Most of the job application process involves waiting. You check job postings and wait for new opportunities that match your skills and interests. You put together a cover letter and resume, send them off, and wait to hear about a possible interview. Then, if you land an interview, you prepare, give it your best, then wait for a response. The closer you get to an actual offer, the more anxious you get. This anxiety creates anticipation and makes you want to act. However, you need to be smart about how and when you follow up. Being overly eager or pushy is going to seem annoying and may hurt your chances of getting the job. You have to remember that those who interviewed you also interviewed others. If everything they interviewed reached out to them, their inbox would be flooded. However, we pulled out the best ways how to follow up after an interview.
Thank You Note
The first thing you should ask at the end of your interview is when you can expect to hear back from them about the next steps. This date will help you determine when it’s most appropriate to follow up down the line. The day after your interview, you can send your first note. All you need to do is send a quick email thanking the hiring manager for their time. Keep it short and sweet. It’s good to mention one specific thing about the interview or something you learned about their organization. Finally, mention how much you are looking forward to hearing from them.
Follow Up Note
If you don’t hear back from the hiring manager by the day they said, don’t send a note right away. It’s possible that you weren’t the first choice for the job. They may make an offer to someone else, and if that person may not take the job. Give them some time to work things out before you reach back out to them with a follow up. Put a note on your calendar to follow up one week after that date if you still have not heard back. Once that day comes, send a quick note to the hiring manager. The content should be similar to your thank you note. Express your interest in the role and ask if there is any additional information you can provide them.
Feedback Note
If you feel that the interview went well, but aren’t offered the job, you can send one additional email asking for feedback. Again, you’ll want to be brief with this. You should thank the interviewer again and say you enjoyed the interview and would like some feedback. Not everyone will take the time to give you that feedback, but often you may get a specific tip that can improve your chances on the next round.