You have prepared, interviewed and walked away feeling positive. Now comes the part many candidates find surprisingly difficult: the follow-up.
In healthcare, knowing how and when to follow up after an interview can make a real difference. Done well, it reinforces your interest and professionalism. Done badly, it can feel awkward or overbearing.
The good news? Following up does not have to feel uncomfortable. Here is how to do it confidently and appropriately, without crossing the line.

1. Always Send a Thank You Message

A follow-up starts with a simple thank you. This is not about chasing an outcome, it is about professional etiquette.

A short, well-written message within 24 hours shows appreciation, maturity and attention to detail, all qualities highly valued in healthcare roles.

What to do: Send a brief email thanking the interviewer for their time, referencing the role and reaffirming your interest.

Keep it: Polite, professional and concise.

Avoid:

Overly emotional language
Repeating your entire CV
Asking about salary or next steps at this stage

A thank you email sets the tone and opens the door for future communications.

2. Pay Attention to Timelines Given

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is following up too soon or ignoring the timeline discussed in the interview.

If the interviewer says, “We will be making a decision next week”. They mean it, so reaching out the next day to ask for an update can unintentionally signal impatience or anxiety.

What to do: Make a note of any timelines mentioned. If none are given, allow 7-10 working days before following up.

This shows respect for the process and the pressures hiring managers face, especially in busy healthcare environments.

3. Keep Your Follow-Up Neutral and Professional

When you do follow up, your message should feel like a gentle check-in, not a demand for an answer.

Structure your follow-up like this:

A brief greeting
A reference to the interview and role
A polite enquiry about progress
A reaffirmation of interest

For example: “I just wanted to follow up regarding my interview for the Clinical Lead role. I remain very interested in this position and would be grateful for any update when convenient.

Avoid phrases such as: “I haven’t heard back”, “I am still waiting” or “I need to know”.

Your tone matters just as your timing.

4. Know When to Stop

There is a fine line between being proactive and being persistent.

If you have: sent a thank you email, waited the appropriate amount of time and sent one polite follow-up, and still haven’t received a response, it is time to step back. Multiple messages can damage your professional impression and rarely change the outcome.

Remind yourself of these key things:

A lack of response is usually about internal delays, not a reflection of you
Hiring decisions in healthcare can take longer than expected
Your energy is better spent continuing your job search proactively.

5. Use Your Recruiter as a Buffer

If you are working with a healthcare recruiter, you do not need to navigate this alone.

A recruiter can:

Chase feedback on your behalf
Advise on appropriate timing
Provide insight into employer delays or concerns
Protect your professional reputation

At Stroud Resourcing, we regularly manage post-interview communication for our candidates, ensuring they stay informed without feeling awkward or exposed.

Final Thought

Following up after an interview is not about pressure, it is about professionalism.

Be timely. Be polite. Be measured.

When handled correctly, a follow-up reinforces your interest and maturity rather than undermining it. Trust the process, keep your communication clean and focused, and remember that silence is often procedural, not personal.

If you would like guidance on interview follow-up, feedback or managing communication with employers, contact our expert recruiters at Fertility Talent or simply call us on 01904 230002.

How to Follow Up After an Interview Without Seeming Pushy