It’s been a few days since your job interview and you’re not sure what to do next. Should you follow up with the hiring manager? How should you go about it? What are the consequences of not following up at all?
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to follow up after a job interview, and what to avoid doing at all costs. By following our tips, you’ll be sure to leave a positive impression on the hiring manager – and increase your chances of getting the job!
First things first, let’s start with the basics.
What Is a Follow-up?
A follow-up is simply any action you take after an initial meeting or event, typically with the goal of moving things forward. In the context of job interviews, a follow-up usually takes the form of a phone call, email, or letter to the hiring manager expressing your interest in the position and thanking them for their time.
Why Bother Following Up?
If you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth your time to follow up after a job interview, the answer is yes! Hiring managers appreciate it when candidates take the initiative to reach out and check in, and it can help them stand out from the competition. Plus, following up is a great way to show your interest in the position and reaffirm your qualifications.
When Should You Follow Up?
Ideally, you should aim to follow up with the hiring manager within 24-48 hours of your interview. This shows that you’re interested and enthusiastic about the role, without being overly pushy. This of course also depends on the position you applied for. If your interview was at a school for a teaching position, consider school holidays. Schools usually don’t work with HR departments and may be on summer break for a few weeks. However, If you haven’t heard back after two weeks, it’s perfectly acceptable to reach out and inquire about the status of the hiring process.
What’s the Best Way to Follow Up?
The best way to follow up after a job interview is through a personal phone call or email. You can also send a handwritten letter, although this method is less common (and may take longer to reach the hiring manager).
When following up, be sure to express your thanks for the opportunity to interview, and reiterate your interest in the role. You can also mention any qualifications or skills that you may have forgotten to mention during the interview. Keep your message short and to the point – you don’t want to come across as desperate or pushy.
What Not to Do When Following Up
There are a few things you should avoid doing when following up after a job interview.
First of all, resist the urge to send multiple messages – one phone call or email is sufficient. Pestering the hiring manager will only make you seem needy and desperate, and is unlikely to improve your chances of getting the job. Avoid sending generic messages – take the time to personalize your follow-up for each individual interviewer. This shows that you remember them as individuals, and helps to create a stronger connection.
Secondly, don’t use this as an opportunity to ask for feedback on your performance – wait until the hiring manager contacts you first.
Don’t use your follow-up as an opportunity to sell yourself – this should have been done during the interview itself. Simply express your interest in the role, and thank the interviewer for their time.
Finally, don’t follow up too soon – give the hiring manager a chance to review all of the candidates before reaching out.
Last Advice
Following up after a job interview is a critical step in the process. By taking the time to reach out and thank the hiring manager, you can increase your chances of getting the job. Just be sure to avoid coming across as desperate or pushy, and wait a reasonable amount of time before following up.