If you have already sent a thank-you note after an interview and still have not heard back, a short follow-up email can keep the conversation moving without sounding impatient. The best message reminds the hiring team who you are, confirms your interest, and asks whether there is an updated timeline.
Use the template below when you want to follow up after an interview professionally. Then adjust the timing and wording to fit what the interviewer told you.
Table of Contents
Interview follow-up email template
Subject: Following up on the [Job Title] interview
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me about the [Job Title] position on [interview date]. I enjoyed learning more about [specific project, responsibility, or team detail], and our conversation confirmed my interest in the opportunity.
I wanted to follow up to see whether there is an updated timeline for the next steps. Please let me know if I can provide any additional information.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your Name]
This message works because it is specific, easy to answer, and focused on next steps rather than demanding a decision.
When should you send a follow-up after an interview?
Send your thank-you email soon after the interview, then wait before sending a separate status follow-up. If the interviewer gave you a decision date, wait until that date has passed or until the next business day. If no timeline was provided, waiting several business days gives the team time to complete other interviews and compare candidates.
Your follow-up can be more direct when the company promised to contact you by a specific date. For example, you can say, “You mentioned that you expected to have an update by Friday, so I wanted to check whether the timeline has changed.” This states the reason for writing without accusing anyone of ignoring you.
A thank-you note and a status follow-up have different purposes. The thank-you note reinforces the conversation and shows appreciation. A later follow-up asks about the hiring process. If you need help with the first message, see this guide to writing a thank-you email after an interview.
Subject lines for an interview follow-up email
- Following up on the [Job Title] interview
- Checking in about the [Job Title] position
- Next steps for the [Job Title] role
- Following up after our interview
- [Job Title] interview — checking in
Keep the subject line recognizable. Reusing the original email thread is often helpful because the recipient can see the interview context without searching for it.
Follow-up email after a first interview
After an initial interview, connect your follow-up to one detail from the conversation. This makes the message feel personal and gives the interviewer a reason to remember your candidacy.
Subject: Checking in about the Marketing Coordinator position
Hi Jordan,
I enjoyed speaking with you about the Marketing Coordinator position and learning how the team is preparing for its next product launch. The role sounds like a strong match for my experience coordinating email campaigns and keeping cross-functional projects on schedule.
I wanted to check in on the hiring timeline and ask whether there are any updates on next steps. I remain very interested in the position and would be happy to answer any additional questions.
Best,
Alex
Follow-up after a final interview
For a final-round follow-up, you can be more explicit about your continued interest. Mention a business priority or team challenge that came up during the conversation, but avoid repeating your entire résumé.
Subject: Following up on the final interview for [Job Title]
Hi Taylor,
Thank you for inviting me to speak with the team about the [Job Title] role. I especially enjoyed discussing [specific responsibility or goal]. The conversation made me even more interested in the opportunity and in contributing to [relevant team objective].
Do you have an updated timeline for the hiring decision? Please let me know if the team needs anything else from me.
Best,
[Your Name]
What to say when the promised decision date has passed
If the employer gave you a date and that date has passed, reference it plainly. Hiring timelines change for many ordinary reasons, including scheduling, approvals, and additional interviews. Your goal is to request an update, not to interpret the delay.
Subject: Checking in on next steps for [Job Title]
Hi [Name],
I hope you are doing well. When we spoke, you mentioned that the team expected to share an update by [date]. Since that date has passed, I wanted to check whether there is a revised timeline for the next steps.
I am still very interested in the role and appreciate any update you can share.
Best,
[Your Name]
How to send a second follow-up
If your first status email received no response, wait a reasonable amount of time before sending one final, shorter note. Do not send several messages in quick succession or change the tone to express frustration.
Subject: Final check-in — [Job Title]
Hi [Name],
I wanted to make one final check-in regarding the [Job Title] position. I understand that priorities and timelines can change, so I would appreciate knowing whether the role is still active or if the hiring process has been paused.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
After this message, let the employer take the next step. You can continue your job search while keeping the door open if the team returns later.
What to avoid in an interview follow-up email
- Do not ask whether you got the job. Ask for the hiring timeline or next steps instead.
- Do not sound resentful. Avoid phrases such as “I never heard back” or “You promised to respond.”
- Do not add unnecessary attachments. Offer to provide information rather than sending a new package of documents without being asked.
- Do not write a long explanation. A few focused paragraphs are easier for a busy hiring manager to answer.
- Do not overfollow up. One thoughtful reminder and, when appropriate, one final check-in are usually enough.
Interview follow-up email checklist
- Confirm that you are writing to the right person.
- Use the correct job title and interview date.
- Include one specific detail from the conversation.
- State that you are still interested.
- Ask about the timeline or next step.
- Offer to answer questions or provide more information.
- Proofread the subject line, name, and contact details.
A strong interview follow-up is brief, courteous, and specific. It gives the hiring team the context they need and makes it simple to reply with a timeline, a request, or a decision.
If your question is about an application that has not reached the interview stage, use this guide to request an update on a job application. If the interview itself needs to move, see these examples for rescheduling an interview by email.