You’ve aced the interview, and now the waiting game begins. But is there something more you can do to stay top of mind with the hiring manager? Absolutely! Following up after an interview can be a crucial step in securing the job, but it’s a delicate balance. Done correctly, it can reinforce your enthusiasm and professionalism. Done poorly, it can come across as pushy or desperate. In this post, we’ll guide you through the dos and don’ts of following up after an interview to help you strike the right balance and boost your chances of landing that job.
The Dos of Following Up After an Interview
Do Send a Thank-You Email
One of the simplest yet most effective follow-up strategies is sending a thank-you email. This gesture shows appreciation for the opportunity and reiterates your interest in the role. Aim to send this email within 24 hours of your interview. Be sure to personalise it by mentioning specific points discussed during the interview and why you’re excited about the potential to join their team.
Example: "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic] and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]."
Do Be Patient
It’s natural to feel anxious after an interview, especially if you’re eager to hear back. However, it’s important to be patient. Give the hiring manager some time to make their decision before sending any additional follow-ups. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least a week after your interview before reaching out again.
Do Keep It Short and Sweet
When following up, keep your communication concise and to the point. Whether you’re sending a thank-you email or a gentle nudge for an update, there’s no need for lengthy messages. Hiring managers are busy, and they’ll appreciate a succinct, professional note.
Example: "I wanted to follow up on my application for [Position]. I remain very interested in the role and look forward to any updates you can share."
Do Reiterate Your Interest
Use your follow-up as an opportunity to reaffirm your enthusiasm for the role. This can reinforce the impression you made during the interview and demonstrate your continued interest in joining their team.
Example: "After our discussion, I’m even more enthusiastic about the possibility of working with [Company Name]. I believe my skills in [specific area] would make a great contribution to your team."
Do Respect Their Process
Every company has its own timeline for making hiring decisions. If the interviewer mentioned a specific date by which they’d get back to you, respect that timeline. If that date passes without a word, it’s appropriate to send a follow-up email. However, avoid pestering them before the agreed timeframe.
The Don’ts of Following Up After an Interview
Don’t Be Overly Persistent
While it’s important to show interest, being overly persistent can backfire. Avoid bombarding the hiring manager with multiple follow-up emails or phone calls. This can be seen as pushy and may diminish your chances of landing the job.
Don’t Make Assumptions
If you haven’t heard back, don’t assume the worst. The hiring process can take time, and there are often internal factors at play that may delay a decision. Stay positive and patient, and avoid jumping to conclusions about your chances.
Don’t Forget to Proofread
Just like your CV, your follow-up emails should be polished and free of errors. Spelling or grammatical mistakes can leave a negative impression, so proofread your messages before hitting send. If possible, have a friend or family member review it as well.
Don’t Bring Up Salary or Benefits
Your follow-up email is not the place to discuss salary, benefits, or other job perks. These topics are best left for when you’ve received an offer. Focus your follow-up on expressing gratitude, reiterating your interest, and gently asking for an update if necessary.
Don’t Go Off-Topic
Keep your follow-up focused on the job and your interest in the role. Avoid adding unrelated information or bringing up personal matters. The goal is to remind the hiring manager of your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position, not to distract them with off-topic details.
Following up after an interview is an important step in the job search process, but it must be handled with care. By following these dos and don’ts, you can leave a positive, lasting impression on the hiring manager and increase your chances of securing the position. Remember to be polite, patient, and professional in all your communications. And most importantly, stay confident—if you’ve made it this far, you’re already one step closer to landing the job!
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