PICTURE: PEXELS/RDNE
Waiting to hear back after a job interview can be stressful. You may be tempted to check your phone constantly or send a message asking whether you’ve been successful.
Also see: Questions to ask during a job interview
However, following up doesn’t have to make you look desperate. When done professionally, it can demonstrate your continued interest in the position and help keep you on the employer’s radar.
Start with a thank-you
One of the simplest ways to follow up is to thank the interviewer for their time. According to Indeed, a thank-you message can reinforce your professionalism and interest in the role while also allowing you to refer to something specific that was discussed during the interview.
The message doesn’t need to be lengthy. Keep it brief, genuine and specific to the conversation.
Choose the right time
Timing is important. If the interviewer told you when you could expect to hear back, wait until that period has passed before asking for an update.
If no timeframe was given, give the employer several business days before following up. According to Indeed’s career guidance, candidates can send a thank-you message within 24 hours of an interview and consider a further follow-up if they haven’t received a response after an appropriate period.
Following up too quickly can make you appear impatient, while waiting too long can mean missing an opportunity to maintain contact.
Keep your message short
You don’t need to repeat your entire CV or explain why you’re the perfect candidate.
A professional follow-up should generally:
- Remind the employer who you are.
- Mention the position you interviewed for.
- Thank them for their time.
- Confirm that you’re still interested.
- Politely ask whether there is an update.
Indeed recommends keeping follow-up emails concise, with a clear purpose and professional tone.
Refer to something from the interview
A personalised follow-up can be more effective than a generic message.
Mentioning something you discussed during the interview shows that you were paying attention and remain genuinely interested in the role. Harvard’s Mignone Centre for Career Success similarly recommends referencing specific details from the conversation and keeping a thank-you note brief and authentic.
For example, you could briefly mention a project, responsibility or aspect of the organisation that particularly interested you.
Also see: Common job interview questions and how to answer them
Don’t demand an answer
There’s a difference between asking for an update and putting pressure on the employer.
Instead of asking, “Why haven’t I heard anything?”, use language such as, “I wanted to follow up regarding the status of the position and enquire whether there have been any updates.”
This keeps the tone respectful and professional.
Avoid repeated messages
If you don’t receive a response to your first follow-up, don’t send another message every few days.
According to Indeed, a second follow-up can be appropriate when considerable time has passed, with its guidance suggesting around two weeks in some circumstances.
After that, it’s usually better to move on rather than repeatedly contacting the employer.
Keep applying for other jobs
An interview is encouraging, but it isn’t a job offer.
Continue applying for other positions while you’re waiting. This can help reduce the pressure you place on one particular opportunity and ensure you’re still creating other possibilities.
If the employer eventually responds with a rejection, remain professional. You can thank them for considering your application and, where appropriate, ask whether they are willing to provide feedback.
The bottom line
Following up after an interview doesn’t make you desperate. A short, polite and well-timed message can demonstrate professionalism and genuine interest.
The key is to be patient, keep your communication concise and avoid repeatedly asking for an answer.
A good follow-up should remind the employer that you’re interested — without making them feel pressured to respond.
Also see: What to wear to a job interview to make a great first impression
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