What to Do After an Interview: 7 Smart Steps to Stand Out and Succeed

You’ve just wrapped up the job interview. You’re feeling hopeful, maybe a little nervous. Now what?

Knowing what to do after an interview is just as important as preparing for it. Smart follow-up strategies can leave a lasting impression, show professionalism, and even give you an edge over other candidates.

In this guide, we’ll cover the key steps to take after your job interview, including thank-you notes, follow-up emails, reflection tips, and signs to look for in the days ahead.

Send a Thank-You Email Within 24 Hours

A well-written thank-you email shows gratitude and reinforces your interest in the role. It’s a professional courtesy—and an opportunity to stand out.

What to include:

A polite thank-you for the interviewer’s time
A quick reference to something discussed during the interview
Reaffirmation of your interest and fit for the role
Your contact details

Example:

Subject: Thank You – [Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the exciting projects your team is working on.
I’m very enthusiastic about the role and confident that my experience in [skill or project] aligns well with your needs.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything else from me.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]

Reflect on the Interview

Take a few minutes to write down:

What went well
What you could improve
Questions that were challenging
Key points about the company or role

This helps you grow as a candidate and be even better prepared for future interviews.

Connect on LinkedIn (If Appropriate)

If the interview went well and you had a good rapport, consider sending a personalized LinkedIn connection request.

Example Message:

Hi [Name], thanks again for the great conversation today. I appreciated learning more about the role at [Company Name]. I’d love to stay connected!

Tip: Only do this if the interview felt comfortable and informal enough to warrant it.

Organize Your Application Documents

Keep a record of:

The job description
Who you spoke with and their titles
Any notes you took
When the interview occurred
Follow-up emails sent

This helps you stay organized for follow-ups and potential second-round interviews.

Follow Up If You Haven’t Heard Back

If the employer gave you a timeline (e.g., “you’ll hear from us in a week”), wait until that time passes. If you don’t hear back, send a polite follow-up email 1–3 business days later.

Example Follow-Up:

Subject: Follow-Up on [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding my recent interview for the [Job Title] position. I remain very interested in joining [Company Name] and contributing to your team.
Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

Continue Your Job Search

Even if the interview went great, don’t stop applying elsewhere. Until you’ve received an official job offer, keep submitting applications and scheduling other interviews.

Why this matters:

You stay in control of your job search
It reduces anxiety by keeping momentum going
You avoid putting all your hopes on one opportunity

Watch for Signs After the Interview

While waiting, look for signs of positive or negative outcomes:

Positive signs:

Quick follow-up or second-round invite
Positive body language and excitement during the interview
The interviewer discusses the team or your future in the role

Negative signs:

Radio silence for weeks
Vague or non-committal follow-up
Short, impersonal replies

Regardless of the outcome, every interview is a learning experience and an opportunity to refine your approach.

Conclusion

Knowing what to do after an interview helps you maintain momentum, build professional relationships, and improve your chances of success. Send a thoughtful thank-you, organize your notes, stay proactive, and follow up professionally.

Remember, the post-interview phase is your final chance to reinforce your value and keep your candidacy top of mind. Be courteous, be confident, and stay focused on your career goals.

FAQs

1. Should I send a thank-you email after every interview?

Yes, always send a thank-you email within 24 hours, even after phone or virtual interviews. It shows professionalism and helps you stand out.

2. How long should I wait before following up after an interview?

If no timeline was given, wait 7–10 business days. If a timeline was mentioned (e.g., “we’ll decide by Friday”), wait until after that date to follow up.