How to Follow Up After an Interview in the UK (With Email Examples)

After the interview, the waiting begins. A short, professional follow-up can leave a good impression and help you stay on the interviewer's mind. Here is what to do and when.

Send a thank-you email the same day

Keep it short, polite and specific. Thank the interviewer, mention something you discussed and restate your interest. It should be three or four lines, not an essay.

Thank-you email example

Subject: Thank you for today's interview. "Dear Sarah, thank you for taking the time to meet me today. I enjoyed hearing about the plans to expand the customer team, and I am even more excited about the opportunity. Our discussion about improving first-contact resolution was particularly interesting. Please let me know if you need anything further from me. Kind regards, Alex."

How long should I wait to hear back?

Ask at the end of the interview about the timeline. If you were not given one, a week to ten days is normal for most employers. Public sector and large organisations can take longer because of checks and approvals.

If you hear nothing

After the deadline has passed, send a polite email: "Dear Sarah, I hope you are well. I wanted to check in on the progress of the recruitment for the customer team role, as I remain very interested. Please let me know if you need any further information." If there is still no reply, follow up once more after a week, then move on.

If you get a rejection

Reply politely and ask for feedback. Many employers will give it, and it helps with the next interview. Keep the door open: "Thank you for letting me know. I would appreciate any feedback and would be glad to be considered for future roles."

If you get an offer

Thank them, confirm the details in writing and ask for the offer in writing. Check salary, start date, notice period, pension, holidays and any conditions, such as references and right to work checks.

Quick answers

Is it too pushy to follow up? No, if you are polite and do it once or twice.

Should I connect on LinkedIn? It is fine after the process ends.

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