How to Send a Follow up Email after an Interview after Receiving No Response

After attending an interview, you're likely eager to hear about the company's decision. If you haven't received a response after a week or two, you can reach out to the hiring manager. Sending a follow-up email after an interview with no response can help you reconnect with the potential employer and learn about the status of your application. In this article, we discuss why you may not receive a response after an interview and explain how to send an effective follow-up email.

Related: Job Interview Thank-You Letters

Why you may not receive a response after an interview

There are many reasons why you might not have heard from an interviewer after a job interview. They include

The hiring manager might still be conducting interviews

The hiring manager could have other candidates scheduled for interviews. Ideally, they reach out to you soon after your meeting. However, even if you did a great job and they're interested in you as a new hire, they might have a list of several other candidates to finish interviewing before they can send an offer. Sometimes, these processes are established in company protocols and remain consistent throughout the hiring process.

The hiring manager may also interview for several job vacancies, including the role you applied for and others. They may be too busy to respond to prospects as quickly as they normally would. Hiring managers and other members of the human resources department are responsible for reviewing job applications, arranging interviews and screening prospects. This is one of the most common reasons you have yet to receive a response yet.

Related: All About Job Offer Letters

The hiring manager could be busy with other tasks outside the recruiting process

Sometimes the person conducting the interviews has other duties assigned to them outside the recruiting process. It's common for a hiring manager to be busy with other tasks. If so, that may be why they haven't had time to send out a response to you yet. Sending a follow-up email is a friendly reminder that you're still interested in the role and are curious about their decision. This might help you receive a reply more quickly than you otherwise would.

The situation surrounding the job could have changed

The organization could have undergone significant changes within that period, and no longer needs to fill the position. Alternatively, they may have decided to fill the vacancy with an internal employee. It's also possible that the organization has halted hiring or is in the process of reorganizing its recruitment process. They might not want to fill in the post right away, or some component of the job has changed. This can mean you may still be eligible for the position, but the company needs more time to come to a conclusion and contact you regarding their decision.

They may have misplaced your contact details

It's rare, but possible that your contact details may have gotten lost. It could also be an error with the computer or filing system. If the hiring manager has lost the means to contact you, a follow-up email gives them everything they need to inform you of their decision. This may be especially beneficial to the employer as well if they wish to hire you and have misplaced your information.

Related: What To Do After an Interview (With Interview Tips)

You didn't follow the stipulated instructions

You may not have sent your references in time or skipped a key requirement or additional test following the interview. Overlooking essential interview instructions may be the reason you didn't receive any response after the interview. Hiring managers look for candidates who can follow instructions carefully and pay attention to detail. Make sure you read every email and take notes whenever you speak with anyone at the organization. Sending a follow-up email can prompt the hiring manager to explain what you missed.

If there were unusual circumstances that prevented you from following instructions, you can share those with the hiring manager and ask for an extension. For example, if your references weren't available, you can offer alternative references. This shows you're proactive and enthusiastic about the position.

Related: Key Steps To Asking for a Reference

How to send a follow-up email after an interview with no response

You're likely eager to hear from a potential employer following your interview for a new position. If the hiring manager didn't indicate when you should expect to hear from them, wait at least one week before sending a follow-up email. If they did indicate a date and you still haven't heard back, you can contact them to request a reply. Here's how to write an effective message:

1. Make the subject clear

Writing a clear subject line can help attract the hiring manager's attention and possibly increase the chance they will reply. State your intention in the subject line, so they know what the email is about. Be professional and keep your intention at the forefront of your message. The hiring manager needs to understand what you're asking before they even open the body of your email. If you have previously communicated through email, reply to the most recent message. This makes it easier for the interviewer to review your email history. Here's an example:

"Following up re: marketing manager application"

2. Keep it short

Consider limiting your email to one paragraph. Make your request clear and professional so the employer can provide you with a reply sooner. Include the most important information so they can review your application, including your name, the role you're applying for and the date of your interview. You can also specify whether it was an in-person, group, phone or virtual interview to help them remember you.

Related: How To Write a Thank You Email After a Phone Interview (With Examples)

3. Remind them of the value you bring

Use your follow-up email as an opportunity to express your interest and highlight what makes you the best candidate for the role. Mention relevant skills you discussed in the interview and how you look forward to using them. It's important to remain friendly and humble, but be confident in your abilities and persuasive about why they should choose you to fill the vacancy. Reminding the hiring manager of your value and abilities might help support your success. Here's an example:

"I believe my five years of bartending experience and commitment to excellent customer service make me a good fit for this position."

4. Thank them for their time

To end on a professional note, thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. You can also thank them for the opportunity and express that you're eager to hear back from them. It's possible they may not have time to reply to your email, but being polite is more likely to elicit a response. Remaining professional and courteous by thanking the hiring manager for their time might also help you build your professional network. Use this example as a guide for concluding your email:

"Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you and discuss my interest, skills, and experience related to this position."

5. Include your contact information

To make it easier for the hiring manager to reach out to you, include your contact information at the bottom of your email. You may choose to include your cell phone number, home phone number or an alternative email address to give them options. Make sure your email signature is clear and current before sending your message.

Related:

• Why You Haven't Heard Back From an Interview in 2 Weeks

• Interview Confirmation Email: Template, Example and Tips

Follow-up email after interview no response sample

Use this template as a guide to help you craft a unique follow-up email after an interview:

Subject line: Following up regarding the IT manager position with TechBros Co.

Dear Mr. Nathwani,

My name is Amy Eve, and I recently met with you to interview for the open IT manager position in your company. I'm following up to see if there have been any updates on my application. I am still very interested in the role and believe my strong analytical thinking skills and leadership experience make me the perfect candidate for this position.

Please let me know if you require any further information from me. Thank you for your time and this opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards,

Amy Eve
Cell number: 416-555-1234
Home number: 905-444-5678

Related: Follow-Up Email Examples For After the Interview

The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.