How to Get an Update on a Job Interview

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Following Up Matters (And What You’re Really Asking For)
3. Timing: When to Ask for an Update
4. What to Say: Language That Gets Results
5. Email Subject Lines That Get Opened
6. Templates You Can Use (Copy, Paste, Customize)
7. What to Add That Actually Helps: Value-Driven Follow-Up
8. Using LinkedIn and Phone: When to Diversify Channels
9. International Considerations: Time Zones, Culture, and Mobility
10. Tracking Your Follow-Ups: Systems That Keep You in Control
11. When to Stop Chasing and Move On
12. Handling Common Scenarios and Problems
13. Mistakes to Avoid
14. Integrating Follow-Ups with Career Development and Global Mobility
15. Email Templates Bank (Three Practical Options)
16. Practical Tools and Workflows
17. Reframing the Waiting Period: Productive Activities
18. Measuring Success: When Your Follow-Up Worked (And When It Didn’t)
19. Using Templates and Course Resources to Improve Outcomes
20. When You Want Personalized Support
21. Conclusion
22. FAQ

Introduction

Waiting to hear back after an interview is one of the hardest parts of any job search. The silence can make even confident professionals feel stuck, anxious, or unsure of next steps—especially when you’re balancing career ambitions with relocation, visa timelines, or an international move. You deserve clarity, not confusion. The right follow-up gives you that clarity while reinforcing your professionalism and fit for the role.

Short answer: Ask with clarity, timing, and value. Wait until the timeline given has passed (or about one week if none was provided), send a brief, polite email that reminds them who you are, reiterates interest, and requests an update on next steps. If you don’t get a reply, follow a measured cadence, add a piece of helpful information when appropriate, and move your focus back to active applications and development.

This article will walk you through the full process: when to reach out, exact language to use, variations for recruiters vs. hiring managers, how to follow up across time zones or with relocation/visa sensitivities, when to stop following up, and how to convert the waiting period into progress toward your career goals. I’ll also share templates you can copy and adapt, practical tracking systems, and decision rules that protect your time and professional brand. My aim is to give you a repeatable roadmap so every follow-up becomes a confident step forward, not a worrying shot in the dark.

My main message: follow-ups are a professional habit that create clarity, reinforce your candidacy, and keep you moving forward—use a clear timeline, add relevant value, and protect your energy by balancing persistence with progress.

Why Following Up Matters (And What You’re Really Asking For)

The dual purpose of a follow-up

When you send an update request after an interview, you’re doing two things at once. First, you’re asking for information: a status update about the role, the timeline, or the next steps. Second, you’re reinforcing your candidacy: you’re reminding the hiring team you exist, you care, and you are organized enough to follow through.

Those two goals must remain balanced. Demand too much information too early and you may appear impatient. Say nothing and you risk fading from memory. The effective follow-up accomplishes both without being intrusive: it prompts a reply while increasing your professional standing.

Why hiring teams don’t always reply quickly

There are many legitimate reasons for delays that have nothing to do with your performance. Budgets change, approvals get stalled, key interviewers are out of office, or new candidates enter the pipeline. For global roles, additional layers—immigration, relocation approvals, and coordination across time zones—often extend timelines. Recognizing this helps you craft realistic expectations and a calm follow-up rhythm.

Psychological and strategic benefits

A timely follow-up reduces uncertainty, which helps you make better decisions about other offers or next steps in your search. Strategically, a short, well-crafted follow-up can nudge a busy recruiter or hiring manager to prioritize your candidacy. It keeps your name top-of-mind in a sea of candidates and positions you as someone who communicates professionally—an important trait for most roles, particularly those involving stakeholder management or international teams.

Timing: When to Ask for an Update

Ask based on the timeline they gave

Always start by respecting what they told you. If the recruiter or interviewer said, “We’ll decide in two weeks,” wait until that two-week window has elapsed, then follow up after a business day or two. Asking before the deadline signals impatience and often yields no new information.

When they didn’t give a timeline

If you have no timeline, a good rule of thumb is to wait one week after the interview for an initial check-in. For very senior roles or complex global assignments, extend that to 10–14 days because those processes typically involve more stakeholders.

The 10-Day Rule (practical cadence)

A reliable personal rule I coach professionals to use is the 10-Day Rule: after your interview, wait ten days before sending the first check-in if the hiring team said “we’ll be in touch next week.” If you still haven’t heard back after your first follow-up, wait another ten days before your second. This provides enough time for internal processes while keeping you connected to the conversation.

