Interview Follow Up

You’ve done the hard part, completed your interview, answered the questions, and made your case. But your work isn’t over yet. In today’s competitive job market, following up after an interview is not just polite, it’s strategic. A thoughtful follow-up can reinforce your interest, leave a positive impression, and sometimes even be the difference between getting an offer or not.

At Ask Remotely, we help remote job seekers navigate the hiring process with confidence and clarity. Here’s your guide to the what, when, and how of professional interview follow-up, especially tailored for remote and U.S.-based roles.

Why Following Up After an Interview Matters

A follow-up shows:

• Gratitude for the interviewer’s time

• Professionalism and attention to detail

• Continued interest in the role

• Communication skills, which are critical in remote work environments

Employers are more likely to remember—and favor—candidates who make the effort to follow up, especially when they’re evaluating multiple applicants for a single role.

Step 1: Send a Thank-You Email (Within 24 Hours)

The most important follow-up step is sending a thank-you email shortly after the interview—ideally within 24 hours.

What to Include:

• A genuine thank you for the interviewer’s time

• A reference to something specific from your conversation

• Reaffirmation of your interest in the role and the company

• A reminder of why you’re a great fit

Sample Thank-You Email:

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name]

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I really enjoyed learning more about your team’s goals and the exciting direction the company is heading.

Our discussion about [mention something specific—like a project, challenge, or value] really resonated with me and further confirmed my interest in joining your team. With my background in [Your Skill/Experience] and passion for [Relevant Industry/Field], I’m confident I could bring value and support your team’s growth.

Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide as you move forward with the hiring process.

Thanks again,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[LinkedIn Profile or Website Link, if applicable]

Step 2: Follow Up Again if You Haven’t Heard Back

If the company gave you a timeline (e.g., “We’ll be in touch by next week”) and that date has passed, it’s perfectly acceptable to follow up.

When to follow up:

• Wait 4–7 business days after the expected decision date.

• If no timeline was given, wait about 7–10 days after your interview.

What to say:

Keep it short, respectful, and positive. Reiterate your interest and ask for an update.

Sample Follow-Up Email:

Subject: Following Up – [Job Title] Interview

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding the [Job Title] position I interviewed for on [Date]. I’m still very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to [specific area discussed].

I understand these decisions take time, but I’d appreciate any updates you can share about the next steps in the process.

Thank you again, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Step 3: Know When to Move On

If you’ve followed up a few times and still haven’t received a response, it’s okay to let go and move forward.

Tip: Always keep applying to other opportunities while you wait—don’t pause your job search for a single role.

If you do receive a rejection, respond graciously. You never know when another opportunity might arise within the same company.

Rejection Response Example:

Thank you for letting me know. While I’m disappointed, I truly appreciated the chance to learn more about your team and the role. Please keep me in mind for future opportunities—I’d be excited to work with [Company Name] down the line.

Bonus: Connect on LinkedIn

If you felt a good connection with the interviewer or hiring manager, send a polite LinkedIn connection request after your follow-up.

Example message:

Hi [Name], I really enjoyed our conversation about the [Job Title] role. I’d love to stay in touch and follow your work here on LinkedIn.

This helps you expand your professional network—and keeps you on their radar for future roles.

Ask Remotely: Helping You Stand Out

At Ask Remotely, we offer more than just job listings. Our career tools include:

• Email templates for interview follow-ups

• AI-powered résumé and cover letter tips

• Remote interview coaching

• Insights into company response timelines

• Resources to help you move on with confidence

Following up after an interview might seem like a small step, but it has a big impact. It reinforces your professionalism, shows your enthusiasm, and keeps the conversation going, even after the Zoom call ends.

Whether you’re applying to U.S.-based companies or global remote roles, take the time to follow up the right way, and increase your chances of landing the job.

Explore Ask Remotely’s career support hub for more interview and follow-up resources tailored to your job search journey.