When to send each type of follow-up

A thank-you note is best sent within 24 hours of the interview itself, while a status check-in is appropriate if you have not heard back within the timeline the interviewer gave you, or roughly one to two weeks if no timeline was given. A distinct, brief follow-up is also worth sending if you receive a competing offer with a genuine deadline.

Thank-you email template

"Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [role] position. I enjoyed learning more about [something specific discussed], and I'm even more enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [specific team or project]. Please let me know if there is any further information I can provide." Keep it brief, specific, and genuine rather than generic.

Status check-in template

"I wanted to follow up on the [role] position I interviewed for on [date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity and wanted to check whether there is any update on timeline or next steps. Happy to provide any further information in the meantime." This stays professional and low-pressure while clearly signalling continued interest.

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Frequently asked questions

Is it acceptable to follow up more than once if there is no response?
One thoughtful follow-up after a reasonable waiting period is generally fine; repeated follow-ups within a short window can come across as pressuring rather than genuinely interested, so space any additional follow-up out reasonably and keep the tone patient.
Should follow-up emails be sent to every interviewer individually?
A brief, personalised thank-you to each person you met with, referencing something specific from your conversation with them individually, is stronger than a single generic email sent to a group.

Before your next interview, it helps to have the fundamentals down. Our complete guide to preparing for a job interview covers the basics, and the STAR method is a reliable way to structure almost any answer under pressure.

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