How and When to Follow Up After a Job Interview

The job application process can drag out longer than you might hope. Between sifting through a multitude of job posts during the job search, sending resumes and cover letters, going through interviews, and waiting to hear back from potential employers, getting an offer can feel like an eternity away.

The good news is that you don’t have to anxiously wait for a response. In fact, you can improve your odds of getting hired by getting in contact with the hiring manager after your interview. This article outlines a few tips to guide you through a job interview follow-up.

• How long should you wait for a response after an interview?
• When should you follow up after an interview?
• How to follow up after an interview via email
• How to follow up after an interview via phone call
• Tips on following up after an interview
• What if they don’t respond 1-2 weeks after the interview?

How long should you wait for a response after an interview?

Generally speaking, you can expect to get a response within a week of the interview. However, this varies from one company to another and several factors could influence the response time.

• Other candidates are still being interviewed. Your interview may be the first in a long line of job interviews. In this case, you’ll have to wait until all applicants have been interviewed before getting a response.
• Human resources may be waiting for a response from the hiring manager. In most companies, the decision-making regarding recruitment involves several people. The process could drag on for weeks if a key decision-maker has yet to provide a definitive response to HR or the recruiter.
• Other priorities are being addressed. In smaller companies, departments often juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities. Recruitment may be put on the back burner if important deliverables are due.
• The employer is still conducting background checks. Running a background check is common when screening job applicants. A typical check may take up to four days barring unexpected complications.

When should you follow up after an interview?

As a rule of thumb, you should follow up on an application after waiting for five to seven business days. However, there’s no hard and fast rule.

The time frame for following up might vary depending on circumstances specific to each employer. If the hiring manager told you the hiring process could take between 14 and 30 days, you should take their timeline into consideration.

The timeline for following up can also differ depending on whether it’s your first interview with the company or your final one. If it’s the former, it’s reasonable to follow up within a week after an initial interview. If it’s the latter, stick to the timeline provided by the hiring manager or follow up after two weeks if no timeline was specified.

You can use a wide range of methods to follow up after an interview. Phone calls, email, and social media are just some of the options that are available to you. But while research shows that most hiring managers prefer to be contacted via email, don’t assume how the interviewer prefers to be contacted. Instead, ask about the interviewer’s preferred method of communication and be sure to use it when following up.

Just make sure to maintain common courtesy, and don’t be overly pushy when reaching out to the hiring manager. The interviewer should never be put in a situation where they feel hounded or pressured into giving an immediate answer. An overly aggressive follow-up can reduce your chances of getting hired.

How to follow up after an interview via email

Follow-up emails should be concise and to the point. Below are some tips on how to craft a strong follow-up email.

General guidance on how to follow up via email

Before sending a follow-up email, send a brief thank-you note 24 hours after your interview. This is a simple yet effective way to convey your enthusiasm for the position. To make sure that the hiring manager remembers you, include something specific about the interview in your thank-you letter.

The follow-up email you send days later should be more detailed than the thank-you letter. Maintain a professional tone throughout the email and don’t go off-topic. The key is to jog the hiring manager’s memory about your skills and potential, thus increasing your chances of landing your next job.

Successful follow-up emails often share certain elements.

• Subject line. Keep this as short and clear as possible. You want to immediately grab the recruiter or hiring manager’s attention by including your name and specifying that the email is a post-interview follow-up.
• Introduction. Start the email with a formal greeting and reiterate your gratitude for being considered for the position. Depending on your level of familiarity with the hiring manager, use either the interviewer’s name or their job title.
• Main body. Explain that you’re following up after an interview and be specific regarding the position, job title, and date of the interview. Include a detailed personal statement about what makes the position so appealing to you. This could include anything from the company’s charitable causes to your readiness to take the next step in your career.
• Sign-off. Conclude the email with a complimentary closing and your name.

If you don’t have the hiring manager’s email, look for it on the company webpage. If you can’t find it, consider following up with a phone call.

Sample follow-up emails after an interview

If you’re unsure what constitutes an effective follow-up email, here are some examples to use for inspiration:

First follow-up email after a job interview

Subject line: [Your name] — [Job role] Interview Follow-Up

Dear [Name] / Hiring Manager,

I hope your week is going well! It was great talking to you about the position of [Position name] this past Monday, and thank you once again for considering my application.

I thought I’d check in to see if there is any update regarding the recruitment process. I believe my skills and years of experience make me a perfect fit for the position. [If possible, add a brief statement about what excites you about this company or position]. Please let me know if you need any additional information that would aid you in making a hiring decision.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

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Second follow-up email if you don’t get a response

Subject line: [Your name] — RE [Job role] Interview Follow-Up

Dear [Name] / Hiring Manager,

I recently interviewed for the position of [Position name] on Monday Xth of [Month]. Since I haven’t heard back from your department, I am contacting you to ask whether you’ve filled the position. If not, do you have a deadline for the final decision?

