The Do’s and Don’ts of Following Up After an Interview

You’ve just wrapped up an interview, and now the waiting game begins. Many candidates are unsure about the best way to follow up after an interview, worried that they’ll either seem too eager or not interested enough. The follow-up process can be delicate, but when done correctly, it’s a powerful tool to show your enthusiasm, professionalism, and interest in the role.

Here are the do’s and don’ts of following up after an interview to help you navigate this part of the job search process with confidence.

Do: Ask About the Timeline Before You Leave the Interview

Before concluding your interview, it’s always a good idea to ask the interviewer when they expect to make a decision and when would be an appropriate time to follow up. This sets clear expectations and gives you a timeline to reference when crafting your follow-up message.

Key tips:

• Be direct but polite: Ask something like, “When do you expect to make a decision, and when would be a good time for me to follow up?”
• Use the information: If they give you a specific timeframe, make sure to wait until after that date has passed to send any follow-up messages. This will show respect for their process and timeline.

Example question: "Thank you for your time today. I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with [company]. Could you let me know when you expect to make a decision and when it would be appropriate for me to follow up?"

Do: Send a Thank-You Email Within 24 Hours

A timely thank-you email shows appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reiterates your interest in the role. Sending this message within 24 hours is key to leaving a positive, lasting impression while the interview is still fresh in both your and the interviewer’s minds.

Key tips:

• Be prompt but thoughtful: Send your thank-you email within a day of your interview, but take time to personalize it.
• Personalize your message: Reference specific points from the conversation that resonated with you or highlight a discussion topic that made the role even more appealing.

Example thank-you message: "Dear [Interviewer’s Name], Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss the [position] role at [company]. I truly enjoyed learning more about your team’s projects and the challenges you are addressing in [specific area discussed]. Our conversation further reinforced my excitement about the opportunity to contribute my skills in [your expertise] to the team. I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the process and am excited about the possibility of joining [company]. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]"

Don’t: Send Multiple Follow-Ups Too Soon

Following up is important, but bombarding the hiring manager with too many messages can backfire. After sending your initial thank-you, give the employer time to review your candidacy and make decisions before following up again. If they gave you a timeline for when you should expect to hear back, respect that.

Key tips:

• Wait at least a week: If you haven’t heard back by the time they mentioned, wait about a week to send a polite follow-up.
• Be patient: Hiring decisions often take time, especially when multiple candidates are involved. Avoid checking in too soon, which may seem overly pushy.

Do: Be Professional and Concise

When following up, keep your message professional and to the point. A brief note is often the best way to express continued interest without overwhelming the recipient with unnecessary details.

Key tips:

• Be polite and professional: Even if you’re anxious for an update, maintain a courteous tone.
• Focus on value: Reiterate your excitement about the role and mention a few points that highlight why you’re the best fit.

Example follow-up message: "Dear [Interviewer’s Name], I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on our recent conversation regarding the [position] role at [company]. I’m still very enthusiastic about the opportunity and look forward to any updates you may have on the hiring process. Please let me know if there’s anything else you need from me. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Best regards, [Your Name]"

Don’t: Ask for Updates Too Frequently

As much as you might want to know where you stand, it’s important not to come across as overly anxious. Hiring managers often have many moving parts to juggle, and sending too many messages can create unnecessary pressure.

Key tips:

• Follow the timeline: If the company gave you a specific date for a decision, wait until after that date has passed to follow up.
• Limit yourself: If you’ve already followed up once, avoid sending more than one additional follow-up unless invited to check in.

Do: Show Enthusiasm Without Being Overbearing

It’s great to show excitement about the role, but there’s a fine line between being enthusiastic and being pushy. Your follow-up should express genuine interest without putting pressure on the interviewer to respond quickly.

Key tips:

• Balance enthusiasm with patience: Be clear about your interest in the position, but also convey that you respect the hiring timeline.
• Be gracious: If they’re still evaluating candidates, thank them for considering you and reiterate your eagerness to contribute to their team.

Example message: "Dear [Interviewer’s Name], I wanted to take a moment to express my continued interest in the [position] role. I remain excited about the opportunity to work with [company] and contribute to [specific project or challenge discussed]. Thank you again for keeping me in consideration, and I look forward to any updates you may have. Best regards, [Your Name]"

Don’t: Sound Desperate or Apologetic

While it’s important to be polite and professional, avoid language that sounds desperate or overly apologetic. Phrases like “I’m sorry to bother you” or “I know you’re busy, but…” can come across as insecure and may undermine your confidence.

Key tips:

• Stay confident: There’s no need to apologize for following up. It’s a standard part of the interview process.
• Avoid overly personal language: Keep the focus on the role, your qualifications, and your interest in the position.

Do: Maintain a Positive Attitude

Whether you get an update or not, maintain a positive and respectful attitude throughout your follow-ups. A positive approach leaves a lasting impression and keeps the door open for future opportunities, even if this particular role doesn’t work out.

Key tips:

• Thank them for their time: No matter the outcome, express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview.
• Stay connected: If the role isn’t a match this time, stay connected with the company or interviewer for potential future openings.

Conclusion

Following up after an interview can make a big difference in how you’re perceived by potential employers. By following these do’s and don’ts, you’ll show enthusiasm, professionalism, and patience—all qualities that hiring managers appreciate. Remember, the follow-up is another chance to stand out, so use it wisely!

At Blackmere, we’re here to help you through every stage of the job search process, from interview prep to following up with employers. Reach out to us for personalized support as you navigate your career journey.