How to Follow Up After a Job Interview (With Examples)

After creating a good CV and acing your job interview, you've already made a great first impression. Sending a follow-up email is an excellent way to reinforce your interest and showcase your professionalism. Whether it’s a week or two after your interview, a timely letter can make a big difference. In this guide, we show you how to write the perfect message with templates, examples, and tips to help you shine among the competition.

• Use of AI in hiring: Many recruiters rely on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to select applications, but a personalised follow-up makes a lasting impact

• Virtual interviews: With more interviews taking place online, mastering digital communication is crucial.

• High competition: In today’s competitive job market, making a strong post-interview impression is essential.

Let's dive in!

Follow-up email example

Why do follow-up emails matter?

Whether you are a student, graduate, or changing careers, sending a thoughtful follow-up email after an interview is more than a polite gesture - it’s a strategic move to enhance your professional look in 2025. Here are 5 main reasons why you should write one:

1. Shows professionalism: It proves you’re respectful and value the interviewer’s time.

2. Reinforces interest: A good follow-up confirms your enthusiasm for the role and company.

3. Keeps you top of mind: It reminds the interviewer of your skills and the strong impression you made.

4. Demonstrates communication skills: Clear and concise emails showcase your ability to communicate effectively.

5. Expresses gratitude: A simple “thank you” helps you stand out and be remembered.

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5 follow-up email templates

1. Software developer follow-up email template

Hi Ms. Johnson,

Thanks so much for chatting about the Software Developer role at Pixelworks on 3 October. I really enjoyed hearing about your plans to move key systems to the cloud.

I was excited to hear about your focus on scalable solutions. My experience with AWS integration and microservices would fit in perfectly with your team’s goals.

Let me know if you need any more details or work samples. Looking forward to hearing about the next steps!

Best,

Tom Harris

See our software developer CV and developer cover letter guides for advice on showcasing your coding skills and tailoring follow-ups to highlight your project experience.

2. Sales manager follow-up email template

Hi Ms. Clarke,

Thanks for discussing the Sales Manager role at Harbour Ltd. on 4 October. It was great to hear about your new telecom partnership initiatives.

I loved hearing about your goal to grow your UK market share by 20% in the next year. My experience in B2B sales and account management could help drive strong results.

If there’s any info or case studies you’d like to see, just let me know. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with your team.

Best,

Sarah Mitchell

Check out our sales manager CV and sales cover letter guides to effectively communicate your sales achievements and reinforce your leadership skills in a follow-up email.

3. Human Resources (HR) follow-up email template

Hi Mr. Lewis,

Thanks for the chance to chat about the HR Manager role at FuturePeople on 6 October. I really enjoyed hearing about your plans to boost employee engagement.

I was particularly inspired by your commitment to new mental health initiatives. My experience in launching workplace projects that increased employee satisfaction by 15% could support your goals.

If you need any more info or examples, just drop me a message. I’m keen to hear about the next steps.

Best,

Jessica Green

Explore our HR CV and HR cover letter guides for tips on demonstrating your expertise in people management and crafting follow-ups that add value to your application.

4. Financial analyst follow-up email template

Hi Mr. Carter,

Thanks for discussing the Financial Analyst role at Apex on 7 October. It was great to hear about your focus on improving forecasting across your UK branches.

I was interested in your use of data-driven analytics for financial planning. My skills in financial modelling and tools like Excel and Tableau could help streamline your processes.

If you want any more examples or reports, just let me know. Looking forward to hearing about the next steps!

Best,

Oliver Bennett

Refer to our financial analyst CV and finance cover letter guides to learn how to present your data analysis expertise and follow up professionally with recruiters.

5. Marketing follow-up email template

Dear Ms. Edwards,

Thank you for taking the time to discuss the Marketing Specialist position at Lumen on 5 October. I truly enjoyed our conversation about your upcoming campaign targeting younger audiences.

I was particularly excited about your focus on leveraging social media trends to build brand awareness. My experience in creating viral TikTok campaigns and boosting engagement by 30% aligns well with your objectives.

If you’d like to see any examples of my previous campaigns or analytics reports, feel free to ask. I’m eager to hear about the next steps in the hiring process.

Best regards,

Emily Taylor

Visit our marketing CV guide and marketing cover letter guide for strategies to highlight your marketing skills and create a lasting impression.

How to craft the perfect follow-up email

1. Subject Line

Your subject line is the first thing an interviewer will see, so make sure it’s professional, clear, and to the point. Here’s how to get it right:

• Include the job title

• Mention the interview date or reference the position

• Keep it concise

Examples:

• "Follow-up: [Your Name] - [Job Title] Interview on [Date]"

• "[Job Title] Interview Follow-up - [Your Name]"

2. Structure of the email

The body of your email should be clear and respectful. Here's what you need to include:

• Personalised greeting: Address the interviewer by name, showing you remember your conversation.

• Gratitude for the opportunity: Thank them for taking the time to meet with you.

• Reference specific discussion points: Bring up particular topics from the interview that were meaningful to you.

• Reaffirm your interest: Reiterate your excitement for the role and the company.

• Highlight your unique strengths: Remind them of the skills and experiences you bring to the role.

• Professional sign-off: Close politely, offering your availability for any further questions.

