How to Follow Up After a Job Interview Without Being Annoying

Following up after a job interview is an important and often overlooked part of the entire process. Done correctly, it can give you an edge over other candidates and portray you as professional, thoughtful, and organized. But it is important to know the etiquette when it comes to following up after a job interview - one wrong move and you may be seen as annoying or pushy, which can have a detrimental effect on your candidacy.

Why Follow Up After a Job Interview?

Following up after a job interview has the potential to separate you from the competition. It may also spark some more conversation with the interviewer, which could lead to gaining more information or help sway the interviewer’s opinion of you in a positive way. Following up also demonstrates your enthusiasm and dedication to the position, as well as your politeness and respect for the interviewer’s time.

Timing Your Follow Up

The timing of your follow up is an important factor. It should be done relatively soon after the interview, so you are fresh in the interviewer’s mind. However, you do not want to seem pushy or desperate. As a rule of thumb, if you have not heard back from the interviewer within a few days of the interview, then it is appropriate to send a follow up email. Waiting too long may mean that you miss out on the opportunity.

The Content of Your Follow Up

Your follow up message should focus on thanking the interviewer for their time and consideration. It can also be beneficial to briefly mention points that you discussed during the interview, as this shows that you were listening and paying attention to the conversation. It is important to be courteous and professional throughout the message, as this is a reflection of your communication skills.

Avoid Being Annoying

It is essential to avoid coming across as annoying when following up after a job interview. This means you should avoid any additional questions that were not asked in the interview. Do not appear overly eager or desperate. You should also not send any additional materials such as resumes or writing samples, as this can come across as presumptuous and be off-putting to the interviewer. Also, try to limit your emails to no more than two, as excessive follow ups may make you seem pushy.

Be Patient and Professional

The job interview process can often be time-consuming and nerve wracking. It can take weeks, or even months for the interviewer to get back to you with a decision. Therefore, it is important to keep your cool and remain patient until you receive an answer. Remember to maintain your professionalism throughout any communication with the interviewer, as anything that you write or say may be taken into consideration when deciding who to hire.

Conclusion

Following up after a job interview is an essential but often overlooked part of the entire process. Done correctly, it can give you an edge over other candidates, demonstrate your enthusiasm, and maintain your professional image. It is important to know the etiquette when following up, as one wrong move and you may be seen as annoying or pushy, which can have a negative effect on your candidacy. Be patient, remain professional throughout any communication, and thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.