When to Follow Up After an Interview (And What to Say)
Following up too soon seems desperate. Waiting too long makes you forgettable. Learn the exact timing and templates that keep you top-of-mind without being annoying.
You've aced the interview. You answered every question with confidence and built a great rapport with the hiring manager. Now what? The waiting game begins. But your work isn't done yet. A smart, professional follow-up strategy can reinforce your interest, keep you top of mind, and be the deciding factor that sets you apart from other qualified candidates. However, a poor follow-up can make you seem pushy or desperate.
Timing and tone are everything. Following up too soon can make you seem impatient; waiting too long can make you seem uninterested. Here’s a proven strategy to strike the perfect balance and follow up with professionalism and class.
The 24-48-7 Rule for Professional Follow-Ups
1. Within 24 Hours: The "Thank You" Email
This is non-negotiable. Send a personalized thank-you email to each person you interviewed with within 24 hours. In the email, thank them for their time, reiterate your strong interest in the role, and briefly reference a specific topic you discussed to show you were engaged and listening. Keep it concise and professional.
2. Within 48 Hours: The LinkedIn Connection
Send a connection request on LinkedIn to your interviewers. Crucially, always include a personalized note with the request, mentioning that you enjoyed your conversation. This is a simple, professional way to stay on their radar and build your professional network.
3. After 7 Days (or their stated timeline): The Gentle Follow-up
During the interview, it's always a good idea to ask, "What is your timeline for next steps?" If you haven't heard back by the timeline they provided (or after about a week if no timeline was given), it is appropriate to send one polite follow-up email. Reply to your original thank-you email, reiterate your enthusiasm, and politely inquire if there are any updates on their decision-making process.
What NOT to Say in Your Follow-Up Communications
Your tone is just as important as your timing. Avoid language that makes you sound desperate, demanding, or unprofessional.
Avoid These Phrases
- • "I really need this job..."
- • "When will you make a decision?" (too demanding)
- • "Just checking in" (too casual and adds no value)
- • "I haven't heard from you..." (sounds accusatory)
- • Multiple follow-ups within a short period.
Better Alternatives
- • "I remain very excited about this opportunity."
- • "I'm looking forward to hearing about the next steps."
- • "Following up on our conversation last week..."
- • Add value by referencing a recent company achievement or relevant article.
- • Maintain a patient and professional tone.
A strategic, patient, and professional follow-up strategy demonstrates your high level of interest and your excellent communication skills. It's often your final opportunity to make a positive impression and can solidify your position as the top candidate they can't afford to lose.
Key Takeaways
- Follow the 24-48-7 rule: thank you email within 24 hours, LinkedIn connection within 48 hours, status check after their stated timeline
- Reference specific conversation points to show you were engaged and listening
- Add value in follow-ups with relevant insights or articles, don't just check status
- Be patient with timing—hiring decisions often take longer than initially stated
- Maintain professional tone and avoid appearing desperate or pushy