How to Follow up After An Interview

Following up after a job interview is a key step in the hiring process. It shows your interest in the position and helps you stand out from other candidates. A well-crafted follow-up can keep you fresh in the interviewer’s mind and may even influence their decision. Here’s how to do it right!

Key Takeaways

  • Send a thank-you email within a day of your interview.
  • Be polite and professional in your follow-up messages.
  • Wait a reasonable time before checking in for updates.
  • Consider using other communication methods like LinkedIn or a phone call.
  • If you don’t get a response, stay positive and keep applying elsewhere.

Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Email

Choosing the Right Subject Line

When I write a follow-up email, I make sure to choose a clear subject line. A good example is: John Smith – Re: Interview on Tuesday at 4 PM. This helps the interviewer know exactly what my email is about right away.

Personalizing Your Message

I always start my email with a friendly greeting. If I know the interviewer well, I use their first name. If not, I stick to their title and last name. This shows respect and keeps things professional.

Timing Your Email Appropriately

I wait a few days after the interview before sending my follow-up. This gives the interviewer time to consider other candidates. I find that waiting about three to five days is usually best.

Proofreading Before Sending

Before I hit send, I always read my email again. I check for any typos or mistakes. A well-written email shows that I care about the position. A simple spellcheck can make a big difference!

A follow-up email is my chance to remind the interviewer of my interest and enthusiasm for the role.

Summary

In my follow-up email, I make sure to thank the interviewer for their time, mention the job title, and express my eagerness to hear about the next steps. This keeps the conversation going and shows my interest in the position.

Here’s a quick checklist for my follow-up email:

  • Thank them for the interview
  • Mention the job title and interview date
  • Restate my interest in the position
  • Ask for a progress update

By following these steps, I can craft a perfect follow-up email that stands out!

Alternative Ways to Follow Up

After an interview, I often think about how to keep the conversation going. Email is not the only option! Here are some alternative methods I can use to follow up:

Using Instant Messaging Platforms

I can reach out through instant messaging platforms like Google Hangouts or Skype. This method feels more casual and can lead to quicker responses.

Connecting on LinkedIn

Connecting on LinkedIn is a great way to stay in touch. I can send a personalized message along with my connection request, reminding them of our conversation.

Making a Phone Call

Sometimes, a phone call can be more effective. I can express my enthusiasm directly and ask about the next steps in the hiring process.

Sending a WhatsApp Message

If I have the interviewer’s number, sending a WhatsApp message can be a friendly way to follow up. It’s quick and allows for a more informal tone.

Staying connected through various channels can show my genuine interest in the position. It’s all about finding the right balance between being proactive and respectful of their time.

By exploring these options, I can ensure that I remain on their radar without being too pushy. Each method has its own advantages, and I can choose based on the company culture and my previous interactions with the interviewer.

Here’s a quick summary of the alternatives:

MethodPros
Instant MessagingQuick responses
LinkedInProfessional networking
Phone CallDirect communication
WhatsAppCasual and friendly approach

What to Include in Your Follow-Up Communication

Expressing Gratitude

After an interview, I always start my follow-up by thanking the interviewer for their time. A simple "Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position" goes a long way. Showing appreciation sets a positive tone for the rest of the message.

Mentioning Specifics from the Interview

Next, I like to mention something specific we discussed during the interview. This shows that I was engaged and paying attention. For example, I might say, "I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic]. It made me even more excited about the role!"

Restating Your Interest in the Position

I make sure to clearly restate my interest in the position. I often say something like, "I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to [specific project or goal]." This reinforces my eagerness and commitment.

Asking for a Progress Update

Finally, I politely ask for a progress update. I might phrase it as, "If you have any updates on the hiring process, I would greatly appreciate it." This keeps the communication open without being too pushy.

Remember, a well-crafted follow-up can make a lasting impression. It’s not just about getting a response; it’s about building a relationship.

By including these elements in my follow-up, I ensure that my message is clear, respectful, and engaging. It’s all about making a positive impact!

Timing Your Follow-Up Correctly

Understanding the Employer’s Timeline

After an interview, it’s important to understand that the hiring process can take time. Employers often have multiple candidates to consider. I usually wait a few days before reaching out to give them space to make decisions.

Waiting the Appropriate Amount of Time

I like to follow the 10-day rule. If they mentioned they’d get back to me in a week, I wait about 10 days before checking in. If they said two weeks, I’ll wait 15-20 days. This shows patience and respect for their process.

Knowing When to Send a Second Follow-Up

If I still haven’t heard back after my first follow-up, I wait another 10 days before reaching out again. This keeps me on their radar without being too pushy.

Being Patient and Persistent

It’s crucial to stay positive during this waiting period. I remind myself that hiring decisions can be complex. Staying proactive while being patient is key to maintaining a good impression.

