The follow-up email is where most candidates either blow it or ghost themselves. Too eager and you look desperate. Too laid-back and they think you're not interested. Here's exactly when to send what.

The Thank-You Email: 24 Hours Max

When: Within 24 hours of the interview. Ideally same day.

Why: Shows you're organized, professional, and actually interested. 80% of hiring managers say thank-you notes influence their decision, but only 24% of candidates send them. Easy win.

What to include:

• Thanks for their time
• One specific thing from the conversation that resonated
• Brief reiteration of why you're excited about the role
• Any follow-up you promised (portfolio link, references, etc.)

Keep it short. Three paragraphs max. They're busy.

The Check-In Email: Timing Depends on What They Told You

If they said "We'll get back to you by Friday": Wait until Monday. Give them the timeline they requested plus one business day.

If they said "We'll be in touch soon" (no specific timeline): Wait 7-10 business days, then send a polite check-in.

If they said "We're interviewing through next week, then deciding": Wait until the week after their stated decision period, then follow up.

What to say: "Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my interview for the [Role] position on [Date]. I'm still very interested in the opportunity and would love to know where things stand. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Thanks!"

Short, professional, doesn't sound annoying.

The Second Follow-Up: One More Try, Then Move On

When: Another week after your first follow-up if you heard nothing.

What to say: "Hi [Name], I know hiring timelines can shift, so I wanted to reach out one more time about the [Role] position. I'm still very interested, but I also want to be respectful of your time. If you're able to share any updates on timing or next steps, I'd really appreciate it. If not, I totally understand. Thanks again for considering me."

This gives them an out while showing you're still interested.

After this? Stop following up. Move on. If they wanted you, they'd respond. Getting ghosted sucks, but harassing them won't change their mind.

Special Situations

You have another offer with a deadline: Email or call immediately. Don't wait for their timeline.

"Hi [Name], I wanted to let you know that I've received another offer with a decision deadline of [Date]. [Your Company] is still my top choice, and I'm hoping to understand where I stand in your process. Is there any way to expedite a decision, or can you give me a sense of timeline? I appreciate any guidance you can provide."

This is completely reasonable and often speeds things up. Good companies won't penalize you for having options.

You forgot to mention something important in the interview: Send a quick note within 24-48 hours.

"Hi [Name], thank you again for taking the time to interview me yesterday. I realized after we spoke that I didn't mention [relevant accomplishment/experience]. I wanted to make sure you had the full picture: [brief explanation]. Looking forward to hearing from you!"

This shows thoughtfulness, not desperation.

What NOT to Do

Don't follow up every other day. You're not refreshing their memory, you're annoying them.

Don't write a novel. Nobody's reading your 600-word follow-up email. Keep it brief.

Don't neg them. "I'm sure you're busy, but..." or "I know you probably forgot about me..." makes it weird. Stay professional.

Don't follow up on nights or weekends. Send emails during business hours. Monday-Thursday, 9-5. Schedule send if you have to.

Don't connect on LinkedIn before they respond. Especially with the generic "I'd like to add you to my professional network" message. Weird energy.

The Harsh Truth

If you've followed up twice and gotten zero response, they're not hiring you. They're either going with someone else, the role got put on hold, or they're disorganized. Either way, continuing to follow up won't help.

It's not about you—hiring processes are messy and companies are bad at communication. Move on to opportunities with companies that actually respond like professionals.

The Bottom Line

Following up shows interest without being pushy if you time it right. 24 hours for thank you, 7-10 days for check-in, one more week if you hear nothing, then done.

Set reminders on your calendar so you don't have to remember. Track your applications and follow-ups in a spreadsheet. Make it systematic, not emotional.

And remember: if a company can't be bothered to respond to your professional, appropriately-timed follow-ups, that tells you something about how they treat people. Sometimes the trash takes itself out.