Most candidates skip the follow-up — which is exactly why sending one helps you stand out. Done right, it isn't pushy. It's a brief, genuine thank-you that reminds the interviewer of a specific reason you're a strong fit, and confirms you still want the role.
When to send your follow-up email
Send it within 24 hours of the interview, while the conversation is fresh for everyone. If you interviewed with several people, send each a short, slightly different note rather than one group email. Ask for business cards or note names during the interview so you can address people correctly.
What to include in a post-interview thank-you email
- A clear subject line — e.g. “Thank you — [Role] interview.”
- A genuine thank-you for their time and the conversation.
- One specific detail from the interview — a project, challenge or moment you discussed — to show you were engaged.
- A reaffirmation of your interest and a sentence on why you're a strong fit.
- An offer to provide anything else they need (references, a portfolio, samples).
- A polite sign-off — short and confident, not needy.
Reference something only your interview would have covered — “our conversation about scaling the onboarding flow.” Specifics prove you listened and make the note impossible to mistake for a template.
Keep the tone warm, confident and brief
Aim for four to six sentences. You're grateful, not anxious. Avoid over-apologising or asking when you'll hear back in the first note — a confident, concise message reads far better than a long one. Proofread names and the company spelling before you hit send.
Follow-up email template
Write your follow-up in one tap
Struggling to strike the right tone? With Email Writer, describe the interview in a line and let the app write a polished thank-you — subject line included.
Try a prompt like:
Thank-you email after my marketing interview with Sarah, reaffirm my interest in the role
Choose Short or Medium length and the Professional or Friendly style, tap Compose, and you'll have a ready-to-send note in seconds. Interviewed in another country? Tap Translate to send it in any of 40+ languages.
Send a follow-up that stands out
Email Writer drafts a warm, professional thank-you in seconds — free on iPhone & iPad.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait to follow up?
Send the thank-you within 24 hours. If you were given a decision timeline and it passes with no word, a brief second follow-up after about a week is appropriate.
What if I don't hear back?
Send one polite check-in referencing your interest and the role. Keep it short and don't chase more than once or twice — persistence is good, pressure isn't.
Should I send a thank-you email or a letter?
Email is standard and expected today because it's fast and easy to forward internally. A handwritten note can be a nice extra for very traditional industries, but never a replacement for the email.