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Work & Career

Following up after an interview

Send a short thank-you the same day, or within 24 hours at most, even if the interview didn't go well. Thank them, say you still want the job, and add anything important you forgot to mention.

Easy15 minFree

You'll need

  • The interviewer's name and title, and their email if you have it

What to know

  1. Send it fast: the same day if you can (U.S. Department of Labor), and no later than 24 hours after the interview (CareerOneStop).
  2. Pick a format. A mailed note is an excellent choice, and email works when time is short (CareerOneStop).
  3. Address it to the interviewer by name and title. If several people interviewed you, send each a note, or send one to a key person to share (CareerOneStop).
  4. Keep it brief: thank them, say you're still interested, restate a skill or two, and add anything important you forgot (CareerOneStop).
  5. If you agreed on a date and time to follow up, put it in your note, then follow up when you said you would (CareerOneStop).
Watch out. Proofread it, and check the spelling of their name. A typo in a two-line email is the only thing they'll remember.

If it doesn't work

  • Didn't get the job? A short note saying you're still interested in the company can pay off. Hiring managers often return to people they've interviewed when new jobs open (U.S. Department of Labor).
  • No email address? A handwritten or typed note by mail works, and so does thanking them in person or by phone (CareerOneStop).
  • Someone gave you a lead or served as a reference? Thank them too (CareerOneStop).

Good to know

A sample note

"Hi Ms. Lee, thank you for meeting with me today about the stock associate job. I enjoyed hearing how your team handles the morning truck, and I'm still very interested. I forgot to mention that I finished a workplace safety course at school. Thanks again for your time. Jordan Smith, 555-555-0123"

References count too

After an interview, thank your references, and let them know when you get a job (CareerOneStop).

Sources

  1. CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) Thank-you notes
  2. U.S. Department of Labor TEAMS Interview Skills participant guide (PDF, Feb. 2026)
  3. CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) Resumes (GetMyFuture)

Lesson W3.5 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed. See a mistake?