How long should I wait before sending a follow-up email after a job interview?

Author

Mike

Date Published

After a job interview, it's important to follow up appropriately to express your continued interest and professionalism. Here’s a guide on how long to wait before sending that follow-up email:

Timing for Follow-Up Emails

Immediate Thank-You:

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. This should express gratitude for the opportunity and briefly reiterate your interest in the position.

First Follow-Up:

If you haven’t heard back, wait about one week after the interview before sending a follow-up email. This allows the hiring team some time to make decisions while keeping you fresh in their minds

Second Follow-Up:

If you still don’t receive a response, it’s acceptable to follow up again after two weeks from your first follow-up. This shows persistence without being overly pushy

Key Points to Remember

Respect Their Timeline: If the interviewer mentioned a specific timeframe for feedback, respect that timeline and wait until it has passed before following up.

Be Concise and Professional: In your follow-up emails, keep your message brief, polite, and focused on your enthusiasm for the role.

Avoid Over-Following Up: Limit yourself to one or two follow-ups. If you don’t receive a response after that, it may be best to move on and continue applying elsewhere

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your follow-up process while maintaining professionalism and demonstrating your interest in the position.