It’s totally normal to feel a little anxious after a job interview. You’ve done your part, now what?
Should you send a follow-up email right away? Or is it better to wait?
In this post, we’ll walk you through:
- The best time to follow up after each type of interview
- What to say in your follow-up email
- How to know if your email was even opened
If you haven’t sent a thank-you email yet, that’s your first step. Check out these simple thank-you email templates after an interview, you can copy and use them right away.
TL;DR: How Long to Wait After Interview to Follow Up
- Wait 24–48 hours after a phone interview, 2–3 business days after early rounds, and 3–5 business days after a final interview.
- Respect any timeline the company gives you, then follow up 1–2 days after that.
- Use a tool like MailTracker to see if your email was opened, how many times it was viewed, and to set follow-up reminders.
- A clear, polite follow-up email shows continued interest, keeps your professional brand strong, and helps you stand out from other candidates.
- If there’s still no positive response, send a second follow-up, then keep applying to other legitimate opportunities while you wait.
Why Following Up Is a Good Idea
After an interview, a lot of job seekers ask the same question: “Should I follow up?” The short answer? Yes, and here’s why it matters.
- It shows you’re still interested. A simple follow-up tells the hiring manager you’re excited about the position and still thinking about the opportunity. That kind of enthusiasm stands out in the hiring process.
- It helps them remember you. HR departments and hiring teams talk to a lot of candidates. A quick message brings you back to the top of their mind.
- It makes you look professional. A polite follow-up email shows strong communication skills and a serious attitude about your job search, things every employer appreciates.
Even after just a phone screen, taking this step can leave a positive impression and help you stand out as the best candidate.
When to Follow Up? (Based on the Type of Interview)
Timing matters. You don’t want to follow up too soon and seem pushy, but you also don’t want to wait too long and risk being forgotten.
Here's a simple breakdown to help you send your follow-up at the right time in your job search:
1. After a Phone Interview
Wait 24–48 hours. A phone screen is usually the first step. A short follow-up the next day shows you're interested and on top of things.
2. After a First or Second Interview
Wait 2–3 business days. Give the hiring team a little breathing room. They've likely got more candidates to meet before making a decision.
3. After a Final Interview
Wait 3–5 business days. At this stage, they’re choosing who to hire. A thoughtful follow-up during this waiting period can keep you in the running and show you’re serious about the job.
4. If They Gave You a Timeline
Wait until that timeline ends, then follow up 1–2 days later. Respect the timeline they gave during the interview process.
If they said “you’ll hear back in a week,” wait a full week before sending your first follow-up.
What to Say in Your Follow-Up Email
If you are not sure what to write after the interview, you’re not alone. A lot of job seekers freeze at this step, but your message can be super simple.
Here’s a quick formula that works:
- Start with a good email introduction using the interviewer’s name
- Mention the interview date and the job title
- Ask if there are any updates or next steps
- Thank them for their time and consideration
That’s it. A short, polite follow-up shows you’re still interested and respectful of their time, something hiring managers really appreciate.
Example Follow-Up Email
Here’s a simple follow-up email you can tweak and send after your job interview. Just fill in the blanks and you’re good to go.
Subject: Following up on [Job Title] interview
Hi [Interviewer's Name],
I hope you're doing well. I wanted to follow up on our interview for the [Job Title] position on [Interview Date].
I'm still very interested in the role and would love to hear if there are any updates or next steps in the hiring process.
Thank you again for your time and the great conversation. Best, [Your Name]
Keep it short, professional, and focused on your continued interest. No need to overthink it.
If you’re looking for more options, check out these follow-up email templates after an interview. They’re quick to customize and ready to send.
What If You Don’t Hear Back?
So you’ve sent your follow-up email… and now you’re stuck waiting. No response, no updates, just silence. What now?
This is exactly where MailTracker comes in.
With MailTracker, you don’t have to guess why you haven’t heard back. You can see:
- If your email was opened (or not opened at all)
- If the hiring manager opened it once or multiple times
- How they’re engaging with your message and more
This tells you a lot about what to do next. For example:
- Not opened? You might want to resend it or check if you have the right contact.
- Opened multiple times? That could mean you’re still in the running, and they’re taking time to decide.
- Opened once, no response? You may want to tweak your second follow-up to ask if they need any additional information.
And before you even hit “send,” you can set a follow-up reminder with MailTracker. That way, you stay on track, no more missed chances or awkwardly timed messages.
Smart follow-ups aren’t about guessing. They're about using real data to stay one step ahead in the hiring process.
Ready to Follow Up Like a Pro?
Following up after an interview isn’t just about good manners, it’s a key part of your job search strategy. But here’s the truth:
It only works when you can track what happens next.
With MailTracker, you get real-time insights into the hiring process:
- See if and when your email was opened
- Track how many times the hiring manager engaged with your message
- Set follow-up reminders so you never miss the right moment
This helps you time your messages perfectly, adjust your follow-up approach, and stay one step ahead — without the guesswork.
Get MailTracker Free and take control of your next steps.
FAQs: Following Up After a Job Interview
How long should I wait after an interview to follow up?
A good rule of thumb is to wait the appropriate amount of time based on the interview type:
- Phone interview: about two days
- First or second interview: 2–3 business days
- Final interview: 3–5 business days
If the company gave you a timeline, wait until that ends before following up. Don’t forget to send a thank you note immediately after the interview, that’s your first follow-up.
What if I haven’t heard back and it’s been two weeks?
If it’s been two weeks since your last email and still no word, it’s okay to send a second email. But first, use MailTracker to check if your message was opened. If it wasn’t, the hiring manager may be too busy, or the email may have landed in spam. If it was opened multiple times, they could be comparing you with other candidates.
In the meantime, don’t pause your job application efforts, keep applying to other opportunities.
What should I say in my follow-up email to increase my chances of a response?
Keep your message polite and to the point. Mention the interview date, express your continued interest in the position, and ask if there are any updates or next steps in the hiring process. Showing professionalism reinforces your professional brand and can leave a positive impression on the hiring team.
Can following up too much hurt my chances of getting the job?
Yes. Sending too many messages or sounding impatient can backfire. Use tools like MailTracker to avoid over-following up. You want to appear professional and respectful of the person's time, not overly persistent. The goal is to move the process forward, not pressure the company.
How can I stay confident while waiting to hear back?
It’s normal to feel anxious while waiting to hear back. Focus on what you can control: polish your resume, apply to other applications, and keep preparing for your new job. Each interview (even if it doesn’t lead to a job offer) is a step closer to your dream job. A smart follow-up strategy helps keep your momentum and shows you're always moving forward.