For more information, check out our related blog articles to help you effectively market yourself:

• Strengths of a CV

• Strengths and weaknesses of a job interview

For more guidance, refer to our similar blog article on top skills employers look for.

6 tips for writing a job interview follow-up email

1. Send your follow-up quickly

Email your follow-up within 24-48 hours after the interview. This shows you’re proactive, organised, and enthusiastic about the job.

2. Craft a clear subject line

Make your subject line concise and relevant to the interview. Here are a few examples:

James Watson – Follow-Up: Marketing Manager Interview

Anna Clarke – Follow-Up on Marketing Assistant Interview

3. Show gratitude and excitement

Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. Reaffirm your interest in the role and your enthusiasm for the company.

4. Reference key points from the interview

Briefly mention a key topic or conversation point from your interview. This helps the interviewer remember you and demonstrate your attentiveness. Additionally, you can reiterate your career goals or add a personal statement to remind you about who you are.

5. Ask for updates professionally

Politely inquire about the hiring timeline or next steps without sounding too eager. For example:

“Could you kindly share any updates on the hiring process?”

6. Proofread carefully

Before you hit send, double-check your email for any spelling or grammar mistakes. A clean, well-written email reflects your communication skills and professionalism.

When should you send a follow-up email?

Timing is everything when it comes to follow-up emails. Sending one within 24-48 hours after your interview shows you're organised and enthusiastic while the conversation is still fresh in the interviewer’s mind.

What if you don’t hear back?

It’s normal to feel anxious if you don’t get a response after your follow-up email, but staying professional is key. Here’s a simple timeline to guide your next steps:

• First follow-up: 5-7 working days after the interview.

• Second follow-up: 2 weeks after the first follow-up

• Final follow-up: 3-4 weeks after the interview.

3 tips to stay on track:

• Be patient: Wait at least a week before sending a gentle reminder.

• Send a respectful follow-up: Express your enthusiasm for the role while avoiding pushy language.

• Offer to provide additional information: Mention any specific documents, references, or work samples that could support your application.

Key takeaways

• Be timely: Send your first follow-up within 24-48 hours to demonstrate your enthusiasm and professionalism.

• Personalise your email: Avoid generic emails and refer to specific topics discussed during the interview.

• Be patient and strategic: If you don't receive a response, follow up once a week and, if necessary, again after two weeks. Avoid sending multiple emails too quickly.

• Stay professional: Use a polite, formal tone and proofread carefully to ensure your email is error-free and well-written.

• Show gratitude: Thank the interviewer for their time, mention a key detail from your conversation, and briefly restate your excitement about the role.

Next steps?

Sending a follow-up email after your job interview is a crucial step to set yourself apart as a candidate. It shows your professionalism, keeps you memorable, and reinforces your interest in the role.

To refine your job search strategy and improve your career documents, explore these helpful resources:

• CV Builder: Create a polished, professional CV tailored to your target role.

• Cover Letter Builder: Craft a personalised cover letter that highlights your strengths.

• How to send your CV via email: Ensure your application leaves the right impression.

• Common interview questions: Avoid mistakes and make your follow-up effective.

Take control of your career journey today with our expert advice and easy-to-use tools. Time is precious so start building your future now.

FAQ

How soon should I send a follow-up email after an interview?

Ideally, you should send your follow-up email within 24-48 hours to keep your application fresh in the interviewer’s mind.

Is it acceptable to follow up after two weeks without a response?

Yes, two weeks is a good window. By then, sending a polite reminder about your interest and asking for an update is appropriate.

Should I follow up more than once?

If you haven’t received a response after your initial follow-up, a second follow-up after 7-10 days is fine. If you still haven't received a response, wait another week before your final follow-up.

What should I include in a follow-up email?

Your follow-up email should express gratitude, reiterate your interest in the role, and highlight specific points from the interview that reinforce your suitability for the position.

How do I professionally ask for feedback after an interview?

If you haven’t been selected, ask for feedback respectfully after a follow-up: “I would greatly appreciate any feedback you can share regarding my interview performance.” Doing so shows a willingness to improve and stay professional.

How long should you wait to follow up after an interview?

We recommend to follow up within 24-48 hours after the interview. If you don’t hear back, consider sending a second follow-up after about a week.

How do I write a follow-up email after an interview?

A good follow-up email should express gratitude, reiterate your enthusiasm for the role, mention specific points from the interview, and politely inquire about the next steps.

How do you politely ask for an update after an interview?

You can say, “I’m following up to see if there are any updates regarding the [Job Title] position. I’m still very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your team and would love to hear about any next steps.”

Should I email if I haven't heard back after an interview?

Yes, if you have yet to hear back after the interview, sending a polite follow-up email is a good idea. It shows continued keen interest in the role and professionalism.

Is it unprofessional to wait to hear back after an interview?

Not at all. While not receiving a response can be frustrating, it’s not considered unprofessional. However, sending a respectful follow-up can help clarify your status and keep you in consideration.

How to follow up after an interview without sounding desperate?

Focus on expressing your continued interest in the role without being pushy. Use polite language and respect the hiring manager’s time while reiterating your enthusiasm for the position.

How can AI help with follow-up emails after an interview?

AI tools like Grammarly, FlowAI, and Boomerang help polish your follow-up emails with grammar checks, personalised templates, and reminders for optimal timing. These tools ensure your communication is professional, concise, and impactful.