Follow Up Email After Second Interview: Examples

Looking for follow up email after second interview? This guide has you covered.

Want to leave a strong impression after you log off? A strong follow up email can confirm your fit, show respect for the interviewer’s time, and keep the process moving. Use the steps and templates below to write a clear note in minutes.

When to Send a Follow Up Email

First, act fast. Send your follow up email within 24 hours of the interview. That window keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind.

• Same day (2–6 hours): For short phone screens. Keep it brief.
• Within 24 hours: For most on-site or video interviews.
• After 5–7 business days: If you heard no update by the date discussed, send a polite check-in.
• After a rejection: Reply within 24–48 hours to keep the door open.

Moreover, match the tone and pace of the process. If they move fast, reply fast. If they gave a decision date, reference it in your note.

Subject Lines That Get Opened

Your subject should be clear, short, and useful. Try:

• Thank you — [Role] interview, [Date]
• Great speaking with you, [Name]
• Following up on [Role]
• Next steps for [Role] — [Your Name]
• Appreciated our chat about [Team/Project]

In addition, avoid vague lines like “Checking in” or “Hello.” Add a role, date, or name to boost opens.

Ready Templates for Key Moments

Use these plug-and-send notes. Personalize the bracketed parts and add one detail that shows you listened.

Template 1 — Thank-you after phone/video screen:

Subject: Thank you — [Role] interview, [Date]

Hi [Name],

Thanks for the time today. I enjoyed learning about [team/project]. The role’s focus on [skill or outcome] fits my experience in [short proof: “cutting ticket backlog 32%”].

I’m excited about the chance to help with [specific goal]. If helpful, I can share a quick sample of [relevant work].

Best, [Your Name] [LinkedIn] | [Phone]

Template 2 — Thank-you after panel/on-site:

Subject: Great speaking with the team — [Role]

Hi [Name/Team],

I appreciated meeting everyone today. Hearing about [initiative] and the plan for [quarter/metric] reinforced my interest. At [Company X], I [1-sentence result] that maps well to [team need].

I’d value the next step. Happy to provide references or examples.

Thank you, [Your Name]

Template 3 — Polite check-in (no update by stated date):

Subject: Following up on [Role]

Hi [Name],

I hope you’re well. I’m checking in on the timeline for [Role]. I remain very interested, especially in contributing to [specific goal]. If I can share anything else, I’m glad to.

Thanks again for your time, [Your Name]

Template 4 — After a rejection (keep the door open):

Subject: Thank you for the consideration — [Role]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the update and for the chance to meet the team. I enjoyed our talks about [topic]. If things change, or if a role opens that values [skill/result], I’d love to stay in touch. I’ll also follow your work on [project/team].

Wishing you and the team success, [Your Name]

What to Include (and What to Avoid)

Keep it short, specific, and helpful.

Do include:

• 1–2 lines of thanks
• One concrete detail from the interview
• A result that proves fit (numbers help)
• A simple call to action (offer a sample, reference, or next step)

Avoid:

• Long recaps of your resume
• Asking for feedback right away
• Generic praise without a proof point
• Overusing bold or emojis

Finally, proofread names, titles, and the company. One typo can undo a great note.

Practice and Track Your Outreach

You can speed this process if you prepare in advance. Draft your follow up email once, then keep a short library of notes by scenario. Practice your delivery and stories with Interviewseek to sharpen the proof points you’ll reference. You can also start practicing mock interviews to uncover stronger examples to cite in your emails, and read more tips when you need a quick refresher.

Pro tip: Paste your template into a notes app with placeholders like [Name], [Role], and [Result]. Before sending, swap in one fresh detail from the conversation so it feels personal.

If you do the basics right—timely note, clear subject, one proof point—you’ll stand out for the right reasons and keep your process moving forward.