Following up after an interview

What to know

1. Before you leave the interview, ask about next steps or when it would be good to follow up. Source: Dept. of Labor³ Get the names and titles of everyone you met.
2. Right after, jot down what you talked about: names, a detail about the job, anything you promised to send, anything you forgot to say.
3. Send a thank-you the same day if you can, Source: Dept. of Labor³ and no later than 24 hours after, even if the interview didn't go well. Source: CareerOneStop¹ Other candidates sometimes drop out, so you could still be hired. Source: CareerOneStop²
4. Address it to the interviewer by name and title. Send a separate note to each person, or one to a key person to share. Source: CareerOneStop¹
5. Include: thanks for the opportunity, your continued interest, a brief restatement of your qualifications, anything you forgot to mention, anything you promised to send, and when you'll follow up if you agreed on a date. Source: CareerOneStop¹ Keep it brief. Source: Dept. of Labor³
6. Email is fine when time is short. A handwritten or typed note by mail is also an excellent choice. Source: CareerOneStop¹
7. Thank your references, and let them know when you get a job. Source: CareerOneStop⁴

If it doesn't work

• Forgot something important in the interview, like a certification? The thank-you note is the place to add it briefly. Source: Dept. of Labor³
• Interview went badly? Send the note anyway, within 24 hours. Source: CareerOneStop¹
• Didn't get the job? Send a short note saying you're disappointed but still interested in the company. Hiring managers often return to people they already interviewed when new openings come up. Source: Dept. of Labor³
• Don't have their email? Call the front desk or the person who scheduled you and ask: "I'd like to send Ms. Lee a thank-you note. What's the best email for her?"
• Got an offer? Be ready to talk pay. Know what you need to live on, and be ready to explain why you're asking for it. Source: LSU⁵