Job seekers need every advantage they can get when conducting a job search.
That’s why, after completing an interview, it’s important to stay engaged in the process to remain fresh and relevant in the minds of those with whom you interviewed.
The best way to do that?
By following up with an email message thanking the people who conducted the interview.
It’s a simple step to take, and it can separate you from equally qualified candidates who don’t bother to follow up after a job interview.
I can personally attest to the impact a properly timed follow-up can make in the job search. I was once a finalist for a job as the editor of an employment newspaper. After my second interview I sent a follow-up email expressing my interest in the role the same night of the interview. This was on a Friday. The next Monday, the hiring manager called and offered me the job.
After I was hired my boss told me the final hiring decision came down to this tiebreaker: I sent a follow-up thank you message, and the other candidate didn’t. I got the job—and I ended up managing the other candidate as a freelance contributor.
The team at specialized staffing agency Robert Half elaborated on this topic, stating, “It’s surprising how many job candidates don’t bother to send a post-interview thank-you note, because it really does make a positive impression on employers and may even speed up the hiring process. It’s a simple step to take, and it can separate you from equally qualified candidates who don’t send a thank-you email after a job interview.”
Why You Should Always Follow Up After an Interview
A follow-up email after an interview serves multiple purposes, says the team at The TemPositions Group of Companies, a staffing firm offering temporary, contract temp-to-hire, and direct hire services. This topic was highlighted in a recent blog post which points out that the follow-up email serves the following purposes:
- The post-interview follow-up email provides an additional opportunity to thank the interviewer for their time. In turn, this reflects your good manners and understanding of professional etiquette.
- It lets you express your continued interest in the role and the company.
- It provides a chance to re-emphasize your qualifications and how they align with the job’s requirements.
How Long After an Interview Should You Follow Up?
So, how long after an interview should you wait to follow up? Most experts we contacted recommend following up within 24 to 48 hours. Kayla Norflus, a Senior Recruitment Marketing Specialist at The TemPositions Group of Companies, recommends following up within 24 hours.
“This shows you’re interested without being pushy,” says Norflus. “It’s just the right amount of time to remind them who you are and that you’re keen on the job.”
Craig Guarraci, founder of Tech PM Career Path, LLC, a career coaching company, says a simple “thank you” message should be sent no later than one to two days after the interview. Guarraci provides career coaching that includes helping people prepare for interviews, follow up afterward, and take subsequent steps to land a job.
“This timeframe is important since hiring decisions are usually made the same week as the interview,” says Guarraci. “Following up the same day or evening as the interview is appreciated and shows that the candidate is diligent and appreciative.”
How to Make Your Follow-Up Stand Out
Email is typically the most efficient and effective way to go. In the follow-up, revisit a part of the conversation that stood out. For example, how you are a good fit for the job or company. Or mention a unique connection you had with the interviewer, so they remember you and that conversation.
“It shows you were engaged and are already thinking about how you fit into the team,” says Norflus.
Sample Follow-Up Email Template
Are you wondering just how to write a follow-up thank you after a job interview? Use this guide from The TemPositions Group.
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday regarding the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed], and I’m excited about the prospect of bringing my [specific skills or experiences] to [Company Name].
I am particularly enthusiastic about [aspect of the job or project mentioned in the interview], and I am confident that my background in [specific relevant experience] will be beneficial to your team.
I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] and appreciate the opportunity to further discuss how I can add value to your team.
Thank you again for considering my application. I am eager to hear from you regarding the next steps in the hiring process.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Email vs. Handwritten Thank You Note
Use technology to your advantage. The best method is to email the person who interviewed you at their company email address. Sending a message via LinkedIn can also be effective. However, not everyone checks LinkedIn regularly, and some may never see the message.
Mailing a handwritten thank you can be an old-school way of following up. However, it would have to be completed and mailed the same day of the interview. And then you have to trust that it gets to the person. With so many people working remotely, they may never be in an office to get the handwritten thank you.
If the employer is sending you direct messages via text. Or if text is the method of contact with the person with whom you interviewed, it’s also okay to send a follow-up thank you note via text.
Also, if possible, avoid immediate follow-up phone calls. Recruiters and hiring managers are busy people who are still in the decision-making process, and calling them would be more of an annoyance than a benefit.
What If I Miss the 24–48-Hour Follow-Up Window?
It’s better to send a late follow-up than none at all.
“If you’ve missed your window, just send a thoughtful note. Show that you’re still interested and why,” says Norflus. “Sometimes, taking that step, even if late, can work in your favor.”
Guarraci agrees.
“Don’t offer excuses why you didn’t follow up sooner, just keep the follow-up professional, mention one thing that you appreciate about the company or the position, and mention that you are looking forward to their decision,” he said.
What to Avoid When Following Up After an Interview
Don’t be too pushy. Reaching out too many times or too aggressively can backfire.
“Respect the process and the people involved,” says Norflus. “Your follow-up should remind them of your conversation, not just push for an answer.”
Does Following Up After a Job Interview Really Make a Difference?
Yes, it does.
“Not following up could hurt the candidate’s chances of landing that job because the candidate could be perceived as unappreciative or sloppy,” says Guarraci.
Ultimately, the company will select the candidate who is the right fit for the job. But expressing interest and being diligent by following up after a job interview in a timely manner is another way to get in front of decision makers and highlight why you’re the right fit for the job.
“It can really give you an edge in a close race,” says Norflus.
4 Bonus Tips
- Purpose of a thank you message: Remember, the objective of the follow-up message is to express appreciation and reinforce your interest in the role. It may not always guarantee a response, but it showcases your professionalism and commitment.
- The process takes time: In large corporations, such as Fortune 500 organizations, the hiring process can move slowly. Be patient. Just because you don’t hear back immediately, or at all, after sending a follow-up thank you, doesn’t mean you are no longer being considered. Remember these companies are interviewing multiple candidates, and/or have other pieces to consider—key decision makers may be out on vacation, they could be facing important project deadlines, or higher-ups need to sign off before an offer can be made. Be patient, if you’re the right person and the one they want to hire, they will reach out to you.
- Proofread your follow-up messages: If you choose to write a follow-up, read it out loud, and spell check. Make sure it maintains the same professionalism that impressed the interviewer. A message riddled with grammatical errors and poor spelling could ruin your chances of getting the position, even if you were initially being considered.
- Ask how to manage expectations: At the end of the interview, ask what the next steps are and when you can expect to hear more. This can help you manage expectations and relieve stress worrying about what is next.
Conclusion
Remember, the objective of the post-interview follow-up message is to express appreciation and reinforce your interest in the role. It may not always guarantee a response or that you get the job, but it showcases your professionalism and commitment.
Following these tips will help you nail your interview follow-up timing in 2025 and beyond.
