Be prepared for your job interview
10/10/2017
Set yourself up for interview success with preparation tips that make a lasting impression. Learn…
Why Follow-Up Matters
Following up after an interview is not just polite, it is strategic. Here is why it matters:
What a Good Follow-Up Does
- Keeps you top of mind with the hiring manager
- Shows professionalism and attention to detail
- Demonstrates genuine interest in the role
- Gives you a chance to add information you forgot
- Reinforces key strengths from your interview
- Sets you apart from other candidates
What Happens If You Do Not Follow Up
- You blend in with candidates who also did not follow up
- Missed opportunity to stay memorable
- Can appear disinterested or lacking initiative
- No chance to clarify or add important points
- Leaves the impression you are not serious about the role
The Reality in Ireland
In Irish workplaces, a polite, professional follow-up email is expected for professional and office roles. It is less common in retail, hospitality, or manual work, but still appreciated. The key is striking the right balance: warm and professional, not overly formal or too casual.
The Post-Interview Timeline: When to Do What
Timing matters. Here is exactly when to take each action after your interview:
Within 24 hours
Send Your Thank You Email
This is your most important follow-up. Send it within 24 hours while you are still fresh in their mind. Ideally, send it the same evening or next morning.
Best time to send: Tuesday to Thursday, between 9am and 5pm (avoids getting buried in Monday catch-up or Friday wind-down).
24-48 hours
Reflect on Your Performance
While the interview is fresh, write down:
- Questions you were asked
- How you answered them
- What went well
- What you would improve next time
- Any concerns or red flags about the role
1 week
Continue Your Job Search
Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Keep applying to other roles, networking, and attending interviews. Never assume you have got the job until you have a written offer.
1-2 weeks
Follow Up (If No Response)
If they said they would be in touch within a week and you have not heard anything, it is appropriate to send a polite status update email. Wait until after their stated timeline has passed.
2-3 weeks
Second Follow-Up (Optional)
If you still have not heard back after your first follow-up, you can send one more brief email. After this, it is time to move on and assume you were not successful.
After decision
Respond Gracefully
If you got the job: Send enthusiastic acceptance and ask about next steps.
If you did not: Thank them for the opportunity and ask if they would be open to staying in touch for future roles.
The Perfect Thank You Email: What to Include
Your post-interview thank you email should accomplish several goals in under 150 words. Here is what to include:
Essential Elements Checklist
Specific subject line that references the role and includes “thank you”
Personalised greeting using the interviewer’s name and title
Express gratitude for their time and the opportunity
Mention something specific from your conversation that resonated
Reiterate your interest in the role and company
Add value (optional): answer a question, share a relevant article, or provide additional information
Keep it brief – aim for 100-150 words maximum
Proofread carefully – typos at this stage look terrible
Professional email signature with your phone number
7 Email Templates You Can Copy
Here are seven ready-to-use email templates for different post-interview scenarios. Personalise them with specific details from your interview.
Template 1: Standard Post-Interview Thank You
Use this for:
After a standard first interview (in-person, video, or phone)
Subject Line:
Thank you – [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss the [Job Title] position. I really enjoyed our conversation, particularly learning about [specific topic discussed, e.g., "the team's approach to digital transformation" or "the new product launch planned for Q2"].
Our discussion reinforced my enthusiasm for the role. I'm confident that my experience in [relevant skill/experience] would allow me to contribute meaningfully to [specific goal or project they mentioned].
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Template 2: After Phone/Video Screening
Use this for:
After an initial phone or video screening (typically with HR or recruiter)
Subject Line:
Thank you – [Job Title] Conversation
Dear [Recruiter Name],
Thank you for the phone conversation today about the [Job Title] role. I appreciated you taking the time to explain more about the position and answer my questions about [specific topic, e.g., "the team structure" or "the role's responsibilities"].
I'm very interested in progressing to the next stage. The opportunity to [specific aspect that appeals to you] is particularly exciting, and I believe my background in [relevant experience] aligns well with what you're looking for.
I'm happy to provide any additional information you might need. Thank you again, and I look forward to the possibility of speaking with [hiring manager's name or "the hiring team"] soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Template 3: After Panel Interview
Use this for:
After meeting with multiple interviewers (panel or separate meetings)
Subject Line:
Thank you – [Job Title] Interview with [Company Name]
Dear [Main Contact Name],
Thank you for coordinating today's interview for the [Job Title] position. Please extend my appreciation to [other interviewer names] as well. I found our discussions about [specific topic] particularly valuable.
Meeting the team gave me a real sense of [company culture aspect, e.g., "the collaborative approach" or "the innovative mindset"]. I was especially interested to hear about [specific project or challenge mentioned], and I'm confident my experience with [relevant skill] could help address this.