Remember, following up is about showing your interest, not rushing them. It’s a balance between being eager and respectful of their time.

Action StepTiming
First Follow-Up10 days after interview
Second Follow-Up10 days after first follow-up
Final Check-In15-20 days after expected response

By keeping these timing tips in mind, I can ensure that my follow-up is both effective and considerate.

Adding Value in Your Follow-Up

When I follow up after an interview, I always aim to add value to my communication. This shows that I’m not just waiting for a response; I’m actively thinking about how I can contribute to the team even before I start. Here are some effective ways to do this:

Sharing Relevant Accomplishments

  • I can mention a recent success that relates to the job I interviewed for. This could be a project I completed or a skill I developed that aligns with the company’s goals.
  • For example, if I worked on a project that improved efficiency, I’d highlight that.

Providing Useful Resources

  • I might share an article or a resource that connects to our conversation during the interview. This shows I’m engaged and thinking about the company’s needs.
  • If I found a workshop on quantitative skills, I could mention it as a potential benefit to the team.

Highlighting How I Can Help

  • I can express specific ways I can contribute to the team’s success. This could be through my skills or ideas I have for upcoming projects.
  • I’d make sure to connect my strengths to the company’s objectives.

By adding value in my follow-up, I not only keep the conversation going but also reinforce my interest in the position. It’s a great way to stand out!

Handling No Response Gracefully

Understanding Potential Reasons for Silence

It can be tough when I don’t hear back after an interview. I remind myself that there could be many reasons for the silence. Sometimes, the hiring process takes longer than expected. Other times, the employer might be busy with other priorities. It’s important to stay patient and not take it personally.

Knowing When to Move On

If I’ve checked in a couple of times and still haven’t received a response, it might be time to redirect my efforts. I can focus on applying for other jobs or networking. This helps me stay proactive and positive.

Redirecting Your Efforts

Here are some steps I can take:

  1. Apply for new positions to keep my options open.
  2. Network with others in my field to discover new opportunities.
  3. Stay engaged with my professional community, which can lead to unexpected chances.

Staying positive is key. I remind myself that every application is a step toward my next opportunity.

Staying Positive and Proactive

I try to keep a positive mindset. I focus on what I can control, like improving my resume or preparing for future interviews. This way, I’m always moving forward, even if I haven’t heard back from a specific employer.

In summary, handling no response gracefully is about understanding the situation, knowing when to move on, and staying proactive. I can always find new opportunities if I keep looking!

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Follow-Ups

When I follow up after an interview, I want to make sure I don’t make any mistakes that could hurt my chances. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Being Too Pushy

I need to remember that patience is key. If I follow up too soon, I might come off as desperate. Instead, I should wait a few days before reaching out.

Using an Inappropriate Tone

I should keep my tone professional. This isn’t the time for jokes or casual language. I want to sound respectful and serious about the opportunity.

Forgetting to Proofread

Before I hit send, I must check my email for any typos or mistakes. A simple error can make me look careless. I can use a spellchecker or read it out loud to catch any issues.

Not Being Specific Enough

I should mention details from the interview. This shows I was engaged and helps the interviewer remember me. I can include:

  • The job title
  • The date of the interview
  • A specific topic we discussed

Ignoring the Follow-Up Timeline

I need to be aware of the timeline given by the employer. If they said they’d get back to me in a week, I should wait at least that long before checking in again.

Following up is important, but I must do it thoughtfully to make a good impression.

By avoiding these mistakes, I can ensure my follow-up is effective and professional. I want to leave a positive impression that keeps me in the running for the job!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I write in my follow-up email after an interview?

In your follow-up email, thank the interviewer for their time, mention something specific from the interview, express your interest in the job, and ask for any updates on the hiring process.

How long should I wait before following up?

It’s a good idea to wait about a week after the interview before sending a follow-up email. If they mentioned a specific timeframe, wait until that period has passed.

Can I follow up through social media?

Yes, you can use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with your interviewer or the company. Just make sure to keep it professional.

What if I don’t hear back after my follow-up?

If you don’t get a response after your follow-up, it’s okay to reach out again after another week or two. If still no reply, consider moving on.

Is it okay to call the interviewer to follow up?

Yes, calling can be appropriate, especially if you had a good rapport during the interview. Just be polite and brief.

What mistakes should I avoid in my follow-up communication?

Avoid being too pushy, using a casual tone, forgetting to proofread, or being vague about your interest in the job.

About Me

Emma Chandlers
Emma Chandlers is a staff writer for CareerNetwork.org. She is an expert in interview preparation working in the career development department of her local university. For over 7+ years, she has helped prep students for their first job interviews.

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