How to Ask for Interview Status Through Message (Free Template)

The job application process can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re waiting to hear back after an interview. It’s natural to want to check in and ask for an update on your status, but doing so without coming off as pushy can be tricky. Knowing how to craft a professional, polite, and concise message to ask for interview status can make a difference in leaving a lasting positive impression about you.

I will walk through the best practices for following up on an interview via message, supported by real-world data and expert advice. I will also explore how often candidates follow up, the best timing for sending a message, and what to say.

The Importance of Following Up After an Interview

It’s crucial to understand why following up is not just about seeking an update, but also about reaffirming your interest in the position. According to a study by CareerBuilder, 57% of job seekers don’t follow up after an interview. Failing to follow up could make you seem indifferent or disinterested in the role, especially when other candidates may be sending polite reminders.

At the same time, sending a message too early or phrasing it poorly could harm your chances. That’s why the content and timing of your follow-up message are key to keeping yourself top-of-mind without being intrusive.

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When to Follow Up on Interview Status

One of the biggest questions candidates have is when to send that follow-up message. Timing is everything when it comes to requesting an update, as sending a message too soon can make you seem impatient.

A topinterview study revealed that candidates typically wait an average of 10-14 days to hear back from employers after an interview before deciding to follow up. Most experts recommend waiting 5-7 business days after the interview before sending a polite follow-up message. This window shows patience but also signals that you’re keen on the position.

Tips on Timing:

1. During the interview: Always ask for the expected timeline during the interview itself. This gives you a reference point for when you can expect to follow up.
2. First follow-up: Send a message 5-7 business days after the interview, as long as you haven’t received any information about your status.
3. Second follow-up: If you still haven’t heard back after your first message, you may send a second follow-up after another week.

How to Ask for Interview Status Through Message

Crafting the perfect message involves striking the right balance between being polite, professional, and clear. 80% of hiring managers find follow-up messages useful in determining a candidate’s level of interest and enthusiasm.

Key Components of an Effective Follow-Up Message:

1. Subject Line (for emails): Ensure your subject line is professional and direct. For example, “Follow-Up on Interview for [Job Title] – [Your Name]”.
2. Personal Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name to show you’ve done your homework and maintain professionalism.
3. Reminder of the Interview: Briefly mention the position you interviewed for and the date of your interview.
4. Reaffirm Your Interest: Politely express your continued enthusiasm for the role.
5. Request a Status Update: Ask for any available information on the interview status.
6. Closing Gratitude: Thank them for their time and consideration, and offer to provide any additional information.

Sample Follow-Up Message Template:

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up regarding my interview for the [Job Title] position on [Interview Date]. I’m very excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and am eager to hear if there are any updates on my application status.

Please let me know if you need any additional information or documentation from my side. I appreciate your time and consideration and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you again for the opportunity!

Best regards,  
[Your Name]  
[Your Contact Information]

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Following Up

While sending a follow-up message can be beneficial, it’s essential to avoid certain pitfalls that could hurt your chances of getting the job.

1. Being Too Pushy

Coming across as impatient or entitled in your message is one of the worst things you can do. Avoid sending multiple messages in a short period or demanding a quick response. According to Glassdoor, 67% of employers say they’re less likely to move forward with candidates who appear overly aggressive in their follow-ups.

2. Not Proofreading

Your follow-up message represents you just as much as your resume or interview performance. Spelling or grammatical errors can be a red flag for employers, showing a lack of attention to detail. Use tools like Grammarly or have a friend review your message before sending.

3. Failing to Personalize Your Message

Generic messages show a lack of genuine interest. Tailor your message by addressing the hiring manager by name and referencing specifics about the interview or the job role.

4. Following Up Too Soon

Sending a follow-up message within the first 24-48 hours of your interview can make you seem impatient. Give the hiring team enough time to review candidates before reaching out.

The Impact of Following Up

Statistics show that following up can significantly improve your chances of moving forward in the interview process. In fact, 22% of hiring managers stated that a well-timed follow-up can lead to reconsidering a candidate who may not have initially been at the top of the list. This demonstrates the importance of sending thoughtful and timely follow-up messages.

In some cases, hiring managers may even expect a follow-up to assess the candidate’s enthusiasm. According to OfficeTeam, nearly 90% of hiring managers appreciate follow-up messages after interviews, as it highlights the candidate’s seriousness about the position.

Alternative Ways to Follow Up

While email is the most common medium for follow-up messages, you may also consider the following approaches depending on the context:

LinkedIn Message

If you connected with the hiring manager or recruiter on LinkedIn, you may opt for a more informal but still professional message via LinkedIn. This is especially effective if the company is more casual or tech-forward.

Phone Call

If the employer explicitly mentioned that it’s okay to call for follow-ups, you can consider placing a polite phone call. However, this method is usually best for smaller companies or when you’ve built a good rapport with the interviewer.

Text Message

In rare cases, especially with startups or tech firms where communication tends to be more casual, a text message might be appropriate. Be sure to gauge the tone of your previous interactions to determine whether this method is suitable.

Conclusion

Following up after a job interview can feel daunting, but when done correctly, it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism. Remember to:

• Wait for the right time to follow up.
• Keep your message polite, concise, and professional.
• Avoid being too aggressive or pushy.

By adhering to these tips and statistics-backed best practices, you’ll maintain a positive relationship with potential employers and increase your chances of landing that coveted job.