You just got back home after your job interview, feeling excited and proud of yourself for nailing it. You aced each question, demonstrated your skills and experience, and connected with the interviewer. Despite the nerves and anticipation, you felt confident that you will hear back from the company soon enough. But a few days, a week, or even a few weeks passed by, and you haven’t received any response yet. You start to wonder, should you follow up? How do you inquire about a job after an interview without sounding too pushy or desperate?
First of all, take a deep breath and realize that it’s perfectly understandable to want to know the status of your application. It shows that you are interested and eager to work for the company. However, you also want to be respectful of the company’s time and process. Before you decide to reach out, make sure you have given them enough time to review your application and make a decision. If they stated a timeline during the interview, wait until that passes before following up.
Next, decide on the best method to follow up. This could vary depending on the company’s preferences and your relationship with the interviewer. If you have their email or phone number, you could send a brief and polite message asking for an update on your application. If you don’t have their direct contact information, you could call the company’s HR department or receptionist and ask if they can provide any information. Alternatively, you could send a thank-you note to the interviewer, expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and interest in the position, and asking if they have any updates on the hiring process. Whatever method you choose, remember to keep it professional, concise, and positive.
Following up after a job interview
After you walk out of an interview, it’s natural to feel a sense of relief, but the journey towards landing the job isn’t over yet. Following up with the hiring manager shows that you’re still interested in the position and allows you to reaffirm your qualifications. Here are some tips on how to follow up:
- Send a thank-you email: Within 24 hours of your interview, craft a personalized email thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterating your interest in the position. Mention something specific that you enjoyed about the interview or that you learned that intrigues you about the job.
- Don’t be pushy: While it’s okay to inquire about the status of your application, don’t overdo it. Sending an email or making a phone call once a week is too frequent. Wait at least a week to ten days before reaching out.
- Stay positive: Keep in mind that the hiring process takes time. Don’t fret if you don’t receive a reply right away. Be patient and continue to search for new opportunities.
When to follow up after a job interview?
The timing of your follow-up is crucial. If you wait too long, the hiring manager may assume you’re not interested in the role. If you follow up too soon, you may come across as overly eager or pushy. A good rule of thumb is to send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview and follow up after a week or ten days if you don’t hear back.
What to say when following up after a job interview?
When writing your follow-up email or making a phone call, keep it short, polite, and professional. Express your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reiterate your interest in the position. You can also use the opportunity to ask if there’s any additional information they need from you or if they have any updates on the hiring process.
How to track your follow-ups after a job interview?
It’s essential to keep track of your follow-ups, so you know when to reach out again and avoid looking unprofessional by over-communicating. Consider creating a spreadsheet to log the date and time of your communication, the person you spoke with, and any notes on the conversation. This log can also serve as a reference if you need to research or remind yourself of what was discussed.
| Follow-up Log | Date | Person Contacted | Communication Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 25, 2021 | John Smith, Hiring Manager | Sent thank-you email, mentioned appreciation for the opportunity, and reiterated interest in the role. | |
| 2 | May 31, 2021 | John Smith, Hiring Manager | Followed up to inquire about the hiring status. |
By following up appropriately after a job interview, you demonstrate your interest and commitment to the position. Keep in mind that persistence and patience are key, and don’t be discouraged by rejection. Remember, every interview is a learning experience that can help you prepare for the perfect job and company fit.
Best ways to contact after an interview
After an interview, following up with the interviewer is an important step to show that you are still interested and enthusiastic about the job opportunity. It also provides an opportunity for you to clarify any doubts or questions that might have arisen during the interview.
- Thank you email: Sending a personalized thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview is a professional and effective way to express your gratitude for the opportunity. This email should be concise, thanking the interviewer for their time, and highlighting your interest in the position. It’s also a good idea to mention specific points from the interview that you found particularly interesting or insightful.
- Follow-up phone call: If you haven’t heard back from the interviewer after a week or so, a follow-up phone call can help you stand out from other candidates and show your eagerness for the job. Keep the call brief, courteous, and to the point. Ask if they have any updates on the hiring process, and reiterate your interest in the job.
- LinkedIn message: If you don’t have the interviewer’s contact information, sending a message on LinkedIn can be a good way to follow up. Make sure to personalise the message, mention something that you enjoyed talking about during the interview, and reiterate your interest in the position. Remember to keep the message professional and free from grammatical errors.
It’s important to remember that following up is a way to show your interest and enthusiasm for the role, not to pester the interviewer. Make sure to follow up no more than twice, and space your follow-ups out appropriately. If at any point you receive an update from the interviewer, make sure to thank them for their time and let them know that you appreciate the update.
