This is Uplift’s guide to post-interview follow-up etiquette. This is what you are going to do after every single job interview whether you think you aced the interview or foundered miserably.

Send a Short and Sweet Follow Up Email After the Interview

Sending a thank-you note or email is customary immediately following your interview. You don’t need to go overboard with flowery prose or gold-plated stationery. Just keep your note short, sweet, and personalized (i.e., don’t send out a boilerplate thank you note to everyone you interview with). A thank you note will help you stand out from other applicants and keep you in the front of the hiring manager’s mind as they make their decision.

All you need to do is say “thank you,” reiterate your interest in the role and company, include anything pertinent you forgot in the interview. But, most importantly, be brief. Send your thank you 1-2 days after the interview.

Don’t Be a Pest When Following-Up After an Interview

Here’s a post-interview etiquette tip: don’t overwhelm the interviewer with multiple phone calls and messages. Often a decision regarding a role takes time and no news in the first few days isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Waiting 7-10 days after your final interview is not uncommon. Don’t ruin your chances by badgering, you’ll turn off the hiring manager.

Also, respect any communication guidelines the hiring manager sets forth. If he or she asks for email-only communication, don’t send handwritten notes or call the office. Also, don’t track down interviewers or other employees on social media. when to follow up after the final interview

No Ghosting: What to Do if You Don’t Hear Anything?

This post-interview etiquette tip goes both ways. First, if you decide you don’t want to work for the company you interviewed with, let them know you are not interested. No ghosting! Be courteous and supply an official withdrawal.

If it’s been weeks and you haven’t heard anything, you can assume you didn’t get the job. However, it is ok to write a second email or note asking for clarification and even feedback. Many interviewers will now offer failed candidates feedback, lap it up and take it on for your next interview.

Follow Up After Interview Timeline

• Complete interview
• Send Thank You Note: 1-2 days
• Send follow-up inquiry: 7-10 days