Key Do's and Don'ts for Following Up After Job Interviews

Landing an interview is a major step in any job search, especially in industrial fields where competition can be fierce. But what happens after the interview can be just as important as the interview itself. Following up with companies shows your interest, professionalism, and can keep you top of mind for hiring managers. Yet, many candidates either follow up the wrong way or miss the opportunity altogether. This guide breaks down the key actions you should take—and avoid—when following up after an interview to improve your chances of success.

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Send a Timely Thank You Message

One of the most important steps after an interview is sending a thank you message. This simple act can set you apart from other candidates.

• Do send your thank you within 24 hours. This shows promptness and genuine appreciation.

• Do personalize your message. Mention something specific from the interview that resonated with you or a topic you discussed.

• Do keep it concise and professional. A few sentences expressing gratitude and reiterating your interest in the role are enough.

  
  

Example:

"Thank you for taking the time to discuss the industrial engineer position yesterday. I enjoyed learning about your team’s approach to process improvement and am excited about the opportunity to contribute."

Don’t send a generic or overly long thank you email. Avoid spelling mistakes or informal language.

Avoid Excessive Follow-Up Messages

While following up is important, too much contact can hurt your chances.

• Don’t send multiple emails or calls within a short period. One follow-up after your thank you message is usually enough.

• Don’t ask for updates too frequently. Wait at least a week or the timeframe the interviewer mentioned before checking in again.

• Don’t pressure the interviewer for a decision. Be patient and respectful of their process.

  
  

If you haven’t heard back after a reasonable time, a polite follow-up email expressing continued interest is appropriate. For example:

"I wanted to check in on the status of the industrial technician role. I remain very interested and look forward to any updates you can share."

Use the Right Communication Channel

Choosing how to follow up depends on the company culture and the communication you had during the interview.

• Do use email unless otherwise specified. It is professional and gives the interviewer time to respond.

• Do follow any instructions given by the interviewer. If they said to call or use a specific platform, follow that.

• Don’t use social media or informal messaging apps to follow up. This can seem intrusive or unprofessional.

  
  

Keep Your Tone Positive and Professional

Your follow-up messages should reflect your enthusiasm without sounding desperate.

• Do express gratitude and interest clearly. This reinforces your motivation for the role.

• Do stay polite and respectful. Even if you feel frustrated by delays, keep your tone calm.

• Don’t complain or sound impatient. Negative language can leave a bad impression.

  
  

Confirm Details and Next Steps

If the interviewer mentioned a timeline or next steps, use your follow-up to confirm your understanding.

• Do mention any agreed-upon dates or processes. This shows you were paying attention and are organized.

• Do ask for clarification if needed. For example, if you’re unsure about when you might hear back, it’s okay to ask politely.

• Don’t assume or guess timelines. Avoid statements like “I expect to hear back by next week” unless confirmed.

  
  

Avoid Oversharing or Unnecessary Information

Keep your follow-up focused on the interview and your interest in the job.

• Don’t include unrelated personal details or new qualifications. Save those for a second interview or future conversations.

• Don’t resend your resume unless requested. The interviewer already has it.

• Don’t ask about salary or benefits in your initial follow-up. Wait until the employer brings it up or you reach the offer stage.

  
  

Follow Up After Multiple Interviews

If you have a series of interviews, follow up after each one.

• Do send a thank you after every interview. Tailor each message to the specific interviewer and conversation.

• Do keep track of your communications. This helps avoid confusion and shows professionalism.

• Don’t send the same message to everyone. Personalization is key.

  
  

When Not to Follow Up

Sometimes, not following up is the best choice.

• Don’t follow up if the company explicitly says they will contact you only if interested. Respect their process.

• Don’t follow up after a rejection. Instead, consider sending a polite note thanking them for the opportunity and asking to keep in touch for future roles.

• Don’t follow up too late. If weeks or months have passed, your message may seem out of place.

Following up after an interview is a critical step in your job search, especially in industrial sectors where attention to detail and communication skills matter. Sending a timely, personalized thank you message, respecting communication preferences, and maintaining a professional tone can make a strong impression. Avoid overdoing it or sending irrelevant information, and always respect the employer’s timeline and instructions.