Prepper
Start freePricing

The follow-up email after an interview: when to send it and what to write

When to send a thank-you email, a follow-up when you have heard nothing and a reply to a rejection, with short templates you can adapt. 4 min readUpdated By the Prepper team

A short, well-timed follow-up keeps you in mind and shows the care employers look for. A long or repeated one does the opposite.

The thank-you: same day

Send it within a few hours, to each interviewer if you have their addresses, otherwise to the recruiter.

Subject: Thank you

Dear Ms de Vries,

Thank you for the conversation this morning. I enjoyed hearing how the team is approaching the launch in Germany, and it made me more interested in the role. My experience running the Benelux launch last year would be directly useful there.

I look forward to hearing about next steps.

Kind regards,
Sam Vermeer

Three things make it work: one specific detail from the conversation, one link to your experience, and brevity.

No reply: after the date they gave

Wait until two working days after the promised date, or a week if none was given.

Subject: Marketing Manager role

Dear Mr Bakker,

I wanted to check in on the Marketing Manager role following my interview on 4 November. I remain very interested. Is there an update on timing, or anything else I can send?

Kind regards,
Sam Vermeer

Send one more a week later at most. After that, move on and keep applying.

After a rejection

Thank you for letting me know. I enjoyed meeting the team. If you are able to share any feedback, I would be grateful, and I would be glad to be considered for future roles.

Many candidates are hired from a second approach months later, so this note is worth the minute.

Small rules

  • Reply in the same email thread where one exists.
  • Keep every message under 120 words.
  • Check names and the role title before sending.

Frequently asked questions

How soon should I send a thank-you email after an interview?

The same day, ideally within a few hours while the conversation is fresh.

How many times can I follow up?

Twice after an interview is the limit: once after the expected date, and once a week later.

Keep reading