Special cases: urgent timelines and visa-driven windows

If you are juggling visa deadlines, relocation windows, or an expat start date, you may need to compress timing—but always communicate the reason for your urgency. In that case, your first follow-up should briefly explain the constraint: a straightforward, factual sentence that signals your need for information without pressuring the team.

What to Say: Language That Gets Results

The single most important principle is brevity with specificity. Hiring teams are busy; your follow-up should get to the point quickly and make it easy for them to respond.

Four elements every follow-up should include

• A gratitude opener thanking the interviewer for their time.
• A clear reference to the role and interview date so they can locate your file quickly.
• A short request for a status update or next steps.
• A closing line that restates interest and offers to provide any additional information.

Here’s the structure in prose form: open with appreciation, remind them who you are and the role, ask for a short update on timing or next steps, and close by reiterating interest and availability.

Tone and phrasing that works

Use confident, positive, and professional language. Examples of effective sentences include:

• “Thank you again for meeting with me on [date]; I enjoyed discussing [topic]. Could you share any updates on the hiring timeline?”
• “I’m still very interested in the [role] and wanted to check in on next steps when you have a moment.”
• “If it helps the team, I can provide [example deliverable] or arrange a time to discuss [specific topic].”

Avoid sounding apologetic (“Sorry to bother you”) or impatient (“Any news yet?”). Both reduce the professionalism of the message.

Email Subject Lines That Get Opened

Subject lines should be clear, team-friendly, and context-rich so the recipient can quickly see what the message is about. Lead with your name and the position.

• [Your Name] — Update on [Job Title] Interview (Date)
• Following up: [Job Title] Interview on [Date]
• Quick question on next steps — [Job Title]

If you’ve been communicating with a recruiter or hiring manager via email thread, reply to the most recent message rather than starting a new thread. That increases the likelihood of a prompt reply because it keeps the context together.

Templates You Can Use (Copy, Paste, Customize)

Below are three short templates to use at different stages. Use them as-is or modify to fit the specifics of your conversation. Keep them under four sentences where possible and personalize the bracketed fields.

1. Initial follow-up (if timeline passed)
   • Subject: [Your Name] — Update on [Job Title] Interview (Date)
   • Body: Hi [Name], thank you again for meeting with me on [date]. I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic] and I remain very interested in the [job title] role. Could you share any update on the timeline or next steps when you have a moment? Best, [Your Name]
2. Second follow-up (one week after first)
   • Subject: Following up — [Job Title] Interview
   • Body: Hi [Name], I wanted to follow up on my email from last week regarding next steps for the [job title] role. I’m still very interested in contributing to [specific team or goal]. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide. Thank you, [Your Name]
3. Final polite close (last attempt)
   • Subject: Final follow-up — [Job Title]
   • Body: Hi [Name], a quick final note to check if there’s any update on the [job title] role. If you’ve moved forward with another candidate, I appreciate the opportunity to interview and would welcome future consideration. Wishing you a successful hire, [Your Name]

(These three templates are included as a numbered list to make sequencing clear. Use them as your editable template bank.)

What to Add That Actually Helps: Value-Driven Follow-Up

Generic follow-ups often get ignored. A message that contains a small, relevant addition—a brief insight, a resource, or a quick deliverable—stands out because it demonstrates active thinking and adds immediate value.

Types of value you can add

• A relevant article or study that directly ties to a pain point discussed in the interview.
• A brief bullet summary (one sentence) of how you would approach a problem they raised.
• A recent accomplishment or sample of work that is directly relevant and can be attached as a single file.

Make the addition small and directly relevant. A two-sentence insight or a single one-page PDF is more effective than a long attachment.

Using LinkedIn and Phone: When to Diversify Channels

Email is usually the best first channel for a follow-up because it’s non-intrusive and recordable. However, there are times when other channels are useful.

When to use LinkedIn

If your recruiter or hiring manager is active on LinkedIn and you already connected, a short, professional message referencing the interview can work. Keep it as brief as an email: one sentence of thanks, one sentence asking for timeline update. Avoid public comments or tagging—keep communication private.

When a phone call makes sense

Call only if the interviewer specifically suggested phone updates, or if you’re managing time-sensitive constraints (e.g., visa deadlines) and have not received an email reply. When you call, keep it short and state the purpose: “I’m calling to check whether there’s a decision timeline for the [job title] role.” If voicemail, leave the same succinct message and an offer to follow up by email.

Working with recruiters vs. hiring managers

If you’re working through a recruiter, funnel your update requests through them first. Recruiters are incentivized to keep candidates informed because it helps them close the role. For internal hiring managers, use the timeline and formality they prefer—some prefer brief messages, others direct calls for senior roles.

