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Follow-Up Email After An Interview (Tips and Examples)

By Maddie Lloyd
Jul. 6, 2023
Last Modified and Fact Checked on:

Follow-Up Email After An Interview: Tips and Examples for 2026

Sending a follow-up email after an interview is crucial in today’s competitive job market. Ideally, you should send it within 24 hours to express gratitude for the interviewer’s time and to reaffirm your interest in the position.

This article provides a comprehensive guide on crafting a follow-up email for every stage of the hiring process, including how to handle situations where the interviewer hasn’t reached out to you. We also include customizable sample follow-up emails tailored to various scenarios.

Key Takeaways:

  • Send your follow-up email within 24 hours of your interview.

  • Keep your follow-up email concise, professional, and courteous.

  • Failing to send a follow-up email may lead hiring managers to forget you or perceive a lack of interest in the position.

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How to Write a Follow-Up Email After an Interview

Your first follow-up email should be sent within 24 hours of the interview. Maintain a tone that is professional, courteous, and direct. Avoid unnecessary small talk. Here’s how to structure your follow-up email:

  1. Subject Line: Keep it simple and clear. You may express gratitude or keep it straightforward. Examples include:

    • [Your Name] – Re: Interview on [Date]

    • Thank You, [Interviewer’s Name]

    • Appreciate the Opportunity

    • Great Speaking with You!

  2. Introduction: Use the interviewer’s first name if they indicated comfort with it; otherwise, opt for their last name and title.

  3. Body Paragraph: Be polite yet direct, covering these points:

    • Thank the interviewer for their time.

    • Specify the position and the date/time of the interview.

    • Reiterate your interest in the position and express eagerness for next steps.

    While brevity is essential, you may also include:

    • A request for a status update to help organize your job search.

    • A brief restatement of your qualifications relevant to the role.

    • Any additional, relevant information not discussed during the interview.

    • Important questions you might have overlooked.

  4. Sign Off: Invite the interviewer to reach out with any questions and close with a positive note, such as “I look forward to hearing from you.” Sign off with “Thank you,” followed by your full name and contact information.

Follow-Up Email Examples

  1. Follow-Up Email After an Interview

    Dear [Recruiter or Hiring Manager’s Name],

    Thank you for meeting with me on [Date] regarding the [Job Title] position. After our conversation, I believe this role is an excellent match for my skills and experience.

    I would appreciate any updates you can provide on the next steps in the hiring process. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

    I look forward to hearing from you,
    [Your Name]

  2. Interview Follow-Up Email Template

    Hello [Recruiter or Hiring Manager’s Name],

    Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position on [Date]. I enjoyed our discussion and am very excited about the prospect of joining your team.

    If you need any further information from me, please don’t hesitate to ask. I look forward to discussing this opportunity further.

    Thank you,
    [Your Name]

Tips for Sending a Follow-Up Email

A well-crafted follow-up email can be a powerful tool. Here’s how to ensure yours stands out:

  • Follow Up with Everyone: Send unique emails to each person you interviewed with, referencing specific points from your conversation.
  • Be Concise: Keep your email brief and to the point—no need for extensive detail.
  • Show Enthusiasm: Maintain a positive tone, even if you’re feeling frustrated about the wait.
  • Express Gratitude: Always thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
  • Include Relevant Details: This is a good opportunity to share additional information that supports your candidacy.
  • Proofread: Ensure your email is free from errors and conveys the right tone.
  • Ask About Next Steps: Inquire about the timeline for feedback during the interview to guide your follow-up timing.

Why Are Follow-Up Emails Important?

Follow-up emails demonstrate your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role:

  • They reinforce your interest and help you remain memorable amid numerous candidates.
  • Sends a message of appreciation for the interviewer’s time.
  • Serves as a final chance to emphasize your fit for the position.

How to Send a Follow-Up Email

Here are guidelines for various interview scenarios:

  1. After a Phone Interview: Keep it brief and reiterate your interest based on the specifics discussed.
  2. After a Second Interview: This is your opportunity for a final pitch; reference your fit for the role.
  3. Including Additional Info: Use this email to share info that supports your candidacy.
  4. Checking In on Job Status: If you haven’t heard back, this is a polite nudge for an update.
  5. Staying in Touch: If no update is provided, express your desire to maintain a professional relationship.

FAQs on Follow-Up Emails

  1. Should I Write a Thank You Email After an Interview?
    Yes, a thank-you email is a must. It reflects your professionalism and appreciation.
  2. How Soon Should You Send a Thank You Email?
    Within 24 hours is ideal to keep your candidacy fresh in the interviewer’s mind.
  3. Is Three Days Too Late for a Thank You Email?
    Yes, sending it after three days can appear like an afterthought.
  4. Should You Send a Thank You Email on a Saturday?
    No, it’s best to respect working hours and send it during the week.

Final Thoughts

If you were provided a timeframe for a hiring decision, send a follow-up email if that time has passed without communication. Remember, hiring managers are often busy, and a polite follow-up can help remind them of your candidacy. With a well-crafted follow-up email, you enhance your chances of making a lasting impression and potentially securing the job.

References

  1. Harvard Business Review – How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview

Expert Opinions on Following Up After an Interview

Debbi Musch, Career Coach and Technical Recruiter
“I never hired anyone who didn’t send a thank-you note. This step shows courtesy and leaves a positive impression of your genuine interest in joining the organization.”

Author

Maddie Lloyd

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.

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