I'm excited at the opportunity to [add a brief sentence about what excites you about this job or position], and would love to move forward here.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

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Interview follow-up with a thank-you email

[Subject line]: Thank You — [Job role] Interview Follow-Up

Dear [Name] / Hiring Manager,

I am reaching out to thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to meet with me last Monday afternoon. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing the position of [Position name] with you and found your explanations interesting and highly informative. Learning about the company culture, mission statement, and ethos helped me see just what a great fit I would be.

I believe that my years of experience in a similar position, coupled with my diverse skill set, make me uniquely qualified to excel at this job.

I look forward to your decision regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

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If you want to craft an email that immediately grabs the interviewer’s attention, consider working with an experienced email copywriter through Upwork.

How to follow up after an interview via phone call

Consider applying the following tips if you’re asked to follow up via phone call.

General guidance on how to follow up via phone call

The key to an effective follow-up is having a script in hand. Before picking up the phone, jot an outline that covers all the points relevant to your job interview. This ensures that you won’t forget any key details once the conversation is rolling.

Essential information to share with the hiring manager includes:

• Your name
• The position for which you interviewed
• The date of the interview
• An invitation to call you back
• Your phone number
• One thing they liked about the company/job

Much like an email follow-up, the phone call should be simple and brief. Include that one salient point that attracted you to the company, but avoid tangents and lengthy monologues that could derail the conversation.

Example of a message you may want to leave

Hiring managers tend to have hectic schedules and reaching one via phone isn’t guaranteed. Consider this example of a message you can leave if nobody picks up the phone.

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Hi [Name of the hiring manager],

This is [Your name]. I interviewed for the position of [Name of the position] on Monday.

I enjoyed our conversation about the position and found your questions interesting and thought provoking. I’m calling you to inquire about any updates regarding your hiring process.

When you have the time, please call me back at: XXX-XXX-XXXX.

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You might also have the option of leaving a message with someone else at the office.

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Hello,

This is [Your name]. I interviewed for the position of [Name of the position] with [Name of the hiring manager/interviewer] on [Date of interview].

I found the interview very pleasant, and I enjoyed learning about your company and the specifics of the position. I’m calling to ask about any updates regarding your hiring process and would greatly appreciate it if you could pass my message along.

Can you have them call me back at XXX-XXX-XXXX?

Tips on following up after an interview

Consider adhering to the following best practices to maximize the odds of your post-interview follow-up getting noticed by the hiring manager.

Send a thank-you note (no later than the next day)

Your follow-up should start with a simple thank-you note sent within 24 hours after your interview. This show of courtesy can set you apart from other candidates and leave a positive impression on the interviewer.

Wait a minimum of 5 business days

As mentioned above, five business days is the minimum period you should wait before following up on a final job interview. Following up sooner increases the chances of your message getting lost in the shuffle since the recruiting manager could still be in the process of interviewing and assessing other applicants.

Follow up with an email

Sending an email is a tried and tested method for following up after a job interview. Hiring managers tend to check their email daily and are highly likely to respond to a follow-up sent through this medium.

Respect the timeline given

If the hiring manager gives you a deadline or an estimated timeline, stick to it. If they say they will let you know in two weeks, wait until that time is up before following up.

Don’t overwhelm your potential employer with messages

The last thing you want to do when following up on a job interview is to spam the potential employer with incessant messages and inquiries. This can make you stand out negatively and decrease your perceived value as a potential job candidate.

Stay positive (especially in your tone)

Your tone should remain professional and courteous throughout the follow-up process. Make an effort not to sound frustrated or desperate; this could be perceived as a lack of professionalism, tact, and ability to handle stress.

While waiting for a response, you can explore other opportunities that may fit well with your skills. Upwork is the world’s work marketplace that connects businesses with talented freelancers from all over the world. Check out the freelance jobs section to see if there are any job offers that match your profile.

What if they don’t respond 1-2 weeks after the interview?

A delayed response can be attributed to a wide range of factors. Your potential employer might still be screening applicants, a key decision-maker could be on holiday, or it could simply be the fact that filling the position is no longer an immediate priority.

Regardless of the reasons, remember to stay calm and avoid taking anything personally. Follow up before moving on with your job hunt if you don’t get a response.

While you’re waiting to hear back, check out the freelance jobs available on Upwork

There’s no reason to sit around twiddling your thumbs while waiting for an employer’s hiring decision. Take a proactive approach to finding your dream job and explore what the job market has to offer by checking out the freelance opportunities available on Upwork.

Whatever your industry and skill set, thousands of freelance jobs are available that allow you to do what you love. Plus, your experience will make a good impression on hiring managers.

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If you’re communicating with a hiring manager for a job through the Upwork platform, please note that sharing your personal contact information, such as email address, phone number, or LinkedIn profile, is not permitted in cover letters or at any time prior to the start of a contract. Additionally, all communication should take place through the Upwork Messages feature. Learn more about using Upwork Messages and sharing information on Upwork.