When inquiring if you got the job, follow up professionally and courteously via email or phone call. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity, reaffirm your interest in the position, and politely ask about the hiring timeline or if a decision has been made. Remember to be patient and respect the employer’s process.
Choosing the Right Time to Follow Up
Wait for the time mentioned by the interviewer before following up. If no timeline was given, wait for a week to 10 days before reaching out.
Framing a Professional Follow-Up Email
Choose a clear subject line like “Following up on [Job Title] Interview” to grab attention. Keep the content courteous and appreciative.
Express Gratitude
Start the email by thanking the interviewer for their time and for considering you for the role.
Reaffirm Your Interest
Briefly mention your enthusiasm for the position and how your skills align with the job requirements.
Ask About the Hiring Timeline or Decision
Politely ask if there’s an updated timeline or if a decision has been made regarding the role. Offer additional information or clarification if needed.
Following Up with a Phone Call
If you prefer calling, make sure to choose a suitable time, such as late morning or early afternoon, to avoid interrupting the interviewer’s schedule.
Introducing Yourself
Begin the call by stating your name, the position you interviewed for, and the date of your interview.
Asking About the Decision
Politely inquire about the hiring process or if they have reached a decision, while maintaining a positive and professional tone.
Maintaining Patience and Professionalism
Don’t be discouraged if there’s no immediate response or if the process takes longer than expected. Continue to be patient and professional in your communications.
Understanding Different Company Scenarios
Bear in mind that hiring processes and decision-making can differ across different companies. Factors like company size, industry, and management style may affect the duration and communication style.
Managing Follow-Up Frequency
Avoid being overly persistent or over-communicating, as this may be seen as unprofessional. Limit follow-ups to a maximum of two attempts if the employer has not responded after your first inquiry.
Analyzing the Employer’s Feedback
Pay attention to the employer’s response, tone, and any additional information they provide. This can give you an idea of where you stand in the process and whether you should keep pursuing the opportunity or focus on other job prospects.
Preparing for Different Outcomes
Be prepared to accept various outcomes, whether you are selected for the position, asked to interview again, or not chosen. Remember to always thank the employer for their consideration and remain professional in all communications.
Continuing Your Job Search Efforts
While waiting for a response, don’t put your job search on hold. Keep pursuing other opportunities and applying to more job openings to maximize your chances of finding the right fit.
FAQs About Following Up After an Interview
Here are some commonly asked questions from those seeking further guidance on how to follow up after a job interview:
When is the appropriate time to send a follow-up email after an interview?
Wait until the mentioned timeline by the interviewer before following up. If no timeline was provided, wait for a week to 10 days before reaching out.
How do I maintain a balance and not appear too pushy in my follow-ups?
Give employers ample time to respond and limit follow-ups to a maximum of two attempts if they haven’t responded to your first inquiry. Keep your tone polite and professional.
Should I use the same method of communication (phone/email) that was initially used for setting up the interview?
Yes, it’s generally best to use the same method of communication that was initially used, as this ensures the employer is familiar and comfortable with it. However, you can switch to a different communication method if you haven’t received any response.
What should I do if the hiring process takes longer than the initially mentioned timeline?
Be patient and understand that delays in the hiring process may occur due to internal factors at the company. You can send a polite follow-up email to inquire about the updated timeline with the understanding that unforeseen factors may impact the process.
What if I receive a rejection after following up on the job?
If you receive a rejection, thank the employer for the opportunity and their time. Consider asking for feedback to improve, and continue your job search with other opportunities.
