The #1 Thing You Should Do After a Job Interview (Besides Panic and Overanalyze Everything You Said)

Because post-interview anxiety is basically a rite of passage

You just finished your job interview. You’re walking out of the building (or logging off the Zoom call), and your brain is already replaying every single thing you said.

Did I talk too much?

Should I have laughed at that joke?

Did I pronounce ‘synergy’ weird?

Oh no… did I just say ‘you too’ when they wished me good luck?

Relax. Overthinking is part of the process, but instead of spiraling into self-doubt, let’s focus on the #1 most important thing you should do after a job interview: Send a follow-up email.

Yep, that’s it. Sounds simple, right? And yet, a lot of people either forget or assume it doesn’t matter. But trust me—it does.

What Should You Say in the Follow-Up Email?

Don’t overthink it. Your email doesn’t need to be a Shakespearean sonnet. It just needs to be:

1️⃣ Grateful – Thank them for their time.

2️⃣ Enthusiastic – Show that you’re excited about the role.

3️⃣ Personalized – Mention something specific from the interview.

4️⃣ Concise – Keep it short. Nobody has time for a novel.

Example of a Good Follow-Up Email:

Subject: Thank You for Your Time – [Your Name]

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for our conversation today. I really appreciated learning more about [Company Name] and the exciting work your team is doing with [specific detail from the interview].

After our discussion, I’m even more excited about the possibility of joining [Company Name] and contributing to [something relevant to the job]. I truly admire [something specific about the company culture or role], and I’d love the opportunity to bring my skills in [your skill] to your team.

Thanks again for your time—I look forward to what’s next! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information from me.

Best,[Your Name][Your Contact Info]

What NOT to Do in a Follow-Up Email

🚫 Be overly formal. This isn’t a business memo from 1998. Keep it professional but friendly.

🚫 Sound desperate. No “I really, REALLY want this job.” Confidence is key.

🚫 Ask about salary right away. If it wasn’t discussed in the interview, wait until you get an offer to bring it up.

🚫 Send a generic email. If you copy-paste the same message to every interviewer without personalizing it, it’ll show.

What If You Don’t Hear Back?

Now comes the hard part: waiting.

⏳ If it’s been a week and you haven’t heard anything, it’s okay to send a gentle follow-up. Just keep it short and professional.

Example of a Follow-Up After a Week:

Subject: Checking In – [Your Name]

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I just wanted to check in and see if there were any updates regarding the [Job Title] position. I really enjoyed our conversation last week and remain very excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name].

I completely understand that hiring decisions take time, so no rush on my end—I just wanted to follow up and express my continued interest. Looking forward to hearing from you whenever it’s convenient.

Best,[Your Name]

What if they still don’t respond?

If another week passes with no response, it’s safe to assume they’ve either moved on with another candidate or are still making decisions. You can send one final follow-up, but don’t bombard them with emails—no one likes that. If they ghost you entirely, take it as a sign that this might not be the best place to work anyway.

What Else Can You Do While Waiting?

Instead of refreshing your inbox 500 times a day, try these:

✔️ Keep applying. Even if this job was your dream gig, always have backups. You never know what opportunities are out there.

✔️ Reflect on the interview. What went well? What could you improve? Take notes for next time.

✔️ Connect on LinkedIn. If it feels natural, connect with your interviewer and stay engaged with their content.

✔️ Treat yourself. Job searching is stressful—grab a coffee, watch a movie, do something fun.

The interview may be over, but your work isn’t done yet. Sending a thoughtful follow-up email could be the thing that sets you apart from other candidates.

Just remember: stay professional, be patient, and don’t overthink it. (Okay, maybe just a little—because let’s be real, that’s unavoidable.)

Your Turn: Have you ever sent a follow-up email that actually landed you the job? Or do you think it’s unnecessary? Let’s discuss in the comments!