Interviews
Following up after an interview (without being pushy)
A short thank-you note and one well-timed follow-up keep you on the employer's mind. Here's when to send each.
Universal Hiring Careers Team · Aug 9, 2026 · 4 min read
InterviewsThe interview is over. What you do in the next week can still make a difference.
Send a thank-you the same day
A short email is enough: thank them for their time, mention one thing you enjoyed talking about, and repeat that you're interested in the role. Keep it to four or five sentences.
Ask about timing before you leave
"When do you expect to make a decision?" is a normal, professional question. It tells you when a follow-up makes sense.
Follow up once, after the date passes
If the date they gave has come and gone, wait two or three business days, then send one polite note asking whether there's an update.
Keep looking in the meantime
Hiring often takes longer than employers expect. Keep applying until you have an offer in writing.
If the answer is no
Reply to thank them anyway and ask to be kept in mind for future roles. People remember a gracious reply, and new openings come up.
