You nailed the interview, charmed your potential boss, and left the office (or Zoom call) feeling like a total rockstar. But now what? The job isn’t yours just yet, and there’s one final move that can set you apart from other candidates—the follow-up. Think of it as the cherry on top of your interview sundae. If you want to truly seal the deal, mastering the art of post-interview etiquette is key.
Here’s how to follow up like a boss and make sure you stay top of mind for that dream job—without being overbearing or, well, awkward.
1. Send a Thank-You Note (Yes, It Still Matters)
The classic thank-you note might feel like something your parents or grandparents did, but trust us, it still matters. In fact, a simple thank-you can be the extra touch that makes you stand out from the competition. It shows that you’re thoughtful, professional, and genuinely interested in the position.
Send your thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. Keep it short, sweet, and personalized. Mention something specific from your conversation—maybe a project the company is working on or a point that really resonated with you. This shows that you were engaged and paying attention during the interview.
Here’s a simple template to get you started:
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed our conversation about [specific point], and I’m excited about the chance to contribute to [Company Name]. It was great to learn more about your vision for the team, and I’m confident that my skills in [relevant skills] would be a great fit for the role.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
2. Keep It Professional (But Don’t Be Too Formal)
While you want to keep your follow-up professional, don’t be overly stiff. You’re building a relationship, so your tone should be warm and approachable. Think of it like texting someone after a really good first date—you wouldn’t want to sound robotic.
Avoid generic phrases like, “I humbly await your feedback,” or anything that feels too formal. Instead, aim for a balance between professional and friendly, like you’re continuing the same positive vibe you had in the interview.
3. Timing Is Everything (But Don’t Panic if You Forget)
The sweet spot for sending a follow-up email is within 24-48 hours of the interview. But if life happens and you forget to send it right away, don’t stress! It’s better late than never, and a slightly delayed follow-up is still better than no follow-up at all.
Just make sure your email still feels fresh and relevant. A short line like, “I’ve been reflecting on our conversation from last week and wanted to thank you again,” can help bridge the gap if you’re sending your note a few days later.
4. Be Patient (But Don’t Be Afraid to Check In)
After your thank-you email, it’s time to play the waiting game. Hiring managers are often juggling multiple candidates, busy schedules, and endless email chains. If you haven’t heard back within a week or two, it’s okay to check in with a polite follow-up.
This second email should be brief and respectful of their time. You don’t want to seem pushy, but you also want to remind them that you’re still very interested in the position. Here’s a simple template for a follow-up email:
Subject: Checking In on [Job Title] Application
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to follow up on our recent interview for the [Job Title] position and see if there are any updates regarding the hiring process. I’m still very excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to the team.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
This email shows that you’re proactive without being pushy, and it keeps the conversation going in a professional way.
5. Don’t Overdo It (One Follow-Up Is Enough)
You’ve sent your thank-you email, you’ve followed up once—now it’s time to let things play out. One follow-up is enough to show your enthusiasm without crossing into “desperate” territory. If you don’t hear back after your check-in email, it’s best to move on to other opportunities while keeping an eye out for a response.
Remember, hiring takes time, and sometimes the process can drag on longer than expected. Trust that you’ve done your part, and keep your focus on continuing your job search. If they’re interested, they’ll reach out!
6. Use LinkedIn to Stay Connected (Without Being Weird)
If the interview went well and you had a great connection with the hiring manager or team members, you might consider sending a LinkedIn request. This is a great way to stay on their radar professionally, but keep it cool—there’s no need to send a request immediately after the interview.
Wait until after your thank-you email and give it a few days before sending a connection request. When you do, include a short note to remind them who you are: “Hi [Interviewer’s Name], it was a pleasure meeting you during my interview for the [Job Title] position. I’d love to stay connected here on LinkedIn. Best, [Your Name].”
7. Stay Positive (Even If You Don’t Get the Job)
Not every interview will lead to a job offer, and that’s okay. If you don’t get the job, send one last thank-you email to leave a lasting positive impression. This shows professionalism and keeps the door open for future opportunities.
Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you so much for considering me for the [Job Title] position. While I’m disappointed that I won’t be joining [Company Name] at this time, I truly appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the team and the work you’re doing. I’d love to stay connected for any future opportunities that might arise.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
This final note helps you leave on a positive note, and who knows? The next time an opportunity opens up, you might be the first person they think of!
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of the follow-up is all about timing, tone, and a little bit of finesse. By sending a thoughtful thank-you email, staying patient but proactive, and keeping your communication professional yet approachable, you’ll leave a lasting impression on hiring managers. So, go ahead—follow up like a boss and watch the opportunities roll in!
