updates regarding my application for the [job title] position I interviewed for on [date]. I enjoyed our conversation and remain excited about the possibility of joining your team. I look forward to any updates you can share.

   Thank you,
   [your name]

4. Email Response if Employer has No Updates. If you receive a reply indicating there are no updates, respond courteously to keep communication open.

   Hello [full name],

   Thank you for the update. When would be a good time for me to check back in for status updates? I understand that hiring decisions take time, and I appreciate your consideration.

   Thank you again,
   [your name]

5. Email Follow-up if Employer Doesn’t Respond. If you haven’t heard back after another five business days, feel free to send a second follow-up email.

   Hello [full name],

   I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding the status of my application for the [job title] position I interviewed for on [date]. I’m eager to hear about potential next steps, as I remain very interested in the opportunity.

   Thank you!
   [your name]

Why Companies Take Time to Reply

There can be various reasons for delays in communication following an interview. Give the company a bit of leeway; unexpected situations may have arisen that are affecting their hiring timeline. Some potential reasons for delays include:

• Unexpected illness

• Candidate search is paused

• Unforeseen tasks interfering with the hiring process

• Hiring processes taking longer than anticipated

What to Do If You Don’t Hear Back From the Interviewer

If it’s been weeks without a response, it’s time to consider alternative actions. Remember, persistence doesn’t always correlate with success. If they indicate they need time, respect that. Flooding them with queries may create a negative impression.

Simultaneously, don’t limit your job search to one application. Continue applying for other positions. The interview itself does not guarantee a job offer; actively seeking other opportunities increases your chances of landing offers.

Questions to Ask at the End of the Interview

Asking the right questions at the conclusion of your interview can provide clarity on the next steps. Consider these inquiries:

• When should I expect to hear back from you after the interview?

• If I don’t hear back by that date, who is the best contact for follow-up?

• Who can I reach out to with any questions about the position?

• Do you have business cards I can take with me?

Inquiring about these topics grants you valuable information regarding the timeline and contact points for follow-ups.

Be sure to send a thank-you email the day following your interview, addressing it to the interviewers based on the business cards collected.

How Long Should You Wait After a Job Interview to Follow Up? FAQ

1. How long after a job interview should you hear back?

   You should expect to hear back within one to two weeks after a job interview. Many candidates report hearing from employers within this timeframe, often due to the hiring manager managing multiple interviews and processes within HR.

2. Is three days too soon to follow up after an interview?

   Yes, three days is generally considered too soon to reach out. It’s best to wait five to ten business days, especially if you consider which round of interviews you participated in.

3. Should I follow up two weeks after an interview?

   Yes, following up two weeks after an interview is appropriate. If you haven’t received any communication, sending a follow-up email can be beneficial in reminding the employer of your candidacy.

4. Is it common not to hear back after an interview?

   Yes, it is common for candidates not to receive feedback post-interview. Many applicants, approximately 60%, never hear back from employers, highlighting the importance of following up to stay on the employer’s radar.

5. Is it acceptable to follow up after a job interview?

   Absolutely, following up is not only acceptable but often expected. After sending a thank-you email within 24 hours, wait five to ten business days for your next follow-up, expressing your continued interest in the position.

Final Thoughts

Feeling anxious about the lack of communication? You’re not alone.

The job application process can be stressful, but it is also an opportunity to refine your interview skills and demonstrate your value.

While some companies may inform you if you aren’t selected, many do not follow up post-interview. The key is to persist in your job search; with patience and determination, you will increase your chances of receiving multiple job offers.

Although it can be disheartening not to receive feedback after dedicating time and effort to applications, this is a typical part of the job search experience.

Stay positive! It’s common to apply to numerous jobs and attend several interviews before finding the right match. Keep these tips handy, and you’ll be well on your way to securing your dream job.

References

1. U.S. Department Of Labor – Interview Tips

Author

Heidi Cope

Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.