How to follow up after an interview (and do you even need to?)

Not following up after an interview a common mistake many job candidates make, and it’s one that can leave a slightly bad impression on hiring managers.

Fortunately, if you’re not sure how to follow up after an interview, your to-do list is incredibly short!

The best way to follow up after an interview is by writing a short note. Some traditionalists still prefer a handwritten letter, arguing that it shows a more personal approach, but in today’s virtual world, sending a thank-you email has become a well-accepted norm.

How to follow up after an interview

• Send a follow-up email or letter immediately. This shows a sense of urgency and a high interest in the job. Ideally, your letter should be sent on the same day or the next day
• Try to mention a highlight of the interview, whether it’s a part of the job you’re excited about or a great dynamic among the workers you met with. Reiterate your interest in the role and thank them for their time
• Have someone proofread it or send it to your recruiter to review. Be sure to make it sound genuine, not just a “canned” response
• Be as brief as possible. It shows respect for others’ time, and as a bonus, it’s also easier on you

You can use our example below or use an AI writing tool for a first draft. Either way, be sure to make it feel like your own. A pre-written template is a great starting point, but taking the extra time to edit it will make a world of difference.

Sample follow-up letter

Dear [Primary Interviewer’s Name],

I just wanted to take a moment and send my thanks for the opportunity to speak about the [Job Title] position. It was a pleasure meeting with you [and your colleagues].

Based on our conversation, I feel my qualifications and skills in _________ , _________ and _________ reflect those necessary to be successful at [Company].

At [my previous role/Company], I successfully [a relevant accomplishment or skillset you developed]. I am confident that experience would make me a great match for [your team or your upcoming project].

I feel an even greater excitement level about the opportunity because it will allow me to attain my goals of __________ and _________.

I look forward to our next meeting to discuss this in greater detail. I am truly excited for the opportunity of working with your team.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Conduct your follow-up research

After you’ve sent your follow-up letter, take the time to do additional research now that you know a little more about the role itself.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Most organizations want to make a fair offer to job candidates – but sometimes, even a great employer can be misinformed or out-of-touch with current wage rates. To get a good idea of what a salary range might be for the position you are applying for in your area, check out our salary calculator
• If your interviewer has already told you the salary range for the role and it seems below the calculator’s suggestions, talk to your recruiter! They will have some additional insight and can give a true picture of what someone with your skills and experience is earning these days.
• Weigh the other perks of this role, in addition to pay. Will this be a step in responsibility? Does the employer offer great benefits? Even smaller perks like a casual work environment, shorter commute, or consistent shifts might be enough to sway your opinion

If you’re just starting your job search, we highly recommend reviewing the rest of our resources for job seekers. Be sure to check out our current open positions in your area, too.

Did you get a job offer? Congratulations! Check out our next article on resigning from your current job – and doing it with class.