How to Follow Up After a Job Interview: A Guide for Job Seekers

Following up after a job interview is not just a courtesy; it’s a crucial step that can significantly impact your chances of landing the job. Data reveals that nearly 80% of hiring managers feel that thank-you notes are helpful when deciding between candidates and that 22% of employers are less likely to hire a candidate who doesn’t send a thank-you note after an interview. This underscores the importance of a well-crafted follow-up message—it serves as a reminder of your candidacy, demonstrates professionalism, and can even address any concerns raised during the interview.

While a simple thank-you note once sufficed, today’s digital world demands a fast, strategic approach. Employers now expect timely, professional follow-ups that express gratitude, reinforce your interest, and highlight your qualifications.

Despite its importance, the follow-up is often overlooked. This article provides practical tips and examples to help you follow up effectively and make a lasting impression.

Recommendations for an Effective Follow-Up

1. Timing is Key

Ask about the timeline at the end of the interview. The best way to know when to follow up is to ask the interviewer about their timeline and expectations at the end of the interview. For example, you can ask: “When can I expect to hear back from you?” or “What are the next steps in the hiring process?” This will give you an idea of how long you should wait before following up and what kind of follow-up you should send.
However, as a rule of thumb, you should typically aim to send a follow-up within 24 hours of your interview. Promptness indicates that you are proactive and genuinely interested in the position.

2. Personalize Your Message

Reference specific points discussed during the interview to demonstrate attentiveness and genuine interest in the role. Personalization shows that you are engaged and serious about the opportunity. 

Consider the difference between these two examples.

Example #1: Generic Follow-up

Example #2: Personalized Follow-up

Hi <hiring manager>,
Thank you for taking the time to chat today. It was wonderful to meet you!
I really enjoyed our conversation, especially your perspective on LinkedIn’s potential ad integration with Microsoft’s platform after the acquisition. The ability to leverage data from both networks to refine targeting is going to be huge.
I’m very excited about this opportunity and looking forward to hearing more about the next steps. If there’s anything I can provide from my end, don’t hesitate to ask!
PS — Thanks for the recommendation to download Insight Timer. I just did a guided 10 minutes, and it felt great. Do you recommend any of the specific sessions/instructors?
Best,
<your name>

A genuine expression of gratitude can set you apart from other candidates. Thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to discuss the role shows professionalism, respect, and emotional intelligence—qualities employers value in a potential hire.

Start your follow-up note by explicitly thanking the interviewer. Avoid vague or implied statements like “It was great chatting with you.” While polite, these phrases don’t carry the same weight as a clear, straightforward “thank you.” For example, say something like, “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me and discuss the [position title] role at [company name].” This not only conveys gratitude but also personalizes the message by referencing the specific job and company.

Gratitude also reinforces your enthusiasm for the role. After thanking the interviewer, take a moment to reiterate your excitement about the position and the company. For instance, you could write, “Our conversation further solidified my interest in joining [company name], and I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to contribute to [specific aspect of the company/role].” This reminds them of your enthusiasm while tying it back to specific points discussed during the interview.

Remember: gratitude isn’t just polite—it’s a strategic way to leave a positive impression and strengthen your candidacy.

4. Highlight Your Fit

Remind the hiring team why you’re a strong candidate by directly aligning your skills and experiences with the job requirements. Think of this as a concise “elevator pitch” that reinforces your qualifications.

This is also your chance to address any challenges or concerns that may have been raised during the interview. 

For example, if the interviewer mentioned a skill gap or project challenge, use the follow-up to clarify how your background prepares you to handle it: “I understand your team is currently focusing on [specific challenge]. My experience in [related skill or accomplishment] positions me to make a positive impact in this area.”

By taking the time to clearly articulate how your skills meet the company’s needs, you demonstrate professionalism, self-awareness, and enthusiasm—qualities that leave a lasting impression.

Final Thoughts: Making Your Follow-Up Count

Following up after a job interview is a small but powerful step that can set you apart. A timely, personalized message shows gratitude and professionalism and reinforces your fit for the role. Whether you’re addressing concerns, highlighting your enthusiasm, or simply thanking the interviewer, a strategic follow-up leaves a lasting impression. 

Ready to take the next step? Visit TalentAlly to discover open roles and take the next step toward your professional goals. Your dream job could be just one thoughtful follow-up away!