Follow-up email after an interview
A short email after the interview helps you stand out and leaves a good impression. Here's when to send it and what to write, with examples.
Many people send nothing after a job interview, which is why a well-written thank-you email makes a difference: it shows interest and good manners, and keeps you in the decision-maker's mind.
Here's when to send it, what to include and four examples for the most common situations.
When to send the email after the interview
The most common advice is to send your thank-you within 24 hours of the interview, while the conversation is fresh for both sides.
If they gave you a timeframe for an answer and it has passed with no news, wait a day or two more and send a short, friendly follow-up.
What to include
- A clear subject line: "Thank you for the interview: [role]".
- The thank-you, with the name of the person who interviewed you.
- Something specific from the conversation: a project, a team challenge, an idea that came up.
- Your interest in the role, in one sentence.
- Availability for anything they need. That's it: short is better.
4 post-interview email examples
1. Thank-you
Subject: Thank you for the interview: [role] Hi [name], Thank you so much for today's interview. I especially enjoyed learning about [something specific]. I'm still very interested in the role. If you need any further information, I'm happy to help. Best regards, [Your name]
2. Follow-up with no reply
Subject: Following up: [role] application Hi [name], I'm writing to see if there's any news on the [role] process. I'm still very interested in the opportunity. Thanks again for your time. Best regards, [Your name]
3. After a second interview
Subject: Thank you for meeting the team Hi [name], Thank you for arranging the meeting with [people]. After learning about [project], I'm even more certain I'd love to join the team. I look forward to the next steps. Best regards, [Your name]
4. If you're not selected
Subject: Thank you for the process Hi [name], Thank you for letting me know and for the time you gave me. I would have loved to work with you. If another opportunity that fits my profile comes up, I'd be glad to talk again. Best regards, [Your name]
Personalize it in seconds
If you're in several hiring processes at once, save your thank-you email in NexoPad with a shortcut like /interview and variables for the name, the role and that specific detail from the conversation.
When you type the shortcut on the job portal or in your email, NexoPad asks for the details and writes the full message. You only think about what matters: what stood out in the interview.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to send an email after the interview?
No, but it's highly recommended: it's quick, shows interest and helps them remember you.
How long should I wait before following up?
If they gave you a timeframe, wait until it passes plus a day or two. If they didn't, a week is usually reasonable.
Should I send it by email or LinkedIn?
Use the same channel they contacted you through. If it was LinkedIn, see our guide to quick replies on LinkedIn.
What if I'm the one hiring?
You'll find messages to contact, schedule and reply to candidates in our recruiter templates.
Published on October 11, 20266 min read
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