The waiting period after a promising interview is one of the most stressful parts of the process. When your future is on the line and there isn’t much you can do about it, it’s easy to get antsy. If you’ve been waiting a while to hear back, it’s worth reaching out for a follow-up, but only if you do it the right way.
Avoid the urge to contact your interviewer immediately, or you’ll look impatient or desperate. Instead, consider your timing and remember these strategies for an effective follow-up.
Preemptively ask about a timeline
You don’t want to leave an interview with no idea what the next steps look like. Having a potential timeline in mind will not only take away some stress, but you’ll have a better idea of when to consider following up. Ideally, an interview will paint the picture of their process before your interview is over, but you can be proactive by asking what their timeline looks like during your question time.
By preemptively getting this information, Indeed’s Jamie Brit says you’ll be able to show patience and a respect for instructions. If you’re given a two-week window, you want to wait those two weeks. It’s only after that time frame that you may want to take additional steps.
Start with a “thank you” note
However, there is something you CAN do within that initial waiting period. After 24-48 hours, sending a “thank you” note to your interviewer is not only a great habit to fall into, but that note acts as an intermediate follow-up attempt.
A well-written thank you already keeps your name fresh in an interviewer’s mind, allows you to demonstrate your fit, and shows a willingness to go the extra mile over other candidates. It also stealthily works as a small follow-up by restating your commitment to the role and will help the interviewer remember you.
“A genuine expression of gratitude can set you apart from other candidates. Thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to discuss the role shows professionalism, respect, and emotional intelligence—qualities employers value in a potential hire.” –TalentAlly
Consider the right timing
Even if you’ve respected the initial timeline and sent your note of gratitude, you still might not have heard anything back. Factors outside your control can contribute to a delay in action, including a paused search, departmental communication, someone being out of office, or an offer being prepared. Respect that something might delay a decision, and resist the urge to immediately reach out.
Career coach Jenny Foss says that if you weren’t given a clear timeline, wait about a week (five business days) before reaching out, maybe adding a day or two as a buffer. If you were given a timeline, wait at least one more business day after the expected day. A small buffer keeps you from looking too impatient.
“If you don’t hear back from the hiring manager by the date they said they were going to make an offer, don’t send a note right away. It is possible that you weren’t the first choice for the job, but you’re still in the running. They may make an offer to someone else, and that person may not take the job. Give them a little time to work things out.” –Art Markman, HBR
Restate your value
When the time is right to send a follow-up email, you want to take time to make sure you do it correctly. Merely asking about the status of your interview won’t help you stick out, and you may just receive a “the process is still ongoing” filler email. If you want your attempt to have some impact, make it really count.
Indeed’s Jennifer Herrity says that the length of your interview and how far you are in the process can determine the appropriate length of your email, but every email should have the same considerations in mind. Try to use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and why your skills make you the right fit. You might be seeking information, but this conversation can also serve as a marketing attempt by showing why you’re the best fit for the role and putting you in the spotlight if decisions are still being made. Always try to include specifics you discussed during your interview, and end with gratitude.
Accept that you may not hear back
Even if you do everything right, you still might not hear back. An unfortunate reality of the job search is that ghosting is common. Even if you had an interview, outside factors may prevent the interviewer from contacting every candidate considered for the role.
If you’ve been waiting for a while, even after your follow-up attempt, you can try one last attempt. But, ultimately, you need to be ready to move on with your job search. It doesn’t feel good, especially if you thought the interview went well, but moving on to the next opportunity is the only thing you can do.
Wrap up
It’s frustrating waiting to hear back from the company after a recent interview, but if you’re willing to be proactive and do it the right way, a good follow-up can help you stand out. Ask for a timeline of the hiring process before you leave the interview, send a “thank you” note, and reiterate why you’re the right person for the job to stand out from other candidates’ follow-up attempts. Depending on the situation, you may still not hear back about the role, but stand proud knowing you handled the situation correctly.
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