Being interviewed by executive recruiters and getting noticed are the first steps to securing your dream job. After a job interview, the long wait begins. You think everything went well. The interviewer complimented your tailored resume, laughed at your small joke, and promised to get back to you ASAP. After a week has passed, you start to have the sinking sense that the job interview wasn’t as easy as you thought. Before putting that job interview in the rearview mirror, an interview follow-up with the employer is crucial. Of course, you should continue looking for a job until you’ve gotten and accepted an offer. Still, there are a variety of possibilities as to why the hiring manager may have yet to respond.
An interview follow-up is essential to professionalism and courtesy. It serves three purposes:
- Shows your professionalism
- Make sure you understand the next steps in the process
- Let the interviewers know you sincerely appreciate their time and consideration.
The below listed courteous techniques will help you make a great impression, especially if you combine them with thorough preparation and impressive answers.
Here are some do’s and don’ts of interview follow-up:
1. Ask about the timelines
You must understand an employer’s recruitment timeframe to follow up appropriately. A credible employer will update you with the expected response time and the next steps. It is perfectly OK to ask for this information if your interviewer does not give it to you. Ask the potential employer how to reach you once they decide before you leave the interview. If you ask such a question, it demonstrates sincere interest.
2. Thank you note
When you acknowledge the interviewer’s investment of time with a thank you note, they will appreciate it. Thank you note matters: An interviewer, who just took the time out of their day to interview you, would appreciate it. After an interview, I encourage job seekers to send thank you notes to the decision-maker (all individuals they met during the interview process).
You can use this opportunity to prove to the hiring manager that you’re on top of things and will contribute significantly to the company. Make it easy for them to decide on you.
Include atleast one of the three tactics in your thank you note to stand out from the crowd:-
- Be brief, friendly, and conversational. You’ve already had the job interview, so let your gratitude and personality show.
- Restate your interest in the job and any relevant details on why you’re qualified by mentioning
- Explain why you are the right fit for the company culture, goals, or industry.
- Add any important information you may still need to mention during the interview.
- Thank them for their time, as job interviews can require employers to set aside time, often forcing them to push off work.
Please check out predesigned templates from Muse, Careersidekick, Indeed & Zety for the perfect thank you email after an interview.
3. Be impressive with interview follow-up
When you follow up with a potential employer, a job candidate’s best interest is to stand out. Take time to understand their needs during and after the interview, and list how you can meet them. This way, you can address any concerns they may have regarding your candidacy. Just be prepared to provide a professional and confident response.
4. Don’t be a pest when following up
Sending a thank you note after an interview is easy, but figuring out how to follow up after a few weeks of silence can be more difficult. Here’s a post-interview follow-up etiquette tip: don’t communicate desperation to the interviewer with multiple phone calls and messages. You may instead end up ruining your chances by badgering, and you’ll turn off the hiring manager.
5. If things drag out, connect socially and check-in (Periodically)
It’s a job search technique people tend to stink at the most—the periodic check-in. But it’s essential and should be used throughout your career to keep your network fresh and engaged. Now, this is not about harassment: “Did I get the job?”, “Do you have a job for me?”, “Did you make a decision?” Not at all. It’s about offering something of value to your contact. And in doing so, you will also (by default) remind them that you’re still out there.
It could mean forwarding an article that you think they’ll find exciting or congratulating them if you notice they have been promoted or earned some recognition—maybe thanking them for some advice that you employed.
Please keep it brief and straightforward, and don’t ask for anything back. Nothing elaborate, and once a month is about right if you don’t get much response. If that person hears from you and has an update? They’ll be in touch. They’ll remember you as long as you follow up in a friendly and non-pesky manner.
Check this out:
Hi ABC—We spoke last month about the product manager position at XYZ Industries. In our conversation, you highlighted some emerging trends in food packaging. I noticed this attached article about the same topic and thought of you. I hope you find this information helpful! No response is necessary.
However, if the anticipated offer does not come through, there is no need to sever ties with the contacts you have been working with to build connections. Absorb them into your network and ask them for referrals if appropriate. Even if they decided you weren’t the best fit for the position, they might be willing to help uncover other options.
6. Take the feedback notes
After an interview, it is important to take feedback notes to evaluate your performance and identify areas for improvement. Here are some tips for taking a feedback note post-interview:
- Write down key points from the interview, such as questions asked and your answers.
- Reflect on your performance and identify areas where you could have done better or provided more detailed responses.
- Consider any feedback or comments the interviewer provided during or after the interview.
- Think about improving your responses or approach for future interviews/discussions.
- Keep the feedback note as a reference for future job interviews.
- Share your feedback note with a mentor or friend who can provide additional insights or suggestions for improvement.
By taking feedback notes, you can gain valuable insights into your interview performance and use them to improve your chances of success in future job interviews. It is also a way to reflect on what went well and what could be improved.
Follow-Up After Interview Timeline
- Send thank you note: 1-2 days.
- Send first follow-up inquiry: 7-10 days.
- Send second follow-up inquiry: 15-21 days.
- If you are still waiting to hear from the recruiter, it is worth continuing your job search for some fantastic opportunities out in the market.
Please follow the do’s and don’ts of interview follow-up to exemplify that you are qualified, capable, enthusiastic, and a good fit for the position. There is, however, a fine line between displaying enthusiasm and revealing desperation. Show confidence and passion+ to land your dream job.
