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Landing a job interview is a big accomplishment. It signifies that your application stood out and the employer thinks you have promise. Sometimes the interview went great, and you can’t wait to hear back from the interviewer. But what happens when the days go by and you still don’t hear back?
The recruitment process doesn’t stop when the interview is over. What you do next could leave a lasting impression on the people who are hiring. Following up after an interview shows professionalism and reinforces your interest. It can even set you apart from other job applicants.
Following up after an interview requires balance, though. Too little communication may make you seem disinterested. But too much makes you look pushy. To help you strike the right tone, consider the following dos and don’ts for following up after an interview.
Do Send a Thank-You Email Within 24 Hours
One of the most important steps after an interview is sending a thank-you note. Job applicants should do this within 24 hours. This ensures the conversation is still fresh in the interviewer’s mind.
A strong thank-you email should express gratitude for the opportunity. It should highlight one or two key points from the discussion that stood out to you. It should also reinforce your enthusiasm for the role.
Stay away from the generic “Thank you for your time” note.
You could write something like: “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I enjoyed learning more about your company’s expansion plans. It was good to learn how this role will contribute to that growth.”
Don’t Copy and Paste a Generic Message
Interviewers know a generic thank-you note when they see one. Avoid sending the same message to different interviewers. You should also avoid using a one-size-fits-all template.
Personalize your message by referencing specific details from the conversation. This shows you were listening. It will also help you stand out from other jobseekers. A thoughtful, personalized note leaves a better impression than a generic one.
Do Respect the Company’s Timeline
Most interviewers provide job hunters with a timeline. This gives them an idea of when they can expect feedback. Applicants should give them that time before following up. Following the company’s schedule demonstrates that you are professional and patient.
What if the date comes and goes, and you still haven’t heard anything? Sending a courteous follow-up email is fine. Make it short and to the point. You may write something like this:
“I wanted to check in on the (job position). The chance is still quite interesting to me. I wanted to know whether there are any new developments in the employment process.”
Don’t Go Overboard with the Follow-Up
It’s crucial to follow up, but being too pushy can hurt job applicants. They should avoid sending emails in quick succession. Do not call the hiring manager repeatedly. Reaching out through every available channel is also a no-no.
The recruiting process takes time. Applicants who force too much contact within a short time come across as pushy. Or worse, desperate. A good rule of thumb is to wait about a week after your thank-you note before sending a second follow-up.
Do Keep Your Tone Professional and Positive
Every communication sent after an interview reflects on you as a candidate. Keep your tone professional, courteous, and upbeat. Even if you’re feeling anxious, don’t let impatience show through your message.
Use phrases with a positive tone. For example, you can say, “I appreciated learning more about your team.” Here’s another way to show interest. Say, “I remain excited about the possibility of contributing to [company name].”
Don’t Burn Bridges if You Don’t Get the Job
The truth is, not every interview leads to an offer. How you respond can affect your career path. If you’re informed that you didn’t get the role, reply with grace. Send a short note thanking them for letting me know.
You can also say something like “I appreciated the chance to interview with your company. I’d love to stay in touch for future opportunities.” This leaves the door open for future roles and shows maturity and professionalism.
Helping Make Success Happen
At Seattle Financial, we know that every step in the hiring process counts. That’s why we are Washington’s premier full-service recruiting firm. Our team connects talented professionals with top employers across different industries. We make sure candidates land interviews and secure jobs. We offer executive search and temporary staffing services. We also offer contract-to-hire and direct hire contracts. Call 206-343-8732 to take the next step in your career. You can also contact us here.
