So, you’ve had your interview, nailed every question, and left feeling confident. But then, silence. Days pass by, uncertainty starts to creep in, and you still haven’t heard back. What now? Following up with a potential employer can feel nerve-wracking, but it’s a critical part of the job-hunting process.
At General Assembly, we know how important it is to make a strong impression—even after the interview is over. Through our Career Services team, we help job seekers refine the art of professional communication, including the all-important job interview follow-up. Because while we love teaching in-demand hard skills in disciplines like software engineering, data, UX design, and more, we equally love arming all our learners with the soft skills they need to succeed.
So, without further ado, here’s our tried-and-true guide to mastering the job interview follow-up. Trust us, it’s nothing you need to dread.
Timing is everything
The first step in following up after a job interview is knowing when to do it. Typically, you’ll want to give the employer some breathing room before reaching out. If the interviewer mentioned a specific timeline—like “we’ll get back to you in a week”—wait a few days after that deadline has passed.
If no timeline was given, it’s generally acceptable to follow up seven to 10 business days after the interview. This usually gives the employer enough time to evaluate candidates while keeping you top of mind.
Pro tip from GA Career Coaches: When in doubt, ask about next steps at the end of your interview. Asking a question like, “When should I expect to hear from you?” shows initiative and helps you set clear expectations for follow-ups.
Crafting the perfect follow-up email
Your follow-up email should strike the right balance of polite, professional, and enthusiastic. Not sure what to say? Here’s a simple structure to get you started:
- Subject line: Keep it straightforward. Something like “Follow-up on [Position] Interview – [your name]” works perfectly
- Greeting: Address your interviewer by name (and be sure to double-check their name’s spelling)
- Express gratitude: Start by thanking them for the opportunity to interview
- Show enthusiasm: Reaffirm your interest in the role and the company
- Politely ask for an update: Mention that you’re eager to know about next steps (reference the initial timeline if provided)
- Keep it short and sweet: Your email shouldn’t feel like an essay—three to five sentences will do
Here’s an example:
Subject: Follow-up on marketing manager interview – [your name]
Dear [interviewer’s first name],
Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me [last week] to discuss the marketing manager position at [company name]. I really enjoyed learning more about the team and the exciting projects in the pipeline.
I wanted to follow up to see if there’s been any update regarding next steps in the hiring process. I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to [specific project/goal discussed in the interview] and am happy to provide any additional information you might need.
Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your full name]
Pro tip from GA Career Services: Did you discuss something specific in your interview, like a unique skill or idea you brought to the table? Reference it in your follow-up email to make your message even more memorable.
What if you still don’t hear back?
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not hear back. While this can be disappointing, it’s important not to take it personally. Companies often face delays, shifting priorities, or internal processes that extend timelines.
If it’s been more than two weeks since your follow-up email with no response, you can send a polite second email. After that, it’s best to move forward with other opportunities—there’s no need to keep following up indefinitely.
Pro tip from GA Career Coaches: Job searching is as much about mindset as it is about strategy. Stay positive, keep networking, and remember that each interview is a chance to improve your skills.
How General Assembly can help you stand out in your job search
At General Assembly, we don’t just teach coding, data, and UX design—we also prepare you for the job market with the skills employers want. Our Career Services team offers personalized support to help you navigate every stage of the job hunt, including:
- Tailored guidance on follow-up communication: Learn how to write professional emails that leave a lasting impression
- Mock interviews: Practice your responses, body language, and tone with industry professionals
- Soft skills workshops: Build confidence in areas like communication, time management, and networking
- Job search strategy sessions: Get insider tips on everything from resume writing to LinkedIn optimization
With the expert advice and hands-on practice only General Assembly offers, you’ll be equipped to handle the job interview follow-up process—and the entire job search—with confidence.
Don’t wait—sharpening your skills starts today
Following up after an interview can feel daunting, but it’s a skill you can master with practice and preparation. And if you’re looking to sharpen your skills to get an edge on your competition, explore how our tech training courses can help you develop the hard skills—and soft skills—you need to land your dream job.