‘Did I get the job?’ How to follow up after a job interview

The build-up to an interview can fly by as you prepare for the big day. But afterwards, the days can drag on as you check your phone, refresh your emails and… still nothing. 

So how do you find out where you stand? And how do you ask for feedback without sounding pushy? 

Hiring can be a complex process, and sometimes all you need is a gentle nudge in the right direction. We turned to Ku Sim Ling, Human Resources Expert, affectionately known as “AuntyHR”, for her advice on following up after a job interview and knowing when it’s time to move on. 

During the interview 

Ask when you can expect to hear back 

“Towards the end of your interview, you’ll usually be asked if you have any questions. This is a good chance to show you’re genuinely interested, and to lightly reflect on how the chat went,” says AuntyHR. 

After your prepared questions, she suggests adding a gentle check-in about the interview itself, without putting the interviewer on the spot. “You could ask, ‘What do you think my chances are compared to other candidates?’ or ‘From this interview, what could I improve on?’ It shows you’re self-aware and willing to grow,” she explains. 

Before wrapping up, ask about next steps and timelines. “Questions like ‘When do you expect to make a decision?’ or ‘When should I expect an update?’ give you a clearer idea of when it’s appropriate to follow up.” 

And of course, thank the interviewer. “Reference something you genuinely found interesting from the conversation,” AuntyHR adds. “It shows you were engaged, and people remember that.” 

Straight after the interview 

Reiterate your interest in the role 

Whether or not they gave you a timeline, AuntyHR recommends sending a prompt thank-you. 

“If you met the hiring manager directly, send a short thank-you email. Later that evening or the next day is perfectly fine,” she says. “Mention a key takeaway from the discussion, like a project or a challenge the team is tackling. It keeps you fresh in their mind. It may not change the final outcome, but it never hurts.” 

Share any concerns (if you went through a recruiter)  

If a recruiter arranged the interview, give them a quick debrief. 

“Tell them if there’s anything you felt you didn’t express well, maybe you forgot to highlight a key skill, or you’re unsure about one of your answers,” AuntyHR says. “They can advise you on whether to follow up, and sometimes they’ll even do it for you.” 

Recruiters will usually collect feedback anyway, but sharing your thoughts shows you care and welcome both positive and constructive input. 

A few days after the interview  

Request feedback and ask about next steps

If no timeline was provided, AuntyHR says, “It’s reasonable to follow up about a week after your interview. Hiring can move quickly, so waiting two weeks might make it harder to stay on their radar.” 

She adds, “Try to reach out using the same method they used to contact you, just to keep everything in one place. And whatever the method, be clear about why you’re reaching out.” 

For email, keep your questions short and easy to answer. If you want more detailed feedback, a phone call may work better; you’ll be able to ask a few follow-up questions. 

Be polite and patient 

“Keep all your communication professional,” AuntyHR says. “Some organisations move quickly, others take longer, and that’s not a reflection of your performance.” 

If the employer asks for another interview, more documents, or extra information, don’t be alarmed. “Just stay flexible and cooperative,” she adds. “These steps are usually just part of the process.” 

Know when it’s time to let it go

While you’re waiting, don’t pause your job search. “No matter how well it went, don’t stop applying for other roles,” AuntyHR warns. “Avoid putting all your hopes on a single role. Considering multiple opportunities will help you feel more in control when making decisions.” 

“And if weeks go by with no news, take it as a sign to move on,” she says. “The longer the silence, the less likely you’ll get feedback. But don’t be discouraged; every interview gives you clues about what you want and where you’re headed. Think of it as just a step in your job search journey.”