What to Say in a Follow-Up Call After an Interview

You've already aced your interview, but your journey isn't over yet. The follow-up call is crucial. It’s your chance to solidify your interest, build on your initial impression, and clarify any uncertainties you may have left. This step can sometimes make or break your chances, so knowing exactly what to say can significantly improve your odds.

1. Start with Gratitude
Leading the call with gratitude sets a positive tone. Whether you’re speaking to a recruiter or directly to the hiring manager, start by expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Mention specific moments or takeaways from the interview that you found insightful. Example:
"I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [position] at [company]. I really enjoyed our conversation, especially the part where we discussed [specific topic]."
Expressing gratitude in this way makes the call feel genuine and shows you're engaged.

2. Reaffirm Your Interest in the Role
While expressing thanks is essential, you should also reaffirm your strong interest in the role. Even if you’ve already mentioned it during the interview, a follow-up call provides an additional chance to reinforce your enthusiasm. Example:
"After speaking with you and learning more about the role, I am even more excited about the opportunity. The work you’re doing aligns perfectly with my career goals, especially the focus on [specific aspect of the job or company]."
This not only shows you’re eager but also that you’ve thought more deeply about the position since the interview.

3. Address Any Unresolved Questions or Concerns
Did anything come up in the interview that you didn’t have time to address, or maybe you’ve thought of a question afterward? The follow-up call is your opportunity to clarify any doubts. Make sure you phrase your questions respectfully and thoughtfully. Example:
"One thing I’ve been thinking about since our conversation is [specific aspect of the job]. Could you clarify how the team approaches that?"
Addressing these concerns not only demonstrates your thoroughness but also that you’re genuinely interested in how the team functions and how you can contribute.

4. Highlight Something You Forgot to Mention
It’s common to forget to mention an achievement, skill, or qualification during an interview. The follow-up call is your chance to bring it up. Keep it concise but make sure it adds value to the conversation. Example:
"After reflecting on our conversation, I realized I didn’t get a chance to mention my experience with [specific skill or project]. I believe this experience would be particularly relevant to the role because [explanation]."
This addition shows self-awareness and gives the hiring team a fuller picture of your qualifications.

5. Inquire About the Next Steps
Before ending the call, make sure to ask about the next steps in the hiring process if this wasn’t already made clear. This signals that you’re actively looking forward to moving ahead. Example:
"I’m looking forward to the next steps in the process. Could you let me know what the timeline looks like from here?"
This not only keeps you informed but shows that you’re proactively thinking about the process.

6. Offer to Provide More Information
End the call by offering any additional information or references they may need to make their decision. This shows that you’re confident in your candidacy and open to further dialogue. Example:
"Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information or references. I’d be happy to provide them."
By doing so, you leave the door open for future communication while expressing your readiness and confidence.

7. Close with Positivity
Finally, make sure to end the call on a positive note. Reinforce your appreciation and your excitement for the opportunity. Example:
"Thanks again for your time and consideration. I’m really excited about the opportunity and I hope to continue this conversation soon."
Ending the call with positivity reinforces the good impression you made in the interview.

Key Mistakes to Avoid
While making a follow-up call can set you apart, there are a few things to avoid. Don’t appear desperate, overly pushy, or impatient. For instance, avoid questions like “When will I know if I got the job?” Instead, focus on next steps and continue to be professional and polite. Additionally, don’t repeat everything from the interview. Focus on what you learned and how it reinforced your desire for the role.

Example Script for a Follow-Up Call

Below is a sample script you can adapt for your follow-up call:
"Hi [interviewer’s name], this is [your name]. I just wanted to follow up on our interview for the [position] at [company]. Thank you again for the opportunity. I really enjoyed our conversation, especially when we discussed [specific aspect]. I’ve been thinking more about the role, and I’m even more excited about the opportunity to contribute, particularly with my experience in [mention relevant experience]. If there’s anything else I can provide, such as references or additional information, I’d be happy to do so. I also wanted to ask if you could share any next steps in the process. Thank you again, and I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon."

This script covers all the bases: gratitude, reaffirming your interest, addressing any unresolved questions, and ending on a positive, professional note.

Timing Is Important

While following up quickly is essential, make sure not to call too soon. Waiting at least 24-48 hours after the interview is a good general rule. This shows that you’re interested, but also respectful of their time. Patience is key, but you also want to stay on their radar.

In some cases, you may feel the need to follow up more than once, particularly if the hiring process is taking longer than expected. If you’ve followed up after the interview and haven’t heard back after the time frame they provided, it’s okay to reach out again in a polite and professional manner. Just avoid multiple follow-ups that could make you appear overly anxious.

The Power of a Well-Timed Follow-Up

A well-executed follow-up call is not just a formality—it’s a chance to stand out. While many candidates don’t take this extra step, those who do are often remembered more favorably by hiring managers. If done correctly, your follow-up call can show that you’re not only interested in the role but also dedicated, professional, and proactive.

In conclusion, knowing what to say during a follow-up call after an interview can greatly enhance your chances of landing the job. By focusing on gratitude, reaffirming your interest, and addressing any questions or concerns, you’ll leave a lasting positive impression. Make sure to be professional, concise, and respectful of the interviewer’s time while also showing enthusiasm for the role.