Follow-Up Email After Interview (With Examples)

You have finished the interview, answered the questions and said your goodbyes. Now, should you send an email?

In most cases, yes. A short follow-up email after an interview is a professional way to thank the interviewer, reinforce your interest and keep communication open. It should feel considered rather than pushy.

When working with a recruiter, the bonus is that you don’t need to worry about reaching out to your interviewer. Instead, just connect with your recruiter who will guide you through the next steps. 

To summarise: If you’re not working with a recruiter, thank the interviewer, mention something specific from the conversation, restate your interest in the role and close by referring to the next steps. 

Now, let’s break it down further…

What Is a Follow-Up Email After an Interview?

A follow-up email is a short message sent after a job interview. It may be used to:

• Thank the interviewer for their time
• Confirm your interest in the position
• Highlight a relevant point from the conversation
• Provide information you promised to send
• Politely request an update after the expected response date

MIT Career Advising recommends using a thank-you note to express gratitude, revisit an interview topic and reaffirm your interest in the role.

When Should You Send a Follow-Up Email?

For a thank-you email, aim to send it within 24 hours of your interview. This keeps the conversation fresh without overwhelming the interviewer.

If you are following up because you have not received an update, use the timeline discussed during the interview. Wait until that date has passed before contacting them. If no timeline was provided, waiting around five to seven business days is generally appropriate.

When you are working with a recruiter, check in with them instead of reaching out to the interviewer. They will contact the employer on your behalf and advise you on the best next steps.

What to Write in an Email After an Interview

A strong interview follow-up email usually contains five elements:

1. A clear subject line: Include the role title or purpose of the email.
2. A personal greeting: Address the interviewer by name.
3. A genuine thank you: Acknowledge their time and the opportunity.
4. A specific detail: Refer to a project, challenge or topic discussed.
5. A professional close: Confirm your interest and mention the next steps.

Keep it concise. Your message should support the impression you made during the interview rather than repeat your CV or cover letter.

Follow-Up Email After Interview Template

Subject: Thank you - [Job Title] interview

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me [today/yesterday] about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

I enjoyed learning more about [specific project, team or priority discussed]. Our conversation reinforced my interest in the opportunity, particularly because my experience in [relevant skill or area] would allow me to contribute to [relevant goal].

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing about the next steps.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]

Short Thank-You Email After an Interview

Subject: Thank you for your time

Hi [Name],

Thank you for meeting with me today to discuss the [Job Title] role. I enjoyed learning more about the team and the work underway in [specific area].

I’m very interested in the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you regarding the next steps.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

Follow-Up Email After No Response

Subject: Follow-up - [Job Title] interview

Hi [Name],

I hope you are well. I wanted to follow up regarding my interview for the [Job Title] position on [Date].

I remain interested in the opportunity and would appreciate any update you can share about the recruitment process or expected next steps.

Thank you again for your time.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

Interview Follow-Up Email Subject Lines

Good subject line options include:

• Thank you - [Job Title] interview
• Thank you for your time
• Follow-up regarding the [Job Title] position
• [Job Title] interview - next steps
• Great speaking with you about [Job Title]

Common Follow-Up Email Mistakes

1. Avoid sending a long message, contacting the interviewer repeatedly or asking for an immediate decision. 
2. Do not use generic AI-written copy without personalising it. Harvard Career Services recommends adding your own voice and specific details when using AI to draft a thank-you note.
3. Before sending, check the interviewer’s name, company name and job title carefully.

Get Ready for Your Next Tech Interview

A strong follow-up email can reinforce your professionalism, but the interview itself remains the most important part of the process.

If you are working with an Emanate recruiter, they will guide communication with the employer and keep you informed throughout the hiring process, so you can focus on other things. 

Read Emanate Technology’s Ultimate Interview Guide for practical preparation advice, or browse current technology jobs across Australia or submit your CV for future opportunities.