Here’s a table summarizing the best ways to contact after an interview:
| Method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Thank You Email | Can be personalised and sent quickly, shows gratitude and enthusiasm. | May not stand out from other candidates, could come across as formulaic if not tailored properly. |
| Follow-up Phone Call | Allows for personal interaction, shows eagerness and persistence. | Could be perceived as pushy or annoying if done excessively. |
| LinkedIn Message | Professional and non-intrusive, can help to establish connection beyond the interview. | May not be seen by the interviewer if they don’t frequently check their LinkedIn account. |
Remember, the key to successful follow-ups is to remain professional, courteous, and enthusiastic. By doing so, you are showing the interviewer that you are not only qualified for the job but also a pleasure to work with!
When is the appropriate time to follow up
Following up after a job interview is a crucial part of the job search process. It shows your interest in the position and can help keep you top of mind with the hiring manager. However, timing is everything when it comes to following up.
- Within 24 hours: Sending a thank-you note or email within 24 hours of the interview is a great way to show appreciation for the time the hiring manager took to meet with you. It also provides an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and highlight any key points you may have missed during the interview.
- One week later: If you haven’t received any updates within a week, it’s appropriate to reach out and inquire about the status of your application. You can send a polite email or make a quick phone call to the hiring manager to express your continued interest and ask if there are any updates on the position.
- Two weeks later: If you still haven’t heard back after two weeks, it’s appropriate to follow up again. This time, you may want to ask for feedback on your interview or application to see if there is anything you can improve on for future job searches.
It’s important to strike a balance between being persistent and overbearing when following up. You want to show your interest in the position without coming across as pushy or desperate.
| Do: | Don’t: |
|---|---|
| Send a polite email or make a quick phone call | Call repeatedly or excessively |
| Express your continued interest in the position | Beg or sound desperate |
| Ask for feedback on your interview or application | Badger the hiring manager for a decision |
Following up after a job interview can be nerve-wracking, but by timing your follow-ups appropriately and maintaining a professional demeanor, you can increase your chances of landing the job.
Email vs Phone Call Follow-Up
After an interview, you might be wondering about the best way to follow up with the employer. Two common methods are email and phone call follow-up. Here, we’ll look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
- Email follow-up
- Phone call follow-up
Email Follow-Up
Email is a popular method for follow-up because it allows you to carefully craft your words and ensure that you are communicating your message effectively. Email is less intrusive than a phone call, and it gives the employer time to respond without feeling pressured. Here are some tips for crafting an effective follow-up email:
- Personalize the email by addressing the interviewer by name and thanking them for their time
- Recap some of the main points of the interview and emphasize your interest in the position
- Provide any additional information or materials that might be relevant, such as references or work samples
- End the email with a polite request for an update on the hiring process
Phone Call Follow-Up
A phone call can be a more direct way to follow up with an employer, and it can show your enthusiasm for the position. However, it can also be more intimidating and pushy, so it’s important to be professional and respectful on the call. Here are some tips for making a successful follow-up phone call:
- Prepare a short script in advance, including a brief introduction and your reason for calling
- Be polite and respectful, and ask if it’s a good time to speak with the interviewer
- Recap some of the main points of the interview and emphasize your interest in the position
- Ask if there are any additional materials or information you can provide, and request an update on the hiring process
- Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision to use email or phone call follow-up depends on your own preferences and the employer’s communication style. If you’re not sure which method to use, you can always ask the interviewer during the interview or send a brief email after the interview to ask about their preferred communication method. No matter which method you choose, remember to be professional and respectful in your communication, and emphasize your interest in the position.
| Email Follow-up | Phone Call Follow-up |
|---|---|
| Allows you to carefully craft your words and communicate your message effectively | Can show your enthusiasm for the position and be more direct |
| Less intrusive and gives the employer time to respond without feeling pressured | Can be more intimidating and pushy if not done professionally |
| Can provide additional information or materials that might be relevant | Requires preparation and a short script in advance |
| Polite request for an update on the hiring process can be easily included | Ask if it’s a good time to speak with interviewer and respects their schedule |
What to say when following up after an interview
Following up after an interview is a crucial step in the job application process that can make or break your chances of landing that dream job. However, it’s important to approach this step with tact and professionalism to avoid coming off as pushy or aggressive. Here are some tips on what to say when following up after an interview:
- Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. A simple “Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position” can go a long way in showing appreciation and leaving a positive impression.
