If you have heard nothing after an interview, wait until the date they gave you has passed. With no date, wait about a week. Then send one short email: thank them, ask where things stand, and offer anything they still need. Send a second note a week later. After that, send a last note and move on. The gaps are common practice, not a rule.
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| When | After the date they gave, or about a week if none |
| How long | Three or four lines |
| How many | Two notes, then a last one |
15 messages you can copy
Fifteen follow up messages for when an interview is over and the silence goes on. Each fits one moment. Use one, not all of them. Replace every [BRACKET] with a real fact.
Jump to: The first follow upAt different stagesWho you write toA second note, and the last one
- A week after, with no date givenSubject: Following up: [JOB TITLE] interview on [DATE]Hi [NAME], Thank you again for talking with me on [DATE] about the [JOB TITLE] role. I am still very interested. Could you tell me where things stand, and when you expect to decide? If you need anything more from me, I can send it today. [YOUR NAME]
- They gave a date and it has passedSubject: Following up: [JOB TITLE]Hi [NAME], You said on [DATE] that you hoped to decide by [DATE]. I wanted to check whether the timing has changed. I am still interested in the role. If there is anything I can send to help, tell me. [YOUR NAME]
- The shortest versionSubject: Checking in: [JOB TITLE]Hi [NAME], a short note to say I am still keen on the [JOB TITLE] role. Is there an update? Thank you. [YOUR NAME]
More examples, by situation
At different stages
- After a phone screenSubject: Following up: phone call on [DATE]Hi [NAME], thank you for the call on [DATE] about the [JOB TITLE] role. I would like to hear what comes next, and whether I can help with anything. [YOUR NAME]
- After the final interviewSubject: Following up: [JOB TITLE]Hi [NAME], thank you for the time you and [NAMES] gave me on [DATE]. I enjoyed [ONE REAL THING DISCUSSED]. It has been [NUMBER] days. Is there an update on timing? [YOUR NAME]
- They said you would hear by FridaySubject: Following up: [JOB TITLE]Hi [NAME], you mentioned that I would hear by [DAY]. I have not yet, so I wanted to check that my email did not get lost. I am still interested. [YOUR NAME]
- An internal roleSubject: Following up: [JOB TITLE] interviewHi [NAME], thank you for the interview for [JOB TITLE] on [DATE]. I know it is a busy time. Could you tell me when you expect to decide, so I can plan my work? [YOUR NAME]
Who you write to
- To the recruiterSubject: [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY]: any news?Hi [NAME], I interviewed for [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY] on [DATE]. I have not had an update. Could you tell me where things stand, or who I should ask? Thank you. [YOUR NAME]
- To the hiring manager, when you only have their nameSubject: Following up: [JOB TITLE]Hi [NAME], I know recruiters usually tell me the news, so I am sorry to write to you. I wanted to say I am still keen on [JOB TITLE] and I am glad to answer anything else. [YOUR NAME]
- A short message on a work networkHi [NAME], thank you for talking with me on [DATE] about [JOB TITLE]. If you have news on timing, I would be glad to hear it.
- A voicemailHello [NAME], this is [YOUR NAME]. I interviewed with you on [DATE] for [JOB TITLE]. I am calling to see whether there is any news, and to say I am still interested. My number is [NUMBER]. Thank you.
A second note, and the last one
- With something newSubject: Following up: [JOB TITLE]Hi [NAME], since we spoke I [ADD IF TRUE: FINISHED / READ / TRIED / LEARNED] [ONE REAL THING RELATED TO THE ROLE]. I thought it might help you. I am still keen on the job. [YOUR NAME]
- Another offer has a deadlineSubject: [JOB TITLE]: a deadlineHi [NAME], [ADD IF TRUE: I HAVE AN OFFER FROM ANOTHER COMPANY THAT NEEDS AN ANSWER BY [DATE].] [JOB TITLE] at [COMPANY] is still my first choice. Could you tell me where you are in your process before then? [YOUR NAME]
- The last noteSubject: Closing the loop: [JOB TITLE]Hi [NAME], since I have had no reply, I will assume you have gone another way. Thank you for your time. If anything changes, I would still be glad to hear from you. [YOUR NAME]
- When a no finally comesSubject: Re: [JOB TITLE]Hi [NAME], thank you for letting me know. If you can, I would be grateful for one line on what would have made my interview stronger. Either way, thank you. [YOUR NAME]
Download these examples
The same text as this page, in one file, with the gaps ready to fill in. The Google Docs button asks you to make your own copy.
What to avoid
- Writing the next day. The team may still be seeing people.
- "Just checking in" with nothing else. Ask where things stand, or offer something.
- Sending more than three messages in all. After that, send a last note and stop.
- Hinting that you have another offer when you do not.
- A tone of blame. Silence is common and not always personal.
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What the free kit adds
If an offer does come, it has three short replies to fill in: say yes, ask for time, or ask for more. Free.
Reply to a job offer
Reply to a job offer: accept, ask for time or ask for more. Read the free guide first.
- Who it is for
- Job seekers with an offer in hand.
- What you give it
- One of three short emails.
- What you get back
- A reply ready to send, and a half page on what to check first.
Word files you fill in by hand.
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How long should I wait to follow up after an interview?
Wait until the date they gave has passed. If they gave none, about a week is common. This is common practice, not a rule.
What do I say if I have not heard back after an interview?
Thank them, say you are still interested, ask where things stand and offer to send anything else. Keep it to three or four lines.
Is it OK to follow up twice?
Yes. Two short messages a week apart are fine. Then send a last note and stop.
Should I follow up by phone or email?
Email first, because it leaves a record. A short call or voicemail is fine if they gave you a number and you have already written once.
Questions people ask
What do I do with the [BRACKETS]?
Replace each one with a real fact. If you cannot, delete the line. Never leave a bracket in what you send.
How long should I wait before I follow up?
If they gave you a date, wait until it has passed. If not, about a week is common. This is our advice from common practice, not a rule.
Who should I write to?
The person who arranged the interview or the person who interviewed you. If you only have the recruiter's address, write to them.
Is it rude to follow up twice?
No. Two short notes a week apart are fine. A third would be a last note, and then you stop.