The myth
“If I follow up after an interview, I look desperate and they’ll reject me.”
The bust
Professionals follow up. Recruiters live in overload. A short, polite nudge often resurfaces a stalled thread. What looks desperate is daily pings, guilt trips, or CC’ing the CEO after 48 hours.
A clean pattern: 1. Thank-you within 24 hours (short, specific) 2. If they gave a decision date, wait until that date passes 3. One nudge: “Checking in on timeline; still very interested.” 4. Then move on or one final close-the-loop note a week later
What to do instead
Put the next step in writing before you leave the interview. Follow the timeline they set. Nudge once when they miss it. Keep applying elsewhere so one silence does not own your week.
Verdict: Myth. Follow-up is fine. Harassment is not.