‘Did I get the job?’ How to follow up after a job interview

The build-up to an interview can fly by fast as you prepare yourself for the big day. But afterwards, the waiting can feel endless as you check your phone, refresh your emails and … nothing. 

So how do you find out if you got the job, and whether there’s any feedback on your interview performance? 

To help answer this, we spoke with two Thai professionals who know the process well: Thirayada Jantapon, HR Manager with years of experience in recruitment, and Varavudh Thamrongrat, Director of SoGood House, Post-Production, who has run multiple successful businesses. They shared their insights on how candidates can follow up after an interview — and when it’s best to move on. 

During the interview 

Ask when you can expect to hear back 

Towards the end of your interview, it’s smart to ask about the next steps and when you might hear back. 

Thirayada explains, “A good recruiter will usually give you a clear timeframe. One week is the usual period to wait before expecting an update. If you want feedback, it’s best to wait at least that long before reaching out.” 

This helps set expectations early and saves you from unnecessary worry. 

Straight after the interview 

Don’t rush to contact the employer 

Both Thirayada and Varavudh agree: contacting the employer immediately after the interview is too direct. It’s better to hold back. 

If you went through a recruiter, however, you can share your own reflections with them. 

Thirayada notes, “Giving feedback to your recruiter after the interview shows effort and professionalism. If something didn’t go well, you can talk it through with them. They may even be able to ask the employer for useful feedback on your behalf.” 

A week after the interview 

Request feedback and ask about next steps 

Here’s where patience pays off. Both contributors agreed that one week is the right time to follow up. 

Thirayada suggests, “Send a polite email after the first week. If you don’t hear back, you can follow up with a phone call after two weeks. Email first is better, because calling too soon may feel confrontational.” 

Varavudh adds the reality from the business owner’s side, “Most Thai businesses, especially SMEs and family-run companies, don’t give feedback. If you don’t hear anything after one week, it usually means you weren’t successful.  

Be polite and patient 

If you’re invited to a second interview, that’s a very positive sign. 

Varavudh explains, “A second interview almost always means the company sees potential in you.” 

Know when it’s time to let go 

It’s important not to pause your job search while waiting for one employer’s response. 

Thirayada advises, “Keep applying and interviewing elsewhere. Don’t wait on one company before continuing your search. If you haven’t heard back in a week, move on. Sometimes you might hear in the second week if their first choice declines, but don’t rely on that.” 

The experience of following up after an interview can feel very different depending on who is on the other side of the process. From the recruiter’s chair, Thirayada Jantapon points out that feedback is often part of the service — a way to keep future opportunities open and to build trust with candidates. Her advice is to wait about a week before reaching out, and to do so politely by email. This approach shows professionalism and gives recruiters the chance to share updates without pressure. 

From the business owner’s perspective, Varavudh Thamrongrat highlights the unwritten reality of many Thai companies, especially smaller or family-run businesses: feedback is rarely given at all. In his view, if nothing is heard within a week, candidates should assume the outcome wasn’t successful. The exception is when a second interview is offered, which almost always signals genuine interest from the employer. 

Whatever the outcome, use the experience to improve for next time. Stay active in your job search, keep things professional, and remember: silence after one week usually speaks for itself.