Originally authored by April Klimkiewicz at Bliss Evolution
Rocked the job interview?
Congrats!
But getting the offer isn’t necessarily in the bag. Learn the 5 steps on how to follow up after an interview in a way that 1. demonstrates you’re interested in the position, but 2. isn’t too pushy that it feels annoying to your potential new employer. This way, you have a much better chance of getting that job offer in the bag.
Let’s talk about what to do and why each step makes the most sense, shall we? Excellent. Let’s dive in:
1. Write a thank you email or note
When you're ready to follow up after an interview, a thank you note seems like a no-brainer, but lots of people forget this important step. A thank you letter can be just as important as showing up to the interview on time - it speaks to a person's character. So be sure to take the time to write a meaningful thank you letter to follow up after an interview!
In the thank you letter, you'll want to express gratitude for the interview and the time they took to meet with you. Remind them of something you talked about that sparked a good conversation and subtly suggests that you're a good fit for the job. You should follow up after an interview with a thank you letter within 24 hours of the interview. Need help with the thank you letter? Learn more about my super quick Thank You Letter course that will walk you through everything you need to know, for what you would spend on lunch.
2. Wait two weeks
This is an important step. Getting in touch should not be rushed. You've already appropriately followed up after the interview with a thank you letter, so getting in touch too soon can be seen as pushy, annoying, and even—gasp!--desperate.
You’ve got two choices here: contact them every time you’re feeling nervous about hearing from them and come across as desperate, or wait to contact them while you keep applying for other jobs and going on interviews. I know what I’d do.
3. Call the person you interviewed with
When you're ready to follow up after an interview, the question of whether you should call or email is raised. I suggest calling at this stage, and here's why: it's so easy for emails to get overlooked, but a call usually grabs attention. You may get someone on the phone, or you may leave a message. Either way, introduce yourself, say you really appreciated the opportunity to interview a few weeks ago, and you're calling to learn where they are in the process.
If you connected on the phone, stop here, and check in via phone or email once a month until you have an offer or an answer. If you left a voicemail, proceed to step 4.
4. Wait one week
Again, giving the hiring team time to process after an interview, talk to each other, and complete work outside of thinking about filling the position is important. You want to come across as confident rather than scared and desperate, so allow this time between contacting them. Remember that to properly follow up after an interview is a process, and you want to give the right amount of time to each step.
5. Email to follow up
If you've gone through all the steps above and are still waiting to hear something back, there's one final thing you can do to follow up after an interview. Send a brief email checking in as a follow up to the call you made the week prior. Let them know you're still interested in the position. From here forward, you can check in once a month until they've made a decision.
Final Thoughts for Following Up After an Interview
You’ll see these important steps to following up successfully after a job interview include having lots of patience. You don’t want to look desperate.
You’re a badass, and you get it, so I’m going to have faith that you know when to reach out and when to sit back and let them come to you. Because that’s just it. When you follow all the steps above properly, there’s a chance that at any time during the process, the employer will be reaching out to you to make you an offer!