How to Follow Up After an Interview (With Templates)
Most candidates wait passively after an interview. A well-timed, well-written follow-up keeps you top of mind and demonstrates the professional communication skills every employer wants.
When to send the follow-up
Indeed's career advice recommends sending a thank-you within 24 hours and a check-in after 5 to 7 days of silence. Here is the precise timing:
- Within 24 hours of the interview. Send a brief thank-you the same day or the morning after.
- 5 to 7 days after the interview if you have heard nothing. This is the check-in, not the thank-you.
- After the stated decision date. If they said "we'll decide by Friday" and it is now Monday, one polite email is appropriate.
What to include
- Reference something specific from the conversation. It shows you were engaged.
- Restate your interest in the role briefly
- Keep it under 100 words. Recruiters are busy.
- One clear ask: "Looking forward to next steps" or "Happy to provide any additional information"
Template 1: Thank-you (within 24 hours)
Subject: Thank you for the [Role] interview
Hi [Name],
Thank you for the time today. I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed] and the team's approach to [something they mentioned].
I'm very excited about the opportunity and look forward to hearing about next steps.
Best,
[Your name]
Template 2: Check-in (5 to 7 days later)
Subject: Following up on [Role]
Hi [Name],
I wanted to follow up on my interview for the [Role] position. I remain very interested and would love to hear if there are any updates on your end.
Happy to provide any additional information if helpful.
Best,
[Your name]
Template 3: After the decision deadline has passed
Subject: Re: [Role] — Checking in
Hi [Name],
I wanted to check in as I believe [decision date] was the target for a decision on the [Role] position. I remain very interested in the opportunity and would love to hear if there is any update.
Happy to provide any additional information if that would be helpful.
Best,
[Your name]
Which channel to use
- Email is almost always best. It gives the recruiter time to respond without pressure and creates a written record.
- LinkedIn is appropriate only if the recruiter originally contacted you there or if email is bouncing.
- Phone is rarely the right move. It puts the recruiter on the spot and can feel aggressive. Use it only if they explicitly said to call.
- Reply to the original thread rather than starting a new email. It keeps context and makes it easier to find in a busy inbox.
How many times can you follow up?
Three follow-ups is the maximum across any application process:
- Thank-you within 24 hours of the interview
- Check-in after 5 to 7 days of silence
- Final nudge if their stated decision date has passed
After three attempts with no response, stop. The role is likely filled, paused, or the team has moved on internally. A fourth message will only hurt your chances if the position reopens.
What to do if there is still no response
Silence after two or three follow-ups almost always means one of three things: the role was filled internally, budget was frozen, or the team is overwhelmed. None of these are about you. Send one final message to keep the door open:
Hi [Name],
I understand timing may have changed on this role. If the position does come back around, I would love to stay in touch. Wishing you and the team well.
Best,
[Your name]
Then close the application in your tracker and move your energy elsewhere. Never let one silent role take focus away from active ones.
ApplyDeskAI generates these for you
When you track an application in ApplyDeskAI and move it to Interview status, it automatically sets a 5-day follow-up reminder and generates a personalised follow-up email based on the company and role. No templates to fill in. Just review, personalise, and send.
Frequently asked questions
When should I follow up after an interview?
Send a thank-you within 24 hours. If you hear nothing after 5 to 7 days, send a polite check-in. If their stated decision date has passed, one follow-up the next business day is appropriate.
Is it OK to follow up twice?
Yes. A thank-you within 24 hours and a check-in after 5 to 7 days of silence are both professional and expected. A third follow-up is only appropriate if the stated decision deadline has passed.
Should I follow up by email or phone?
Email is almost always preferred. It is less intrusive, gives the recruiter time to respond, and creates a written record. Use LinkedIn only if the recruiter originally contacted you there.
What do I do if I get no response after following up?
If you have sent two or three follow-ups with no response over 2 to 3 weeks, assume the role is filled or on hold. Send one brief final message to keep the door open, then move on and focus your energy on other active applications.