How to Follow-Up After Your Interview: The Do’s and Don’ts

You’ve nailed the interview—AMAZING! But now comes the waiting game, and it can be nerve-wracking. You might be wondering, “Should I follow up? When? How?” These are crucial questions because how you handle the post-interview follow-up can sometimes be as important as the interview itself. Here’s your guide to navigating this tricky territory like a pro.

The Right Way to Send a Thank-You Email

Key Elements of a Perfect Thank-You Email

First things first, always send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. This is not just about being polite; it’s about reaffirming your interest in the role and the company. In your email, be sure to:

• Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview.

• Mention something specific you discussed during the interview to personalize your message.

• Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position.

• Keep it short and sweet—no more than a few paragraphs.

Pro Tip: If you interviewed with multiple people, send a personalized thank-you email to each one. Make sure to tweak each message so it doesn’t feel like a generic copy-paste job. If you want a crash course in thank you notes check out my article The Art of Gratitude: Crafting the Perfect Thank You Note After an Interview.

Old-School Alternatives: Are They Still Relevant?

If you interviewed in person, as an ADDED touch you could send a thank you note to the address where you interviewed. Still send the email though, as timing is everything - and snail mail is called that for a reason! Who knows when it might arrive.

When and How to Follow Up on the Decision

The Waiting Game: Timing Is Everything

The waiting game can be tough, but patience is key. During the interview, it’s a good idea to ask about the hiring timeline so you have an idea of when to expect a decision. If they said they’d make a decision within two weeks, wait until that period has passed before following up.

Crafting a Polite Follow-Up Email

If you haven’t heard back within a week after the timeline they gave you, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email to the person who coordinated the interview—usually the recruiter or hiring manager. This person is most likely to have the information you need.

Here’s how to craft your follow-up email:

• Subject Line: Keep it simple and clear, e.g., “Following Up on [Job Title] Interview.”

• Opening: Reintroduce yourself and mention the interview date and position.

• Body: Politely inquire about the status of the decision, express your continued interest, and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.

• Closing: Thank them for their time and consideration, and sign off professionally.

Avoiding Common Follow-Up Mistakes

Balancing Enthusiasm and Professionalism

Following up is important, but there’s a fine line between showing enthusiasm and coming off as pushy. Sending too many emails or calling repeatedly can hurt your chances. Stick to one follow-up email after the initial thank-you note, unless they provided a different timeline or you were encouraged to check back.

Every company has its own hiring process, and sometimes it takes longer than expected. Respect the process, and don’t pressure them for a quick decision. I know that 'ghosting' is a very real occurrence, however, I've found that when we operate under the impression that everyone is truly doing their very best - that kindness is returned 10-fold.

When Silence Is the Answer

If you don’t hear back after your follow-up email, it might be time to move on. It’s frustrating, but sometimes silence is an answer. We cannot know why someone is not getting back to us in a timely manner or at all. The scenarios are endless - so moving on, as heartbreaking as it can be, can be your best bet, at times. Continue your job search and keep applying elsewhere—don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

How to Handle Rejections Gracefully

Turning Rejection into Opportunity

If you had a great rapport with your interviewer, you might consider sending a LinkedIn connection request. If you do, include a personalized note thanking them again for the interview. This keeps you on their radar and can be a nice touch if done thoughtfully.

Pro Tip: Only connect if the interaction during the interview was positive and if it feels appropriate. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

Requesting Constructive Feedback

If you receive a rejection, don’t be discouraged. Instead, reply graciously. Thank them for the opportunity, express your disappointment, and ask for feedback if it’s appropriate. This can help you improve for future interviews, and you never know—leaving a positive impression could lead to future opportunities with the company.

THE BIG PICTURE: Stay Positive and Keep Moving Forward

The follow-up process is an essential part of the interview journey. It’s your chance to leave a lasting impression, show your professionalism, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role. But remember, even if things don’t go your way, staying positive and keeping your job search momentum going will ultimately lead you to the right opportunity.

So, take a deep breath, hit send on that thank-you email, and trust that you’ve done everything you can. Now, it’s just a matter of time!

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