When and how to follow up after a job interview
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12/10/2018
Once you’ve presented your best self in an interview, it can feel like you no longer have the power to further influence the decision. This is not the case.
Knowing when and how to follow up on an interview helps you leave a lasting impression while underlining your interest in the role. KLC Recruitment is here to show you how to create the perfect balance of contact, keeping you in the hiring manager’s thoughts while not pushing it too far.
It can be a balancing act, knowing how often to follow up after an interview.
End of interview questions
The best time to begin following up after the interview is during the interview itself.
When your interviewer asks if you’ve any questions, use this opportunity to express an interest in their hiring process and when you should expect to hear back from them.
These questions demonstrate your forward planning, as well as helping you prepare for the next stage. It also gives a timeframe to work with for following up with them if they don’t reach out.
The thank you letter
A thank you letter is a small gesture that can help solidify your impression on the hiring manager, and despite its name you can send it via email. Keep it short, but be enthusiastic and warm, and don’t forget to actually show your gratitude for the opportunity.
With 79 per cent of Australian HR leaders saying that talent is the number one priority for their company, according to a 2017 LinkedIn Australian recruiting trends report, it’s also the perfect way to reiterate the skills you’d bring to the role.
Aim to send this within 48 hours after the interview, and format it one of two ways:
- Show your professionalism, while emphasising your friendly, cooperative nature and how it fits with the company culture. Mention highlights of the interview, and make the message sincere so it’s clear that it’s a personalised note that you’ve put time into.
- If you are someone who wants to learn and improve their interviewing techniques, use the thank you note to gently nudge for feedback. When this is done right, it shows your wish to grow and develop, which is a great attribute for a potential employee.
Checking in
Having a timeframe from the interview allows you to use this to judge when to send a follow-up email to the hiring manager. Should you not hear from them, wait until a day or so after the deadline passes to send them a polite query.
When writing it, don’t automatically assume that they’ve turned you down for the position. Remember, the hiring process is often a long one and it’s not uncommon for delays to happen.
It can be hard to send this follow up as it can feel pushy. However a simple enquiry demonstrates that you are still interested in the role, and gives information on what’s happening on their end.
If you didn’t ask for, or receive, a timeline, send this interview follow up after about two weeks.
Check in with the company only after the deadline for hearing from them has passed.
Building a rapport for future opportunities
Not getting the job is a heavy blow. It can be tempting to cut away from the process and create some space to recover once finding out. However, missing out this time doesn’t mean the company won’t have any further opportunities that you might be perfect for.
Responding in a professional, gracious way is an excellent way to leave a final good impression. It’s also a great time to ask for feedback to understand why they didn’t choose you, showing your willingness to grow and learn.
If the company is one that you would still love to work at, let them know this. Mention to them that you’re interested in exploring future opportunities with them, and say in your email if you’d be like to hear from them should a role comes up that they think you’d be a good fit for.
KLC Recruitment has years of experience helping candidates land their ideal jobs. If you want to make the best impression possible when job-seeking, reach out to see what we can do for you.
