Best Practices for Follow-Up After Job Interviews

Following up after a job interview is an important step in the job search process that many job seekers often overlook. Proper follow-up can help you stand out from the crowd and keep your name on the interviewers mind even after the interview is over. It is a good way to thank the interviewer for their time and to reiterate your interest in the position.

Be Prompt

No matter the outcome of the interview, it is important to be prompt with your follow-up. If you are contacted with a job offer, it is important to promptly respond with either acceptance or politely decline the offer within 24 hours. If you are waiting on a response, try to reach out within a few business days of the initial interview in order to remind the interviewer of your skills and experience.

Write a Thank-You Note

Writing a thank-you note is a simple but meaningful way to show your appreciation after the interview. It is important to make sure the note is sincere and relevant to the conversation. For instance, you may want to re-echo a particular skill or accomplishment you talked about during the interview. A thank-you note can also be used to provide additional information or to address any lingering questions.

Stay in Touch

It is a good idea to stay in touch with the interviewer while waiting for a response. You can do this through email, LinkedIn or any other platform where you have been able to establish contact. This can also present further opportunities to show off your skills and provide additional information. It is important to avoid pushing the issue too much, as this will come off as annoying or desperate.

Be Professional

Always remember to keep the tone professional and to maintain a polite and respectful demeanor. It does not matter if you have been offered a job or declined the offer, always thank the interviewer for their time and keep a positive attitude regardless of the outcome. This will ensure that you remain in the good graces of the interviewer and might even lead to other opportunities in the future. Additionally, it is important to keep an open line of communication until you have received an official response.

Following Up Responsibly

Although follow-up is necessary, it is important to ensure that the emails and other messages do not come off as pushy or desperate. Keep the content of the message to the point without overdoing it and always respond to any messages in a timely fashion. Do not badger the interviewer, as this can be grounds for dismissal. Additionally, do not beg for the job if you have not received an offer.

The Right Approach

The key to successful follow-up is being prompt and professional. It is important to be polite and to keep the tone of the communication positive, regardless of whether you have received an offer or not. Also remember to keep the messages short and to the point, without overdoing it. Lastly, make sure to thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate your commitment to the role if you have been offered the job.