Following up after a job interview is important, but what if you’ve already sent a thank-you email and a first follow-up message—and still haven’t heard back? Sending a second follow-up email after an interview can be tricky. You don’t want to seem pushy, but you also don’t want to be forgotten. Is it even OK to send more than one follow-up email to recruiters? When should you do it, and how can you phrase it professionally? Let’s break it all down.
Is it OK to send a second follow-up email after an interview?
Yes—but with caution. A second follow-up email can show enthusiasm and remind the employer of your interest, but only if done right.
“A second follow-up email is not necessarily bad or desperate—it’s all about timing and how you frame it,” says Kevandre Thompson, senior talent acquisition partner at Innomotics. “Many hiring processes take longer than expected—due to budgets or last-minute changes from hiring managers—so following up professionally can help keep you on the recruiter’s radar without seeming pushy.”
Here’s what to think about before sending your second follow-up email after interview:
- The timeline: If it’s been more than a week since your last email and you still haven’t heard back, a polite follow-up can be appropriate.
- The company’s communication style: Some employers move slowly. If you know their hiring process takes time, waiting a bit longer might be wiser.
- The job level: For executive or high-level positions, hiring decisions take longer, so following up too soon can be counterproductive.
Choose the right time
Timing is everything when sending a second follow-up email. You don’t want to send it too soon and risk annoying the hiring manager, but you also don’t want to wait too long and lose momentum.
As a general rule, wait at least a full week after your first follow-up before sending another. If you received no response to your first follow-up and it’s been two weeks or more since your interview, a second email may be a good idea.
“How many times should I send a follow-up email after an interview?”
Is it OK to send more than one follow-up email? A second follow-up is usually fine, but sending more than two without a response can be excessive. Knowing when to follow up—and when to step back—is key.
Here’s a general guideline:
- Thank-you email: Send this within 24 hours of the interview.
- First follow-up email: If you don’t hear back within a week, send a polite check-in.
- Second follow-up email: If another week passes with no response, a second message is reasonable.
After that, if you still don’t hear back, it’s best to move on. If the employer is interested, they’ll respond. “If another week passes after the first 14 business days with no response, it’s best to move on and focus on other opportunities rather than continuing to follow up,” Thompson says. Continuing to follow up after multiple attempts can come across as desperate rather than proactive.
How to send a second follow-up email after an interview—with samples!
The key is to remain professional and not come across as impatient. Make sure your email is brief, respectful, and acknowledges that they may be busy.
Need some examples of how to send a second follow-up email? We got you. Here are some samples to inspire you.
Example #1: Second follow-up email after no response
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position. I’m still very interested in the opportunity and wanted to check if there are any updates on the hiring process.
I completely understand that these decisions take time, and I appreciate any insight you can provide on the timeline. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best, [Your Name]
Example #2: Short and sweet second follow-up email after interview
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you're having a great week! I wanted to follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position. I’m excited about the role and would love to know if there are any updates.
Looking forward to hearing from you when you have a moment.
Best, [Your Name]
Example #3: Second follow-up email after interview after two weeks
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to follow up since it’s been a couple of weeks since our interview. I remain very interested in the [Job Title] position and was wondering if there are any updates you could share.
I understand that hiring decisions take time, and I appreciate any information you can provide.
Thanks again for your time and consideration. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Best, [Your Name]
Bonus tip: Write a strong subject line
When it comes to a second follow-up email after an interview, the subject line definitely matters. It should be professional and clear, so the recruiter immediately understands the purpose of your email. A good subject line can grab their attention and increase the chances of a response, ensuring your message doesn’t get lost in their inbox.
Here are a few examples:
- Following up on [Job Title] interview
- Checking in: [Job Title] position
- Next steps for [Job Title] role?
- Reaching out about [Job Title] opportunity
What to do if you still don’t get a response
If you’ve sent two follow-up emails and still haven’t received a response, here are your best next steps:
- Move on and keep applying. Silence can sometimes mean they’ve moved forward with another candidate.
- Stay connected. If you really like the company, engage with them on LinkedIn and keep an eye on future openings.
- Reflect on the process. Use this as an opportunity to refine your interview skills and follow-up strategy for the next opportunity.
No response doesn’t necessarily mean rejection—it could just mean delays. But after two follow-ups, it’s best to take the hint and focus on new opportunities.
Keep the door open for future opportunities
Even if you don’t get this job, staying professional and courteous in your follow-ups keeps the door open for future roles. You never know when another opportunity might arise, and leaving a positive impression can make all the difference. Keep your follow-ups polite, to the point, and professional—and then keep moving forward!
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