International Considerations: Time Zones, Culture, and Mobility

Time zones and responsiveness

When communicating across time zones, be explicit about your availability and timeline needs. If you are in a different country than the hiring team, include a line like: “I’m currently available for calls between [time range] GMT+X.” This removes friction and makes scheduling easier.

Cultural communication preferences

Different countries and cultures have varying norms around follow-up frequency and formality. In some cultures brief directness is appreciated; in others, a warmer tone and added context build trust. Match the tone you experienced during the interview and default to the more formal end if you’re unsure.

Relocation and visa sensitivity

For roles tied to relocation or visa sponsorship, clarify any constraints early and reference them politely in follow-ups when appropriate. A single line that explains your timeline—“I need to confirm travel/visa arrangements by [date]”—provides legitimate context for a more urgent update request.

Tracking Your Follow-Ups: Systems That Keep You in Control

A simple tracking system prevents you from over-following and helps you manage multiple processes.

Use a compact spreadsheet with the following columns: Company, Role, Interview Date, Contact Name & Role, Last Contact Date, Next Scheduled Follow-up, Status, Notes. Mark each follow-up as “value added” if you attached an insight or sample; track responses and outcomes. Set calendar reminders for your next step (e.g., 10 days after interview).

Automation tools like email schedulers can help send polite follow-ups at the right cadence, but avoid fully automating personalized messages. A templated base that you customize for each recipient strikes the right balance.

When to Stop Chasing and Move On

Persistence is a strength until it becomes counterproductive. After two follow-ups with no reply, shift your energy toward other opportunities. Continued outreach beyond two polite emails with no response risks damaging your professional reputation and wastes time.

That said, one smart “final note” that invites future consideration keeps doors open. It should be brief, gracious, and open-ended: express thanks, note you’ll continue pursuing other opportunities, and invite them to reconnect if anything changes.

Handling Common Scenarios and Problems

Scenario: They ghost after offering a second interview

If you were told you’ll move to the next round and then hear nothing, treat it like any other delay. Wait the timeline given plus one day before following up. Frame your message around your continued interest and ask whether there’s anything you can prepare for the next stage.

Scenario: You have an offer elsewhere and need an answer

If you receive an offer from another employer and need an update, be transparent. Email the hiring manager or recruiter: “I wanted to let you know I have an external offer and need to respond by [date]. I remain very interested in your role and would appreciate any update you can share on your timeline.” This creates legitimate urgency and often prompts a faster decision.

Scenario: You need to relocate or make visa plans

Explain your constraints succinctly and supply a date by which you require confirmation. Keep the tone factual and professional; for example, “I’m currently planning relocation and would appreciate guidance on the expected timeline so I can coordinate arrangements.”

Scenario: You get a vague response (“we’ll be in touch”)

If the reply is non-specific, ask a clarifying question: “Can you share the expected date range for a decision or whether additional interviews are required?” This requests a concrete timeline and gives you data to plan.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending overly long emails or repeating everything from the interview.
• Excessive frequency—multiple messages in a single week without new information.
• Being defensive or frustrated in tone if you don’t hear back.
• Attaching large files or multiple documents without asking—keep attachments small and relevant.
• Burning bridges by reacting publicly or emotionally (e.g., negative social media posts).

Integrating Follow-Ups with Career Development and Global Mobility

Your follow-up behavior is connected to broader career habits: clarity, consistency, and communication. Use the waiting period productively to refine your pitch, update documents, and expand your network—especially important if you’re pursuing international roles where the hiring cycle can be longer.

For example, use this time to update your resume and cover letter templates with role-specific language so you’re ready for the next opening. If you need assistance polishing documents, take advantage of free resources like the downloadable resume templates that give you a professional edge in tight hiring markets. These small improvements compound: better documents lead to better interviews, which shorten the waiting cycle.

If a longer-term coaching path would help you manage confidence, interview strategy, and the unique challenges of global moves, consider a structured course that rebuilds your interview skills and decision frameworks. A targeted career-confidence course helps you convert interview feedback into a stronger future performance and reduces anxiety during the waiting periods.

(If you want tailored, one-on-one clarity on a role, you can also book a free discovery call to create a personalized follow-up and job search roadmap.)

Email Templates Bank (Three Practical Options)

Below are three concise templates placed as a numbered list so you can copy and adapt. These are short, professional, and designed to elicit a clear response.