I remain very enthusiastic about the opportunity and would welcome the chance to contribute to [specific goal or team objective].
Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Template 4: Status Update Request (No Response After 1-2 Weeks)
Use this for:
When you have not heard back after the timeframe they mentioned
Subject Line:
Following up – [Job Title] Interview
Dear [Interviewer Name],
I hope you're well. I wanted to follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position on [date]. I understand the hiring process can take time, and I appreciate that you and the team are being thorough.
I remain very interested in the role and would welcome any update you can share about the timeline or next steps.
Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. I'm happy to answer any further questions.
Thank you again for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Template 5: Second Follow-Up (Still No Response)
Use this for:
If you still have not heard back after your first follow-up (use sparingly)
Subject Line:
Re: [Job Title] Application
Dear [Interviewer Name],
I wanted to reach out one final time regarding the [Job Title] position. I completely understand if the role has been filled or if you're still in the decision-making process.
If the position is no longer available, I'd greatly appreciate being considered for any similar future opportunities. I remain very impressed by [Company Name] and would value the chance to contribute to the team.
Thank you for your time and consideration throughout this process.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Template 6: Thank You After Rejection
Use this for:
When you receive a rejection email (keeps door open for future opportunities)
Subject Line:
Thank you – [Job Title] Process
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the [Job Title] position. While I'm disappointed, I really appreciated the opportunity to learn more about [Company Name] and meet the team.
If you're open to it, I'd be grateful for any feedback on my interview performance. I'm always looking to improve and would value your perspective.
I remain very impressed by the work you're doing at [Company Name]. Please keep me in mind if similar opportunities arise in the future – I'd welcome the chance to be considered again.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Template 7: Withdrawing Your Application
Use this for:
When you have accepted another offer or decided the role is not right for you
Subject Line:
Withdrawing Application – [Job Title]
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you for considering me for the [Job Title] position. I've really appreciated learning more about the role and meeting the team.
However, I've decided to withdraw my application at this time. [Optional: brief reason if comfortable sharing, e.g., "I've accepted another position that better aligns with my career goals" or "After reflection, I do not think the role is the right fit for me at this stage."]
I wish you all the best in finding the right candidate, and I hope our paths might cross again in the future.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
15 Effective Subject Lines
Your subject line matters. It needs to be clear, professional, and specific. Here are 15 options you can use or adapt:
Thank you – [Job Title] Interview
Following up – [Job Title] Position
Thank you for your time today
[Job Title] Interview – Thank you
Appreciate your time – [Job Title] Discussion
Thank you – [Company Name] Interview
Following up on [Job Title] Interview ([Date])
Thank you for meeting with me
[Job Title] – Additional Information
Checking in – [Job Title] Application
Thank you – [Job Title] Conversation
Re: [Job Title] Next Steps
Grateful for the opportunity – [Job Title]
[Job Title] Interview Follow-Up
Thank you from [Your Name] – [Job Title] Role
Subject Lines to Avoid
- ❌ Generic: “Thank you” or “Following up” (too vague)
- ❌ Desperate: “Did I get the job?” or “When will I hear back?”
- ❌ Overly casual: “Great chatting with you!” or “Thanks! 😊”
- ❌ Too long: long sentences that will be cut off in inbox previews
Need Help with Your Interview Follow-Up?
Our Career Centre team can review your follow-up emails, help you prepare for interviews, and guide you through your job search.
Get Career Support Contact UsCommon Follow-Up Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Even with good intentions, it is easy to make mistakes that can hurt your chances. Here is what to avoid:
Mistake 1: Sending Too Quickly
The problem: Sending your thank you email within 30 minutes of leaving the interview can look too eager or pre-written.
Do this instead: Wait at least a few hours, ideally sending it later that evening or the next morning.
Mistake 2: Using Generic Templates
The problem: If your email could apply to any interview at any company, it will not make an impression.
Do this instead: Always mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and listening.
Mistake 3: Being Too Pushy
The problem: Multiple follow-ups within days or demanding updates can annoy hiring managers.
Do this instead: One thank you within 24 hours, one status update after their stated timeline, maximum one more follow-up. Then move on.
Mistake 4: Typos and Errors
The problem: A typo in your follow-up email undermines all the professionalism you showed in the interview.
Do this instead: Write your email, step away for a short break, then proofread carefully. Better yet, have someone else read it.
Mistake 5: Writing Too Much
The problem: A long essay will not get read. Hiring managers are busy.
Do this instead: Keep it under 150 words. Make every sentence count.
Mistake 6: Forgetting to Personalise for Multiple Interviewers
The problem: Sending identical emails to each person on a panel looks lazy if they compare notes.
