How to follow up after an interview (with templates)

Interviews end with 'we'll be in touch', and then the waiting starts. A good follow-up won't rescue a weak interview, but it can tip a close decision, keep you top of mind, and get you an answer faster. Our guide on why you get ghosted covers following up on applications. This post is about what to send after you've interviewed.

1. The thank-you note (within 24 hours)

Short, specific and sent to each person who interviewed you, ideally by email. Mention one thing from the conversation, so it's clearly not a template, and add one small piece of value if you have it.

Subject: Thank you – [Role] interview

Hi [Name],

Thank you for your time today. I enjoyed hearing about [specific project or challenge they mentioned], and it made me more excited about the role.

One thing I didn't get to mention: [one relevant fact, example or link, in a sentence].

I look forward to hearing about next steps.

Best regards,
[Your name]

2. The check-in when the deadline passes

If they gave you a date and it has passed, wait one or two working days, then send a polite check-in to the recruiter. If no date was given, wait about a week.

Subject: [Role] – checking in

Hi [Name],

I hope you're well. I wanted to check in on the [Role] position, as I know the team was hoping to decide around [date]. I'm still very interested and happy to provide anything else that would help.

Thanks,
[Your name]

If there's still no reply after a second check-in a week later, stop chasing. Keep applying elsewhere; silence is rarely about you personally, and often it's internal delays.

3. When you have another offer

A competing offer is a legitimate reason to ask for a faster decision. Be honest and don't bluff. Employers sometimes call it.

Subject: [Role] – timeline question

Hi [Name],

I've received an offer from another company and need to reply by [date]. [Your company] remains my first choice, so I wanted to ask whether there's any update on your timeline before I decide.

Thank you for understanding,
[Your name]

4. Replying to a rejection

It's the follow-up almost nobody sends, which is exactly why it works. A gracious reply keeps the door open, and second-choice candidates do get called when a new role opens or the first choice falls through.

Subject: Re: [Role]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for letting me know, and for the time you and the team spent with me. I enjoyed learning about [team or project]. If there's any feedback you can share, I'd be grateful. Either way, I'd love to be considered for future roles.

Best wishes,
[Your name]

What not to do

• Don't follow up daily, or across several channels at once.
• Don't send a long essay re-answering interview questions.
• Don't connect with every interviewer on social media and message them there unless you've already been in touch that way.
• Don't express frustration about the wait. It's remembered.

5. After a final round, if you've gone quiet on them

Sometimes you're the one who needs time, perhaps waiting on another process or talking an offer through with family. Don't go silent. A short note that sets a date keeps their trust.

Subject: [Role] – next steps

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for the offer. I'm very positive about it and want to give it proper thought. Could I come back to you with a decision by [date]? If anything on your side needs an earlier answer, please let me know.

Best,
[Your name]

Email, phone or message?

Match the channel the employer has been using. If the recruiter has been calling you, a short call or voicemail followed by an email is fine. If everything has been by email, stay with email. For smaller businesses where you met the owner in person, a brief message or call can feel more natural than a formal note. Whatever the channel, keep it short enough to read in under thirty seconds.

Keep it organised

Note the interview date, who you met, what you promised to send and when to check in. The free JobRipe tracker can remind you, so following up becomes a routine rather than something you agonise over.