When to Follow Up After An Interview: 6 Tips 🗣️

Elevate your chances of landing that dream job by mastering the art of follow-up. Learn when to follow up after an interview and what to say.

Sending a follow-up email after an interview is a crucial step that showcases your enthusiasm and interest in the opportunity.

In this article, we'll explore the factors influencing a company's response time, provide guidance on when and how to follow up and share valuable tips and best practices.



Why should you follow up after an interview? 🤔

You demonstrate enthusiasm and a proactive attitude when you follow up after a job interview. Like the questions you ask during your interview, it’s an opportunity to prove you’re a serious candidate.

Following up strengthens your connection with the interviewer, underscores your professionalism, and can differentiate you from other applicants. A tailored thank-you message addressing interview specifics makes a memorable impact. Even if you aren’t selected, a gracious follow-up can position you favorably for future chances.

What factors influence a company's response time? ⏱️

The wait after an interview can be tense. Recognizing why companies might delay their response can clarify the hiring process. Here are five reasons for potential hold-ups so you can wait patiently and with insight.

• Thorough evaluation process: Companies may take time to reply due to a meticulous evaluation process involving multiple stakeholders and careful assessment of candidates' qualifications and fit with the company culture.
• Scheduling challenges: Coordinating availability for follow-up discussions and panel interviews can take time and effort, leading to response delays.
• Internal decision-making hierarchy: Seeking approvals from higher-ups or committees and considering budget and strategic goals can prolong the response time.
• Candidate pool size and quality: Many applicants require careful screening, and companies may wait for the application window to close before evaluation.
• Market conditions and external factors: Economic conditions, industry trends, and external events can influence hiring priorities, affecting response time.

When to follow up after an interview 🗓️

The post-interview phase can create uncertainty and anticipation for job seekers. If you aren’t sure when to send a follow-up email after an interview, we’ve got you covered.

It's natural to be eager for a response after a job interview, but we recommend waiting about one week before following up. This allows the hiring team enough time to make informed decisions and avoids appearing impatient or pushy.

How to follow up after an interview: 4 examples 💬

The interview is over — now what? Following up is crucial to showcase your interest and professionalism to potential employers during the job search. Let's explore five effective ways to follow up after an interview, complete with examples.

1. Send a thank-you email 📧

A thank-you email is a courteous and confident way to keep your name fresh in your interviewer’s mind. In your email, express gratitude for the opportunity and briefly mention a specific point from the interview that resonated with you.

Example:

Dear [Manager],

I hope this email finds you well. I am extending my sincere gratitude for meeting with me last week. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing [specific project/aspect] and was particularly impressed by [company values]. I am excited to potentially join your company and contribute to its continued success.

Thank you once again for considering my candidacy. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

2. Engage through a follow-up call 📞

Politely inquire about the status of your job application if the interviewer provided a timeline for decision-making.

Example:

[Your Name]: Hello, [Interviewer's Name]. I hope you're doing well. I am following up on my interview for the [Job Title] position. I'm very interested in the opportunity and would like to know if there have been any updates regarding the hiring process.

[Interviewer's Name]: Thank you for reaching out. We're still evaluating candidates, but rest assured that we will be in touch with an update soon.

[Your Name]: Thank you for the update. I appreciate your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day!

3. Make the most out of a rejection ♻️

Politely ask for feedback and express your interest in future opportunities, even if you receive a rejection.

Example:

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I genuinely enjoyed our conversation and learning about [Company Name] 's inspiring work.

I would appreciate any feedback or insights regarding my interview performance. Constructive feedback is essential to my personal growth and development, and I want to continue to refine my skills.

Furthermore, I am genuinely interested in [Company Name] 's mission and vision, and I would appreciate your consideration for future opportunities that align with my background and aspirations.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

4. Use LinkedIn to connect 🌐

Wondering how to follow up with the recruiter? LinkedIn is an effective way to stay on their radar and maintain a professional relationship. Personalize your invitation message by mentioning your interview and expressing your enthusiasm for the potential collaboration.

Example:

Hello [Recruiter/Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Our discussion left me excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name] 's growth and success. I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn and stay in touch for future opportunities.

Thank you once again for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the possibility of working together.

Interview follow-up: 6 tips & best practices 💫

Following up after an interview is crucial to showcase your continued interest. Explore these six tips to help make a lasting impression and increase the chances of landing that dream job.

1. Express gratitude and enthusiasm 🙏

Send a thank-you email promptly after the interview, expressing gratitude and reiterating your enthusiasm for the position.

2. Seek feedback and clarify the next steps 🪜

Ask follow-up questions after the interview to demonstrate your proactive approach and gain insight into the hiring timeline.

3. Reinforce your qualifications 🎓

Reemphasize relevant skills and experiences not covered during the interview to reinforce your suitability for the role.

4. Address any concerns or uncertainties 😵‍💫

Proactively clarify any discussed concerns to showcase your problem-solving skills and eagerness to address challenges.

5. Stay professional and courteous 👔

Maintain a professional tone and avoid excessive follow-ups to show respect and patience.

6. Show graciousness in acceptance or rejection 🥲

Respond graciously to any outcome, expressing appreciation and continued interest in potential future opportunities.

What to do if you don’t get a response 📭

After a promising job interview, waiting weeks to hear back from recruiters can be disheartening. Here are some things you can do when you do not get a response after a follow-up email.

Be patient and allow time ⏳

Hiring decisions take time, so be patient and give recruiters the space they need to make their choice.

Follow up politely 😊

Send a concise and courteous follow-up email after a week to express your interest and inquire about the application status.

Stay positive and engage in self-reflection 🪞

Focus on your accomplishments and skills while waiting. Use the time to explore other job opportunities and develop professionally.

Continue job search efforts 🔍

Keep searching for other job openings that match your skills and aspirations.

Continue networking 🔗

Networking can have a significant role in your job search. Reach out to your professional connections and attend networking events to expand your network. Referrals from your network can expedite the hiring process.

Flex your freelance muscles on Contra 💪

Following up after an interview can significantly impact your hiring prospects. These strategies increase your chances of leaving a positive impression and standing out among other candidates in the competitive job market. Stay proactive, communicate genuinely, and trust that your efforts will pave the way to your dream job. Are you an independent professional looking for freelance opportunities? Join Contra's Slack community today! Connect with like-minded Independents, share experiences, and gain valuable insights. Our supportive network is the perfect platform to learn from fellow freelancers, entrepreneurs, and creatives.

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