You've just finished what felt like a promising interview. Then the recruiter tells you, “We’ll be in touch.” In your experience, did they get back to you or no? In my years in recruitment, many candidates shared their struggle of feeling anxious or nervous during this stage in their job application, waiting for an update whether you got the job or not.
That is why I always advise job candidates to follow up effectively after “We’ll be in touch.” This can be the difference between landing the job and being forgotten in a pile of CVs.
Here are my top tips on how to follow up post-interview.
When the recruiter asks you if you have any questions, ask about the hiring timeline and the best time and way to follow-up. In doing so, you’ve demonstrated your strong interest and professionalism, and you’ll be able to plan ahead.
Be strategic when sending a thank you email and make sure it is within 24 to 48 hours after the interview. Be mindful of your timing and send it within working hours instead of late at night or early in the morning. In your email, say thank you and highlight key points that stood out to you during the meeting. Keep your email concise and straightforward.
If you haven't heard back within a week (or the timeframe mentioned during the interview), it's perfectly acceptable to send a quick follow-up. Ask if there are any additional information you can provide to help them decide, acknowledge that the decision-making process takes time, and reaffirm your continued interest in the role.
After your initial follow-up, time your subsequent messages accordingly. 10 to 14 days apart would be the ideal window for your follow-ups. In each message, make sure there is value added like share any new certifications you’ve acquired or an interesting industry article you’re read that is relevant to your role. And if you are wondering if it is alright to disclose other job offers, it is.
Sometimes, silence is an answer. If you've followed up appropriately several reasonable times without any response, it's likely time to move on. Professional recruiters will usually provide closure, but occasionally candidates fall through the cracks due to changing hiring requirements or business priorities.
Before diving into follow-up strategies, it's crucial to understand what happens behind the scenes. Recruiters often manage multiple roles simultaneously, coordinate with hiring managers across different time zones, and approval processes. When we say "we'll be in touch," we genuinely mean it, but the timeline isn't always in our control and there might be some unforeseen circumstances.
Regardless of these factors, it is our responsibility as recruiters to communicate updates and final decisions to candidates in a timely manner
Now that we’ve gone offer the things TO DO. Let’s not talk about what NOT TO DO.
Avoid these common follow-up mistakes:
Never send multiple emails in one day or call repeatedly am aware of job anxiety and that job candidates can feel pressured to secure a role. However, being overly persistent can actually work against you in the application process. It can also distract recruiters and interfere with their work.
Avoid mass-produced follow-up templates as they are obvious and ineffective. Each communication should feel personal and relevant to your specific conversation. Resist the urge to follow up via multiple channels simultaneously. If you've been communicating via email or Whatsapp, stick to that.
Remember that recruitment is relationship-based. Even if you don't get this role, maintaining professional relationships with recruiters can benefit your career long-term. We often keep talented candidates in mind for future opportunities that might be an even better fit.
Following up effectively is about finding the balance between showing interest and respecting boundaries. When done right, it reinforces your professionalism and keeps you top-of-mind during the recruitment decision-making process. All of these can help you stand out in a competitive job market whilst building valuable professional relationships that extend beyond a single job opportunity.
Author quick BIO:
Since joining Asia Recruit in 2022, Nisyah Hamzah has established herself as an integral part of our Contracting team across various industries and specialisations. Nisyah's strategic approach to contract recruitment and ability to build meaningful professional relationships have made her a valuable contributor to our team's success and growth. In 2025, she was promoted to Senior Recruitment Consultant.