Do this instead: Mention something specific you discussed with each person, or send one email to the main contact thanking the whole panel.
Interview Follow-Up Etiquette in Ireland
While general principles apply everywhere, there are some Irish workplace norms worth knowing:
Email is the Standard in Ireland
Unlike in some other countries where phone follow-ups are encouraged, Irish employers strongly prefer email for post-interview communication. Only call if they specifically invited you to do so.
Tone: Professional but Warm
Irish workplace communication tends to be less formal than the UK but more professional than the US. Strike a balance:
- Use “Dear [Name]” rather than “Hi” for your first follow-up
- Keep it friendly but not overly casual
- Avoid over-the-top enthusiasm
- Do not be too stiff or formal either
Public Sector vs Private Sector
Public Sector (HSE, Civil Service, Education, Local Authorities):
- More structured hiring processes with longer timelines
- May not respond to follow-ups as quickly due to formal procedures
- Still send a thank you, but do not expect immediate replies
- Multiple follow-ups are less appropriate
Private Sector (Tech, Finance, Professional Services):
- Faster decision-making and responses
- More receptive to follow-ups
- Building rapport can matter more
LinkedIn Follow-Ups in Ireland
Connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn after the interview is generally acceptable in Ireland, especially in professional and tech sectors. However:
- ✓ Wait until after you have sent your thank you email
- ✓ Include a brief, personalised connection request
- ✓ Do not send multiple messages through LinkedIn
- ✗ Do not connect during the interview process if it feels premature
Typical Irish Interview Timelines
Understanding typical timelines helps you know when to follow up:
- First interview to decision: 1-2 weeks for private sector, 2-4 weeks for public sector
- Second interview invitation: Usually within 1 week of first interview
- Final decision after second interview: 3-10 days for private sector, 2-6 weeks for public sector
- Contract and offer: Can take 1-4 weeks after verbal offer, especially in public sector
Important: Irish Employment Details
If you are successful and receive an offer, you will usually need to provide:
- Your PPSN (Personal Public Service Number) for tax purposes
- Irish bank account details for salary payments
- Proof of eligibility to work in Ireland
- References (typically two or three)
Make sure you have these ready so you do not delay your start date.
What to Do While You Wait for a Response
The waiting period after an interview can feel stressful. Here is how to stay productive and positive:
Keep Applying to Other Jobs
This is the most important thing you can do. Never stop your job search until you have a signed contract.
- Keeps you from focusing too much on one opportunity
- Gives you backup options if this does not work out
- May give you negotiating leverage if you get multiple offers
- Maintains momentum in your job search
Other Productive Activities
Prepare for a potential second interview – research deeper, prepare examples, think about questions you would ask
Continue networking – attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, let your network know you are job searching
Upskill or refresh knowledge – take online courses relevant to the role, brush up on skills mentioned in the interview
Review your performance – honestly assess what went well and what you would improve for next time
Update your documents – refine your CV, update LinkedIn, improve your portfolio based on interview feedback
Research the company more – if you get a second interview, deeper knowledge will impress them
Do Not Do This While Waiting
- ❌ Check your email every few minutes
- ❌ Overanalyse every detail of the interview
- ❌ Turn down other interviews because you are “waiting to hear back”
- ❌ Make major life decisions before you have a written offer
- ❌ Stalk the company or interviewer on social media
Signs You Might Have Got the Job (But Do Not Celebrate Yet)
While you should not read too much into these signals, here are some positive signs that can indicate a successful interview:
Positive Indicators
- The interview ran significantly longer than scheduled
- They discussed specific start dates or notice periods
- You were introduced to team members or given a tour
- They talked about you in the role using “when” not “if”
- They asked detailed questions about your availability
- The conversation shifted to selling you on the company
- They responded quickly and enthusiastically to your thank you email
- They gave you a clear, short timeline for next steps
Important Reality Check
Even if you spotted all these signs, do not assume you have got the job until you have a written offer. Hiring decisions can change, other candidates may emerge, or budget approvals might fall through. Stay cautiously optimistic but keep job searching.
What If You Do Not Get the Job?
Rejection is a normal part of job searching. Here is how to handle it professionally and learn from the experience:
1. Respond Gracefully
Always send a brief, gracious thank you email when you receive a rejection (see Template 6 above). This leaves a positive impression and keeps the door open for future opportunities.
2. Ask for Feedback
Politely ask if they would be willing to share any feedback on your interview performance. In Ireland, employers are not required to provide feedback, but some will, especially if you built good rapport.
"If you're open to it, I'd be grateful for any feedback on my interview performance. I'm always looking to improve and would value your perspective. Either way, thank you again for considering me."
