Follow-Up Email After an Interview: When to Send It and 6 Templates
How and when to follow up after a job interview when you haven’t heard back, with six templates for different situations and timelines.
3 min read
Quick answer
If you haven’t heard back by the date they gave you, wait two to three working days, then send a short follow-up email. If they didn’t give a date, wait about one week. Keep it brief: restate your interest, ask politely about the timeline, and thank them.
Waiting to hear back after an interview is stressful. A well-timed follow-up email shows you’re still interested and can help you get an answer, without seeming pushy.
Thank-you email vs. follow-up email
| Thank-you email | Follow-up email | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Within 24 hours | After the expected decision date |
| Purpose | Thank them and reinforce your fit | Ask about the status and next steps |
| Length | 3–5 sentences | 2–4 sentences |
If you haven’t sent a thank-you email yet, start with our thank-you email templates.
When to follow up
- They gave you a date: wait 2–3 working days after it passes.
- They didn’t give a date: wait about one week.
- Second follow-up: another week later, if you still haven’t heard anything.
Follow-up email templates
1. Standard follow-up
2. Short follow-up
3. Second follow-up
4. Following up with a recruiter
5. When you have another offer
6. After a rejection (keeping the door open)
Tips for following up
- Reply in the same thread as your earlier emails so they have the context.
- Keep it short. Two to four sentences is plenty.
- Stay positive. Never sound annoyed about the wait.
- Don’t follow up daily. Give them at least a week between emails.
- Keep applying elsewhere while you wait.
Frequently asked questions
How long should you wait to follow up after an interview?
If they gave you a timeline, wait until two or three working days after it has passed. If not, wait about one week after the interview (or after your thank-you email).
Is a thank-you email the same as a follow-up email?
No. A thank-you email is sent within 24 hours to thank them for their time. A follow-up email is sent later, when you haven’t heard back, to ask about next steps.
How many times should I follow up?
Usually no more than two follow-ups, spaced about a week apart. After that, move on and keep applying elsewhere.
Who should I send the follow-up email to?
Send it to your main contact, usually the recruiter or the hiring manager who has been arranging your interviews.