With too many kay-offs and massive application rejections, it is important you do everything you can to make your interview lead to employment. As such, knowing the right way to follow-up after a job interview can positively increase your chances of securing any job you interview.
But, what’s the secret of those people who seem to find a job quickly? Is it because they are star candidates or because they know the secrets of good job interviews?
Not necessary. There is another approach that can work and one that employers like. It follows up your interview properly.
Don’t follow up in a way that makes you sound desperate, but follow up in a way that makes a positive impression and shows that you’re enthusiastic – and efficient.
Advice To Follow-up After a Job Interview
1. Understand the employer
In this article, we’ll look at what it takes to follow up properly, but first, take a step back and look at the situation from the employer’s point of view. After all, they are just as driven as you are to find the right candidate. That process is not easy and can take time.
In today’s job market, with so many people looking for a job, every employer will receive a lot of applications. And even after they’ve left out the unsuitable candidates, they’re probably looking at some good candidates.
Interviews take time to plan and complete, as well as post evaluation and background checks. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to hiring, so keep that in mind when trying to figure out when to follow up.
A good employer will likely give you an indication of when they will let you know their decision. But that is not a guaranteed date and they may find it difficult to make the final choice.
2. Create first follow up
With that in mind, a good starting point for follow-up is the date the employer has given you. But don’t try to make contact right away. Suppose they haven’t made a final decision yet and wait a few more days.
At that point, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask for an update. You can contact us by post or e-mail.
Your main message should be simple and to the point.
“It was great to meet you during the interview and thank you for considering my application for [POSITION]. You said you hoped to let me know by [DATE].
I was wondering if you’ve made a final decision. I look forward to hearing from you.”
That’s an obvious request. It shows that you are still interested in the job and it gives the employer time to consider their response.
In some cases it may also be an option to contact us by phone. However, only use this method if the hiring manager has invited you to call and provided you with a number. A phone call is often a more personal touch and can give you an edge over your competitors. If the hiring manager was enthusiastic about your interview and offered you the phone number, go ahead and use it.
3. Provide more information
If the employer replies that it has not yet made a final decision, you can respond again and offer to provide more information.
“Thank you for submitting the position. I understand that you need time to make the right choice and I look forward to hearing from you when you are ready.
I thought it might be helpful to give you some additional information that we didn’t have time to discuss during the interview. I’ve thought a lot about the job and wanted to let you know about other qualifications and experience that could be relevant and important to the position as you describe it.”
This type of follow-up is useful because it opens up a further dialogue with the employer – and shows that you are willing to go the extra mile. By pointing out that you’ve thought more deeply about the job, it also shows that you’re a serious candidate.
Read Also – 9 Things To Say In a Job Interview [From Expert Recruiters]
4. Keep the employer informed
What happens if your circumstances change while you wait for a decision? You may have had another offer.
It is important to notify the employer if you have decided to take the other job. Or inform them of a job offer, but would you rather join their team. In this situation, you are looking for a fixed time frame for a decision, because you have to accept or reject the offer.
“Thank you for continuing to consider my application for [POSITION]. Since I last contacted you, I received an offer from another company and decided to accept it.
I just wanted to let you know so that you don’t have to spend more time on my application and thank you for considering me as a candidate.”
OR
“Thank you for continuing to consider my application for [POSITION]. Since the last contact, I have received an offer from another company for the role of [OFFERED POSITION]. This is a senior position, leading a department, and I feel privileged to be considered.
However, I would rather take your job if you decide to select me as a [POSITION] Bee [COMPANY] would enable me to pursue my desired career path and gain valuable experience from the experts in [INDUSTRY] field.
So I wanted to ask you if you are about to make a decision, as I have to let the other company know my decision within seven days. I would appreciate if you could let me know the current situation. Would it be possible for you to contact me by [DATE]?Thank you for your understanding. I look forward to hearing from you”
The first answer is a polite one that shows you are responsible and don’t want to waste the employer’s time. The second boosts your credentials, showing that you’re really excited about that job. The fact that you have a different offer also shows that you are a sought-after candidate and that gives the employer more confidence in your abilities.
5. Use rejection to your advantage
What happens if, after all that patient wait, you don’t get the job you really wanted? Do you just move on to the next opportunity or do you have to put down a marker for future opportunities?
Either way, thank the employer for considering you.
“Thank you for letting me know your decision. I’m disappointed I wasn’t selected because the job offered great career opportunities.
I would like to stay in touch with your company and if there are more vacancies in the future I would be happy to be considered for the position.”
This response shows that as a potential employer you maintain interest in the company and that can give you a head start if another position becomes available. The employer knows your capabilities and recognizes that you are enthusiastic. That should help speed up your future application.
Final Thoughts
An interview is one step away from getting a job. If you take it for granted, no matter your skills or experience, you may find it difficult to get a job. The same applies to follow-up after a job interview, if you follow the advice to follow-up after a job interview discussed above, you have a higher chance of getting whichever interview you participate in.
