---
name: follow-up-sequence
description: "Write the follow-up messages that keep a candidate on the radar without being annoying. Use when asked to write a post-interview thank-you, a follow-up after no reply, a nudge on a stalled application, or a check-in sequence during a job search. Produces a timed sequence — what to send, when, and the exact wording — that adds value or shows interest at each step rather than just 'checking in'."
---

# Follow-Up Sequence Skill

Most candidates either ghost after an interview or pester with "just checking in" — both hurt. The right
follow-up is *timed* and *adds something* each time: a genuine thank-you, a useful thought, a graceful
nudge. This skill builds the sequence — what to send, when, and the wording — so you stay top-of-mind
and look like someone people want to work with.

## Required Inputs

Ask for these only if they aren't already provided:

- **The situation** — post-interview thank-you, after-no-reply nudge, stalled application, or an offer-timeline check.
- **The details** — who you spoke with (name/role), the role/company, when, and 1–2 specifics from the conversation to reference.
- **Any deadline** — a competing offer or a stated timeline that changes the cadence.

## Output Format

### Follow-Up Sequence: [situation] — [role] at [company]

A **timed sequence** — each step says *when*, *why*, and the exact message:

| When | Step | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Within 24h | Thank-you | reinforce interest + one specific takeaway |
| ~1 week | Value-add nudge | stay visible by adding something, not just asking |
| ~2 weeks | Graceful status check | one polite ask, with an easy out |

For each step, the **full message** (subject + body), kept short:
- **Thank-you (24h):** specific to the conversation — reference a real moment, restate fit in one line, no generic "thanks for your time."
- **Value-add (≈1 week):** share a relevant article, a thought on something discussed, or a quick portfolio link — a reason to reappear that isn't "any update?".
- **Status check (≈2 weeks):** a short, warm ask about timeline, with a graceful out and (if real) a mention of your timeline/competing offer.

End with a **stop rule** — when to let it go (and how to leave the door open).

## Quality Checks

- [ ] The thank-you references something specific from the actual conversation
- [ ] Each follow-up adds value or interest — not a bare "checking in"
- [ ] The cadence is sensible (24h → ~1wk → ~2wk), adjusted for any real deadline
- [ ] Messages are short and give an easy, graceful out
- [ ] There's an explicit stop rule so it never tips into pestering

## Anti-Patterns

- [ ] Do not send a generic "thank you for your time" — reference a real moment or skip it
- [ ] Do not "just check in" — every touch should add something or it reads as needy
- [ ] Do not follow up too fast or too often — respect the cadence; desperation repels
- [ ] Do not issue ultimatums — mention a real competing timeline gracefully, never as a threat
- [ ] Do not follow up forever — define when to stop and leave the relationship intact

## Based On

Post-interview and job-search follow-up practice — timed, value-adding touches with a stop rule.