3. Learn from the Experience
Regardless of whether you get formal feedback, reflect on:
- Questions you struggled to answer
- Skills or experience gaps that became apparent
- How your interview preparation could improve
- Whether the role was genuinely right for you
4. Stay in Touch
If you really liked the company, connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn and occasionally engage with their content. When similar roles open up in the future, you will be remembered as the professional candidate who handled rejection well.
Make Yourself More Employable
If you are changing careers or upskilling, our courses can strengthen your CV and help you stand out in interviews.
Browse Our Courses Read Our CV Writing GuideFrequently Asked Questions
How many times can I follow up before it is too much?
Follow this rule: one thank you email within 24 hours (always), one status update after their stated timeline or 1-2 weeks (appropriate), one final follow-up after another week (maximum). After that, assume you were not successful and move on.
What if I interviewed on a Friday? Should I wait until Monday to send my thank you?
No. Send it the same evening or Saturday morning. Hiring managers often review emails over the weekend, and you want to be fresh in their mind. Just avoid sending it late at night.
Should I send a handwritten thank you note in Ireland?
No. Email is the standard and expected method for post-interview communication. A handwritten note will arrive too late and may feel out of place.
Can I call to follow up instead of emailing?
Generally no, unless the interviewer specifically invited you to call. Irish employers prefer email follow-ups as it is less intrusive and easier to manage.
What if I forgot to mention something important in my interview?
Your thank you email is a good opportunity to briefly add this information. Keep it concise and connect it to the role.
Should I send separate emails to each person who interviewed me?
If you met with multiple people separately, send individual emails mentioning something specific from each conversation. For a panel interview, you can send one email to the main contact thanking the whole panel.
What if the interviewer said “we will be in touch” but gave no timeline?
Send your thank you email within 24 hours as normal. If you have not heard anything after about two weeks, send a polite status update email. If there is still no response after another week, send one final follow-up, then move on.
Is it okay to follow up on LinkedIn?
You can send a connection request after your thank you email, especially for professional roles. Include a brief personalised note. Keep application status questions to email, not LinkedIn messages.
What if I realise I do not want the job after the interview?
It is better to withdraw early than waste everyone’s time. Send a polite withdrawal email (Template 7). You do not need to give a detailed reason if you do not want to.
Should I follow up differently for retail, hospitality, or manual work roles?
For these roles, a short thank you message is still appreciated but less critical. Keep it brief and friendly. In smaller businesses, a quick phone call after a day or two can sometimes be appropriate if you were given a direct number.
Your Post-Interview Action Plan
Here is your step-by-step checklist to follow after every interview:
✓ Immediate Actions (Within 24 Hours)
Write down interview details while they are fresh: questions asked, who you met, topics discussed, any concerns or red flags.
Research anything you were unsure about so you are ready if there is a second interview.
Draft your thank you email using the templates above, personalised with details from your interview.
Proofread carefully – check spelling, grammar, names, job title, and company name.
Send your thank you email ideally the same evening or the next morning, during working hours.
Add a reminder in your calendar for when you should expect to hear back.
✓ Ongoing Actions (While You Wait)
Continue applying to other jobs – never pause your search until you have a signed contract.
Prepare for a potential second interview – have fresh examples ready and deeper research done.
Gather necessary documents – PPSN, bank details, references, and proof of qualifications.
Connect on LinkedIn (optional) – send a brief, personalised connection request.
✓ Follow-Up Actions (If Needed)
After their stated timeline – send a polite status update email if you have not heard back.
One week later – if there is still no response, send one final brief follow-up.
After rejection – send a gracious thank you and ask for feedback if appropriate.
After success – respond enthusiastically, clarify next steps, and read your contract carefully before signing.
Related Resources
Preparing for and following up on interviews is just one part of a successful job search. These related guides can help you at every stage:
Before the Interview
After You Get the Offer
- How to Negotiate Your Salary in Ireland
- Understanding Irish Employment Contracts (coming soon)
- Your First 90 Days in a New Job (coming soon)
Get Personalised Career Support
Our Career Centre team can help you with interview preparation, follow-up strategy, CV reviews, and all aspects of your job search.
Visit Our Career Centre Contact UsFinal Thoughts: Following Up Is Worth It
Following up after an interview might feel uncomfortable if you have never done it before, but it is a normal, expected part of the professional hiring process in Ireland. A well-crafted thank you email shows professionalism, keeps you memorable, and can influence hiring decisions.
Remember:
- Send your thank you within 24 hours
- Be specific and personalised, never generic
- Keep it brief – under 150 words
- Follow up appropriately if you have not heard back
- Never stop job searching until you have a signed contract
The interview is not over when you walk out the door. What you do in the next 24 hours can make all the difference.
