• Understand how to choose the best way to follow up after an interview

Three Ways to Follow Up^[1]

You had your interview but there is more to do!

Thank You Note

You may have received an email listing the names of your interviewers prior to your interview. If not, be sure you write down or remember their names and make sure to get their email addresses.

After your interview is over, send a short email thanking each interviewer for their time. Don’t put off doing this; you don’t want to wait longer than one day before sending this off. And let them know that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

Make It Personal

Don’t just say thanks. Take the time to mention one specific thing from the interview in your thank-you note. This can be something you learned about the organization, something you learned about the interviewer, or any other thing that happened during the interview that reinforces your interest and how good a fit you are for this job.

Follow-Up Note

At the end of your interview, your interviewer may have told you when to expect that a decision will be made. If they don’t mention that, it’s perfectly acceptable for you to ask. If that date has passed and you still haven’t heard back, wait another week and then send a follow-up note.

This note should also be short. Again express your continued interest and excitement about the job. Ask if they need any additional information and reiterate that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

The Exception to the Rule

If something very significant happens before the date you expect the organization to make their decision, you can contact them sooner. For example:

• The organization you are waiting to hear from is your top choice. While you are waiting to hear back, another employer offers you a job. It’s okay to reach out and let them know that they are still your top choice and you hope they will make their decision and get back to you before you need to decide about the competing offer.
• You have received some kind of award or other recognition that is very relevant to the role you interviewed for.

Feedback Note

If you thought that the interview went very well but you were not offered the job, you can send a short note to see if the interviewer will provide you with some feedback. Your note should be short, reiterate your thanks, and ask if they have any constructive feedback that they can share for your future reference.

Don’t be surprised if you don’t get feedback. Some businesses have policies about what can be communicated to applicants to minimize the risk of information being communicated that could later be used by the applicant in some type of discrimination claim.

Communicate Your Continued Interest

If the organization is one that you really admire and you feel like it’s mission and work are a good fit with your personal values and goals, even after you have been rejected, go ahead and let your interviewer and/or human resources know about that. Ask them to keep you in mind if another role comes up that you would be better suited for.

 

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