How to Reach Out After an Interview Without Sounding Desperate

You’ve just wrapped up an interview, and things felt promising. You connected with the interviewer, answered questions confidently, and left with a sense of momentum. Now comes the part that often makes candidates second-guess themselves and freeze when having to send a follow up email after the interview. How do you check in without coming across as pushy or impatient? When is the best time to send this email to not sound too eager? The key is to communicate with confidence, gratitude, and professionalism.

Time to Follow Up After an Interview

Following up after an interview is not only expected but also an opportunity to reinforce your interest in the role and your professionalism. It puts your profile back at the top of the hiring manager’s mind after interviewing a group of candidates. Many hiring managers view a thoughtful follow-up as a sign of genuine enthusiasm. Timing matters here, so wait about 24 to 48 hours after your interview before sending a message. This window shows attentiveness without appearing overeager.

If your interview was on a Friday, it’s best to send your interview follow up email the following Monday morning to ensure it doesn’t get lost over the weekend.

Draft a Thank You Email & Personalize It and Reflect on the Conversation

The first follow-up message should always be a thank you email. Keep it brief and professional, and make sure to personalize it. Reference a specific topic from your discussion to show genuine engagement.

Check out the following resource for how to break down creating a post-interview thank you email: The Power of a Post Interview Thank You Email: When, Why and How to Write One

This simple addition makes your message feel authentic, not templated. Always thank them for their time, restate your interest in the role, and mention that you look forward to hearing about next steps.

How to Avoid Sounding Desperate in Your Interview Follow Up Email

It’s normal to feel anxious while waiting for a response, but that tension should never come through in your message. Keep your tone neutral, professional, and forward-looking. The more collected you come across, the more respect you will receive. Avoid phrases that sound uncertain or impatient such as, “I just wanted to check if you’ve made a decision,” or “I haven’t heard back yet.”

Instead, focus on curiosity and confidence: “I wanted to follow up to see if there are any updates regarding the next steps in the hiring process.”

Additionally, resist the urge to over-message. One thank-you note and one polite check-in email a week or two later are enough. Demonstrating patience and professionalism will always leave a stronger impression than constant follow-ups.

Follow Up with Any Paperwork or Projects They Requested

If the interviewer asked you to provide additional materials such as references, a writing sample, or a short project, use your follow-up email to deliver them promptly. Completing these requests quickly reinforces your dependability and enthusiasm. Work through these asks with a sense of urgency for a quick response, don’t leave a recruiter or hiring manager waiting for things from you.

Attach your materials with a brief note confirming what’s included. For example: “Attached is the presentation we discussed during the interview. Please let me know if there’s anything else you’d like me to provide.”

This approach keeps your message concise while showing that you take initiative and respect deadlines.

Connect with the Interviewers on LinkedIn

After your interview, it’s appropriate to send a LinkedIn connection request to those you met with. Keep your note short and courteous: “It was great meeting you during my interview for the [position title] role. I’d love to stay connected here.”

Connecting on LinkedIn can help you stay visible to the employer and allows you to keep up with company news or updates, which can be helpful if you move forward to another round.

If You Don’t Hear Back, Send a Concise Follow Up Email

If a week or two passes without a response, it’s acceptable to check in. This is simply to put your application to the top of their mind, not an opportunity to grill them for information. Keep this email polite and to the point:

Example interview follow up email:

Subject: Checking in on [Position Title] Interview

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding my interview for the [position title] role on [date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity to contribute to your team and would appreciate any updates on next steps when you have a moment.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

This message keeps things professional and balanced, showing continued interest without sounding impatient.

Preparing for the Next Round Interview

If you receive an invitation to the next round, start preparing immediately. Review your interview notes, revisit the company’s mission and recent updates, and refine your examples of how your skills align with their needs. Be sure to research the company along with their mission and values to make sure everything aligns. For in-person interviews, consider your attire, punctuality, and non-verbal communication. Following up professionally after your first meeting already set the tone. Now, it’s about reinforcing that same level of preparation and professionalism.

Ready For a New Role?

Following up after an interview doesn’t have to feel awkward or uncomfortable. By maintaining a professional tone, showing gratitude, and being respectful of the employer’s timeline, you demonstrate maturity and communication skills that hiring managers value.

If you’re looking to transition careers or explore new job opportunities, connect with one of our experienced recruiters at Professional Alternatives. Our team specializes in helping candidates like you connect with top employers and navigate every step of the hiring process. We help you reformat your resume for specific roles, run through interview prep, and connect you with high value companies to land your next role. Check out our currently open jobs and apply to ones of interest, or submit your resume to be automatically considered for positions that match your skillset and career goals. Take the first step towards your dream job today!