- Following up after an interview can be the difference between getting a job offer and getting a rejection letter.
- You may feel confident in your performance, yet uncertainties linger regarding the outcome.
The golden rule after an interview is not to delay your follow-up. I said Interview, not Application. Following up after an interview can be the difference between getting a job offer and getting a rejection letter.
You may feel confident in your performance, yet uncertainties linger regarding the outcome.
The decision to proceed to the next stage or secure the position might hinge not only on your impressive presentation during the interview but also on your post-interview conduct.
Following up after a job interview is a good way to:
Confirm your interest in the position, company and team;
Show your motivation;
Prove your analytical skills and ability to take an overview of your performance;
Reformulate or improve an answer you gave that you are not satisfied with; and
Tie up any loose ends.
Dos and don'ts after a job interview
1. Do send a thank you/feedback note
Following your job interview, within the day or by the next, it's recommended to send an email to the interviewer. This isn’t a necessity, but let's face it, it never hurts to thank someone for anything.
Expressing gratitude through a thank-you note can set you apart from other applicants, especially in competitive job markets.
Keep the message concise and professional, reiterating your interest in the position and addressing any pertinent points you may have overlooked during the interview.
The goal is to convey appreciation, not to impress. An email is perfectly suitable for this purpose.
2. Do assess your interview performance
Leaving the interview room, the inclination to replay your performance might not be immediate, yet it's crucial to do so promptly.
Use the evaluation process to look back but don’t get too hung up on your past performance. Regardless of the outcome, each interview offers valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
This is a new opportunity to impress a prospective employer so embrace it- with informed planning and preparation, your next career move could be just an interview away.
2. Don’t harass the recruiter
After your interviews, inquire about the anticipated timeframe for receiving updates to provide clarity regarding the expected waiting period.
It's important to recognize that hiring managers have multiple responsibilities beyond the hiring process, and filling a position might not be their immediate priority.
Employers often undergo a thorough decision-making process before finalizing a hiring decision, which means there may be a considerable wait time before you receive confirmation of your application status.
While it's advisable to follow up after an interview, it's crucial to exercise patience and restraint, limiting follow-up communication to a single instance after an appropriate period has elapsed.
If a week passes without a response, a brief email check-in is appropriate, reaffirming your interest in the position. However, it's generally advised to refrain from making phone calls, as they can be perceived as more intrusive.
3. Don’t lose touch with the recruiter
Even if you are not selected for the position you interviewed for, it's beneficial to maintain contact with the recruiters. Maintain a professional demeanor and express gratitude for their time and support during the interview process.
Remember, recruiters typically do not have the final say in hiring decisions, so it's important not to attribute any rejections to them.
Connect with recruiters on LinkedIn to stay informed about their latest job opportunities and developments.
What if you don’t hear anything?
Regrettably, it's common for employers to not communicate negative news directly to candidates. Oftentimes, candidates who are not being offered the job do not receive follow-up communication, especially if the interviewer is not from the HR department.
If several weeks have passed without any response, it may be appropriate to send a follow-up message.
However, in most cases, the lack of communication signals that you have not been selected for the position. It's advisable to start preparing for your next interview with a different company.