- Reiterate your interest in the position and company. Let the interviewer know that you are still interested and excited about the job, and that you believe your skills and experience make you a strong candidate for the position.
- Inquire about the status of the hiring process. Politely ask about the timeline for making a decision and when you can expect to hear back from them.
Remember, following up after an interview is all about maintaining a professional and positive relationship with the interviewer and company. Avoid coming off as desperate or overeager, and always keep your tone friendly and courteous.
Below is a table summarizing some dos and don’ts of following up after an interview:
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration | Be pushy or aggressive |
| Reiterate your interest in the position and company | Exaggerate your qualifications or experience |
| Inquire about the status of the hiring process | Blame the interviewer or company for any delays or issues |
By keeping these tips in mind and using them to craft a thoughtful and professional follow-up message, you can increase your chances of landing that dream job and impressing your potential employer.
Handling rejection after following up
It’s never easy to hear a rejection after following up on a job interview. However, it’s important to handle the rejection in a professional manner to make a good impression and keep future opportunities open.
- Thank the interviewer: Even if you didn’t get the job, it’s important to thank the interviewer for their time and for considering you for the position. This shows that you are gracious and respectful, which can leave a positive impression.
- Ask for feedback: If you receive feedback on why you didn’t get the job, be sure to take it constructively. This can help you improve for future interviews and show that you are receptive to criticism.
- Stay positive and persistent: Don’t let one rejection discourage you from applying for more jobs or following up on other positions. Stay positive and remember that it’s a numbers game. The more you apply and follow up, the more likely you are to land a job.
Remember, rejection is a natural part of the job search process, and it doesn’t define your worth as a candidate. Keep pushing forward and stay focused on your goals.
| Do: | Don’t: |
|---|---|
| Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. | Burn bridges by being rude or negative. |
| Ask for feedback and take it constructively. | Take the rejection personally and blame others. |
| Stay positive and persistent in your job search. | Give up after one rejection. |
Remember, every rejection is an opportunity to learn and grow as a candidate. Keep these tips in mind and stay focused on your career goals, and success will come.
Importance of Thank You Notes After an Interview
In the competitive job market, every small detail could make or break your chance of landing the job you want. One of the most overlooked details is sending a thank-you note after the interview. If you have ever wondered whether or not sending a thank-you note is necessary, the answer is yes, it is necessary. Here’s why:
- Shows appreciation
- A thank-you note shows that you appreciate the time and effort the interviewer has taken to meet with you. This gesture shows that you understand the value of their time and acknowledge the effort they have put into the recruitment process.
- Reaffirms interest
- By sending a thank-you note, you are reaffirming your interest in the position and the company. This is also an opportunity to remind the interviewer of your qualifications and how you would be an excellent fit for the role.
- Keeps you top of mind
- Most importantly, sending a thank-you note is an excellent opportunity to keep you top of mind while the interviewer makes their decision. It is a way of reminding them of the great impression you made and helps you stand out from other candidates.
Sending a thank-you note may feel like a small, insignificant gesture, but it is an incredibly powerful tool in the job search process. It can be the difference between landing the job or not. So, take the time to craft a sincere note expressing your gratitude for the interviewer and reaffirming your interest in the role.
FAQs: How Do You Inquire About a Job After an Interview?
1. When should I follow up after the interview?
It’s essential to follow up within a week after the interview. This will show your enthusiasm and commitment to the job you applied for.
2. What is the best way to follow up after an interview?
Sending a personalized email or making a phone call to the interviewers is the best way to follow up after an interview.
3. How should I write a follow-up email?
When writing a follow-up email, make sure to thank the interviewer for their time, reiterate your interest in the job, and mention anything specific that you discussed during the interview.
4. Should I ask for feedback after the interview?
Yes, it is always helpful to ask for feedback after the interview. This will show your eagerness to learn and improve.
5. How many times should I follow up after an interview?
Following up once or twice is enough to show your interest in the job. However, make sure not to overdo it, as it may come off as annoying.
6. What if I don’t hear back from the interviewer?
If you don’t hear back from the interviewer after a week or two, you can send a polite email asking for an update. However, be patient and don’t follow up excessively.
7. Should I send a thank you note after the interview?
Yes, it’s a good practice to send a thank you note after the interview. It will make a lasting, positive impression on the interviewers.
Closing Title: Thank You for Reading
Now that you know how to inquire about a job after an interview, I hope you found this article helpful. Remember to follow up within a week, personalize your email, and be patient. Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time and send them a thank you note. Good luck with your job search, and please visit us again for more valuable career advice.