Follow-Up Letter After Interview — Free Template
If the hiring timeline has passed and you haven't heard anything, a short follow-up letter after the interview is a polite way to check in. It thanks the interviewer again, restates your interest, and asks whether there's an update, without sounding impatient or putting the reader on the spot.
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[Your email and phone]
October 15, 2026
[Interviewer's name]
[Company name]
Re: Thank you — [Job you interviewed for] interview
Dear [Interviewer's name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on [Interview date] to discuss the [Job you interviewed for] position at [Company name]. I enjoyed learning more about the role and the team.
[Something specific you discussed]
[Why you're a strong fit]
I am very interested in this opportunity and would be glad to provide anything else you need. Thank you again for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps.
Best regards,
[Your full name]
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When to follow up
Wait until the timeline the interviewer gave you has passed, plus a few business days. If they didn't give a timeline, a week to ten days after the interview is reasonable. Following up too soon can feel like pressure; waiting too long can look like you've lost interest.
If you've already sent a thank-you note, this letter is your second contact. One more follow-up a week or two later is fine if you still hear nothing, but after that, it's best to move on.
What to say
Keep it short and upbeat. Mention the role and your interview date, remind them of something you discussed, and ask politely about the timeline. Add something new if you can — a recent accomplishment, a relevant course or an idea related to the conversation.
Avoid guilt or frustration, like I haven't heard anything and I'm wondering why. Hiring delays are usually about the company's process, not about you, and a gracious follow-up leaves a good impression either way.
What to do, step by step
Send it within a day
Aim to send your thank-you within 24 hours of the interview, while the conversation is still fresh for both of you. Email is fine and usually best for speed.
Get names right
Check the spelling of each interviewer's name and title. If you don't have them, look at the calendar invite, the company website or ask the recruiter.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Mention one specific thing you discussed, connect it to your experience, and follow through on anything you promised to send.
Keep it short
Three or four short paragraphs is enough. The goal is to thank them and remind them why you're a strong fit, not to repeat the whole interview.
Proofread, then send
Read it out loud to catch typos. Use a clear subject line, such as Thank you — Marketing Coordinator interview, and send a separate note to each interviewer if you met several people.
What if you don't hear back after your thank-you letter?
Hiring often takes longer than expected. If the interviewer gave you a timeline, wait until it passes, plus a few business days. If not, a week to ten days after the interview is a reasonable time to follow up.
Keep your follow-up short and positive: restate your interest, ask whether there's an update on the timeline, and offer to provide anything else they need. One or two follow-ups is plenty; more can start to feel like pressure.
Keep applying elsewhere while you wait. If you get another offer, it's fine to let this employer know politely and ask whether they can share where you stand. A gracious approach keeps the door open even if this role doesn't work out.
Example follow-up letter after interview
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Aisha Romero
aisha.romero@email.com · (303) 555-0129
October 5, 2026
Ms. Okafor
Halvorsen Foods
Re: Thank you — Marketing Coordinator interview
Dear Ms. Okafor,
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on September 22, 2026 to discuss the Marketing Coordinator position at Halvorsen Foods. I enjoyed learning more about the role and the team.
I wanted to follow up on our conversation about the upcoming launch of your plant-based snack line. You mentioned that the team hoped to make a decision by the end of September, and I wanted to check whether there is any update on the timeline.
In my current role at Peak Outdoor Supply, I coordinated a regional product launch that reached 140 stores in eight weeks, working closely with sales, design and our distribution partners. I would love to bring that experience to your team.
Since we spoke, I completed a certificate course in retail category marketing, which I think would be useful for your grocery partnerships.
I am very interested in this opportunity and would be glad to provide anything else you need. Thank you again for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps.
Best regards,
Aisha Romero
Frequently asked questions
How many times should I follow up after an interview?
Usually one thank-you note and one or two follow-ups, spaced a week or more apart. If you still haven't heard back after that, focus on other opportunities. You can always reach out again if your situation changes.
Should I follow up by phone or email?
Email is usually best because the interviewer can reply when it suits them. A phone call can work if the interviewer invited it or if you have another offer with a deadline.
What if I have another offer and need an answer?
It's fine to say so politely. Explain that you've received another offer, that this role is your first choice, and ask whether they can share an update by a certain date. Be honest about the deadline.
What if the company tells me they chose someone else?
Reply briefly to thank them for their time and say you'd welcome being considered for future roles. Hiring managers remember gracious candidates, and second-choice candidates are sometimes contacted when the first hire doesn't work out.
Is it better to send a thank-you email or a handwritten note after an interview?
Email is the most common choice and arrives quickly, which matters when decisions are made within days. A handwritten note can stand out at smaller or more traditional companies. Some people send a quick email and follow up with a short card.
How soon should I send a thank-you letter after an interview?
Within 24 hours is ideal, and certainly within two days. A prompt thank-you shows enthusiasm and arrives while the interviewer is still forming their impression of the candidates. If you interviewed on a Friday, sending it that evening or Monday morning is fine.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.