1. Post-interview status check (timeline passed)
   • Subject: [Your Name] — Update on [Job Title] Interview (Date)
   • Body: Hi [Name], thank you again for speaking with me on [date]. I enjoyed our discussion on [specific topic]. I wanted to check in on the hiring timeline and next steps for the [job title] role. I’m still very interested and happy to provide anything else the team needs. Best, [Your Name]
2. Follow-up with added value
   • Subject: Following up + brief idea for [topic]
   • Body: Hi [Name], following our conversation, I thought you might find [one-sentence resource or idea] helpful for [team goal]. I remain very interested in the [job title] role—could you share any updates on next steps when convenient? Thank you, [Your Name]
3. Deadline-driven note (you have another offer)
   • Subject: Quick update — decision timeline
   • Body: Hi [Name], I wanted to let you know I’ve received an offer with an acceptance deadline of [date]. I remain very interested in the [job title] role and would appreciate any update you can share on your timeline before I respond to the other offer. Thank you, [Your Name]

(These templates are intended to be short and easy to personalize; save them in your tracking sheet for quick reuse.)

Practical Tools and Workflows

• Use a simple spreadsheet to track every interview and follow-up date.
• Set two calendar reminders: one for the initial follow-up and another for your final follow-up if no response.
• Use an email scheduling tool to send follow-ups at optimal business hours in the recipient’s time zone.
• Keep a short library of one-paragraph, role-specific value-adds you can attach to follow-ups.
• Maintain a single “Follow-up” email subject pattern to help hiring managers locate your messages in their inbox.

Reframing the Waiting Period: Productive Activities

Instead of letting waiting sap your energy, set a short, purposeful to-do list for the interval between follow-ups. Activities include updating role-specific examples in your resume, practicing your narrative for a next-round interview, networking with people at the company, or taking a focused interview skills module to sharpen your responses. If you need help structuring that plan, a targeted course can provide a step-by-step method to strengthen your interview performance and confidence.

Measuring Success: When Your Follow-Up Worked (And When It Didn’t)

A successful follow-up either gives you a timeline, yields an invitation to the next round, or provides closure (a rejection or confirmation). If you get a timeline, mark it and follow it. If you are invited to another stage, treat the follow-up process as a success and prepare accordingly. If you don’t hear back after two polite, value-adding messages, treat the process as closed in practical terms and shift resources to opportunities where you can control the next steps.

Using Templates and Course Resources to Improve Outcomes

Your outreach and post-interview behavior improve with practice and structure. Free resume and cover letter templates can reduce friction in preparing application documents and make you stronger in subsequent interviews. For deeper change—shifting your mindset, building a consistent pre- and post-interview routine, and improving your messaging—structured learning via a career-confidence course can produce measurable improvements in responses and interview outcomes.

When You Want Personalized Support

If you find yourself repeatedly in situations where you’re unsure how to follow up effectively, or you want a tailored interview and follow-up plan for a cross-border move or senior role, consider working directly with a coach. A short discovery conversation will let you clarify your goals, map a timeframe, and define a follow-up rhythm that fits your situation and local cultural norms.

(If this is helpful, you can book a free discovery call to explore a personalized roadmap that fits your timeline and global mobility needs.)

Conclusion

Getting an update after a job interview is not about persistence alone—it’s about purposeful communication. Use clear timing rules, keep messages short and specific, add relevant value, and track every step so you don’t waste energy on silence. For global professionals, those same habits are essential: they give you control over relocation timing, visa planning, and international negotiations. Following up smartly protects your professional brand while giving you the information you need to make confident career choices.

Ready to build your personalized roadmap and get clarity around your next career move? Book a free discovery call.

FAQ

Q: How many times should I follow up if I don’t hear back?
A: Two polite follow-ups is a practical maximum for initial outreach. After two attempts without a reply, redirect your energy to other active opportunities. You can close with a brief final message that keeps the door open for future roles.

Q: Should I follow up if the interviewer gave me a vague timeline?
A: Wait the high end of the vague timeline plus one working day. If they said “we’ll be in touch next week,” wait 10 days before your first check-in. Use your follow-ups to ask for a specific range if you need to plan.

Q: What if I need an update for visa or relocation reasons?
A: Be transparent and factual. Explain the constraint and provide a clear date by which you need information. That legitimate context often accelerates responses without seeming pushy.

Q: Can I use LinkedIn to ask for an update?
A: Yes, but keep the message short and private. Email is generally preferred because it’s the formal record and less likely to be missed. Use LinkedIn only as a secondary method when email threads are unavailable or you’ve already connected.