Second Follow Up Email After Interview Template (UK 2026)

Why this matters

Second follow-ups need to balance persistence with self-respect. Sending a third or fourth follow-up almost always damages your candidacy — it signals desperation. Framing the second follow-up as the last one shows confidence and moves the relationship to a graceful conclusion, whichever way the decision goes.

Email template

Subject: Final follow-up — [Your name] — [Role title]

Dear [Interviewer's name],

I'm following up one last time on the [Role title] role — I appreciate you may be tied up with other priorities. If the role has moved in a different direction, please don't worry about a detailed reply; I'll assume that's the case unless I hear otherwise.

If you are still considering candidates, I remain very interested and would welcome any update.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Replace bracketed text [like this] with your details. Keep the tone — that's what does the work.

Step-by-step

1. 1 Wait 7-10 working days after your first follow-up went unanswered
2. 2 Keep this one shorter than the first — 60 words is plenty
3. 3 Make it the explicit 'final follow-up' — sets a clear endpoint
4. 4 Give them a graceful out: 'I'll assume the role has moved in a different direction'
5. 5 Keep tone neutral, not hurt or frustrated
6. 6 Don't send a third follow-up if this one is also unanswered — accept the silence

Common mistakes

• ✗Sending a third or fourth follow-up — almost universally damaging
• ✗Framing as 'I notice you haven't responded' — passive-aggressive reads as such
• ✗Increasing pressure or urgency in the second email — reverse direction is needed
• ✗Going to LinkedIn DMs or other channels after email silence — escalates wrong
• ✗Sending angry follow-ups when the silence frustrates you — they damage future opportunities