There are many steps to take during a successful job search. One of the most important is following up after an interview. But this can be sensitive as well and feel a little awkward. Plus, you don’t want to come on too strong or follow-up too many times. So how can you strike the right balance and follow up properly after a job interview? Here are some tips to keep in mind.
How Many Follow Ups is Too Many?
Understand Time-to-Hire
There are many variables involved in the hiring process and, as a result, it can take weeks or even months. Typically, for interviews, it takes around three weeks to screen all the candidates a company is interested in.
If you’re the first candidate they interview, it might be a while until you hear back. Also, other factors can impact the time-to-hire, like decision-makers on vacations or internal issues that are taking priority over hiring.
Ask About the Next Steps
During your interview, inquire about next steps and when a hiring decision will be made. The hiring manager might have a firm answer or a more loose one. Regardless, you’ll have a better sense of what to expect and when a good time to follow up will be.
Be Persistent, Not Annoying
If the interviewer told you they’d make a decision next week, don’t follow up the next day and ask about the job. What you can do is follow up with an email, thanking them for their time and expressing your continued interest in the job. If there was a career highlight you forgot to mention during the interview, this is also a great time to discuss it. If the full week passes and you don’t hear back, then you can follow up again inquiring about a timeline for a decision.
Reach Out Once the Date Passes
If the hiring manager said they’d make a decision by the 15th of the month, and it’s the 18th, it’s a good time to follow up. If they told you they’d let you know in a week and it’s been a week and a few days, then follow up. You can call and inquire about progress or you can email the hiring manager and let them know you’re still interested in the job and are simple wondering when a decision will be made. Also, ask if they need any additional information from you to make a decision.
Follow Up Once More
If you don’t hear back after a few more days, follow up once more. Ask if the opening has been filled or for more information about what to expect. Whatever you do, don’t send a rude email or leave an angry voicemail. Be professional and diplomatic since you don’t know if you’ll cross paths with the hiring manager again.
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