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

The build-up to an interview can fly by as you juggle preparing answers, polishing your CV and maybe squeezing in a mock interview between MTR rides. But afterwards, time suddenly slows: you keep checking WhatsApp and refreshing your email inbox – and still nothing.

So how do you handle the wait, find out if you got the job, and get meaningful feedback on your performance and fit?

In many Hong Kong companies, hiring is a complex, multi-step process, so it often falls to you to ask for feedback.

We asked Nick Chow of Macleans Group to share his tips on how to follow up after a job interview – and how to know when it is time to let go.

During the interview

Ask when you can expect to hear back

Towards the end of your interview, you’ll usually be asked if you have any questions of your own. This is when you should ask about the role, the team, the interviewer, the business, and any learning and development opportunities, especially in fast-moving Hong Kong sectors like finance, tech or property. A good, simple question is: “When do you expect to make a decision about the role, and will there be any further rounds of interviews?” This gives you a realistic idea of the timeline for both the hiring process and feedback, so you’re not left guessing.

Straight after the interview

Reiterate your interest in the role

Whether or not the interviewer gave you a clear date, it’s smart to get in touch soon after to thank them for their time.

If you were interviewed directly by a hiring manager, send a concise thank-you email the same evening or the next day, expressing your appreciation and enthusiasm in joining the company.

A typical scenario might be a Kowloon Bay tech firm where the hiring manager meets multiple candidates in a week; a thoughtful thank-you email, mentioning one or two points you enjoyed discussing, can help you stand out in the crowd.

Share any concerns (if going through a recruiter)

If you applied via a recruitment consultant, give them prompt feedback after your interview. “Let them know if there were questions you struggled with or skills you forgot to highlight – perhaps you wish you’d given a stronger example about managing regional stakeholders or using Putonghua in Mainland projects,” suggests Chow. A good recruiter can advise how, or whether, to address that in follow-up communication with the employer.

This is also a good chance to remind your recruiter that you would really value any feedback from the interviewer, positive or constructive, when it becomes available.

A few days after the interview

Request feedback and ask about next steps

“It’s reasonable to follow up around three to five days after the interview to clarify timelines,” Chow says. For direct applications, email is usually the safest and most professional channel; for smaller local firms or family businesses, a polite phone call may fit better, depending on the nature of the business. If you receive a rejection by email but are keen to learn, a short, courteous phone call can sometimes open the door to more detailed feedback.

If you’re simply checking whether a decision has been made, limit yourself to one clear email or call and leave a voicemail if needed. There are many reasons a Hong Kong employer may be slow to respond, from internal approvals across regional offices to busy line managers in peak season, so be understanding and proactive without becoming pushy.

Be polite and patient

Keep your tone professional in all communication, no matter who you’re dealing with or how. “It’s also important to stay flexible if a second interview is requested at short notice or if the company needs more time or extra information to decide,” Chow says. In Hong Kong’s fast-paced workplaces, demonstrating that you can accommodate reasonable requests and respond calmly to shifting timelines reflects well on your attitude and maturity.

Know when it’s time to let it go

While you wait, keep your job search active. “However well your interview seemed to go, don’t cancel other interviews or stop applying for roles based on one promising conversation,” Chow advises.

Different organisations in Hong Kong move at very different speeds, especially when comparing start-ups, NGOs and large listed companies. If you haven’t heard anything further within about two weeks – even after a polite follow-up – it’s time to shift your focus to other opportunities. The longer it has been since your last contact, the less likely it is that you’ll receive more feedback or an offer this round.

“Whatever the outcome, treat the experience as practice: think about what made you so keen on this role, whether it was the industry, the team culture, or the growth path. Use that insight to refine what you look for and how you show up in your next interview,” Chow, says.