The interview went well. They said, "We'll get back to you within a week." Ten days later: nothing. You're torn. Following up might look pushy. Staying silent might let your candidacy die quietly.

The rule is simple: following up is normal, and doing nothing is the only real risk. The skill is in the timing and the message.

When to follow up

It depends on what you were told:

  • A timeline was given: follow up two business days after it passes. Not before: you'd be contradicting what they said.
  • No timeline given: wait five to seven business days after the interview. A decision often takes two to three weeks, and a few days of silence isn't a rejection.
  • Multiple rounds: count from your last interview, and expect weeks rather than days.

These are common patterns, not rules: a small company may answer in two days, a large one in a month.

Who to email

The person who interviewed you, ideally the one who gave the timeline. If you met a recruiter and then a hiring manager, follow up with the recruiter: they run the schedule. If you only have a generic "careers@" address, use it, but try to find a named contact on LinkedIn too.

Three templates

First follow-up (the deadline has passed)

Subject: Following up: [Role] interview on [date] Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on our conversation on [date] about the [Role] position. It strengthened my interest, especially [specific topic you discussed]. Do you have an update on your timeline? I'm happy to provide anything else you need. Best, [Your name]

Second follow-up (a week later, add value)

Subject: Re: Following up: [Role] interview Hi [Name], Quick note: since we spoke, I've been thinking about [challenge they mentioned], and thought you might find this useful: [article or idea]. I remain very interested in the role. Let me know if I can help move things forward.

Final follow-up (firm, gracious)

Hi [Name], I haven't heard back, so I understand the process may have moved on. If the position has been filled, I'd love to stay in touch for future opportunities. Thank you again for your time.

This last message gets replies more often than you'd expect, because it relieves the recruiter of the awkwardness of not having answered.

What not to do

  • Follow up every two days. Three messages a week apart are enough; more is pestering.
  • Show frustration. "I still haven't heard anything" says the opposite of what you want to say.
  • Call without warning. Email lets people answer when they have the information; a call forces an answer on the spot, often a no.
  • Wait for the perfect moment. A short message on day seven beats a perfect one on day twenty-one.
Key takeaway: follow up two days after the deadline, no more than three times, and always add something new or offer a graceful exit.

The real problem is forgetting: with fifteen active applications, nobody remembers whom to chase and when. Write the date down as you leave the interview. In Prepint, you set "follow up with Julie" as a dated next action and it rises to the top of your dashboard that day. For applications that never reached an interview, see our guide on tracking your applications, and don't skip the thank-you email.