8 Tips to Nail Your Job Interview Follow Up

After the interview with a prospective employer, you might feel a sense of relief, but your work is not over yet. Following up after an interview is a critical step in the job search process. It shows your interest, enthusiasm, and professionalism toward the role and the employer the role and the employer.  

By following up, you demonstrate that you’re a thoughtful and engaged candidate, and it can make all the difference in the decision-making process.  

Follow these tips after an interview with a prospective employer and stand out from the crowd. 

1. Send an Interview Follow-Up Thank You

Sending a thank-you note is the most fundamental step in following up after an interview. A thank-you note shows your appreciation for the employer’s time, and reiterates your interest in the role.

Be sure you send your thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview, preferably by email. Your note should be concise, professional, and personalized. Mention specific points from the interview that resonated with you and highlight how your skills and experience align with the job requirements. 

Here’s an example:

Dear [Interviewer’s Name], 

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I enjoyed our conversation and am excited about the opportunity to work with your team. 

I was particularly impressed by your [Company’s Value/ Mission Statement] and how it aligns with my career goals. Our discussion about [Specific Project/ Challenge/ Skill] confirmed my interest in this position and belief that I could contribute to the team’s success.

Please let me know if you need any further information from me. I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Best regards, 

[Your Name] 

2. Follow Up on Next Steps

At the end of your interview, ask the interviewer about the next steps in the process and when you can expect to hear back. If you do not hear back from the employer within the given timeframe, it’s appropriate to follow up.  

Don’t sound desperate or pushy. Instead, remind the interviewer of your interest in the position and inquire about the status of your application.  

Dear [Interviewer’s Name], 

I hope your day is going well. I wanted to follow up on our recent interview for the [Job Title] position. I‘m still very interested in the role and would like to inquire about the status of my application. 

I understand the hiring process can be lengthy, but I wanted to reiterate my enthusiasm for this opportunity. Please let me know if there are any updates, and if there is any further information I can provide to assist with the decision-making process. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Best regards, 

[Your Name] 

3. Keep the Conversation Going

If you had a good rapport with the interviewer and feel comfortable doing so, keep the conversation going after the interview. Connect with them on LinkedIn and send them a personalized message, thanking them for their time and expressing your interest in the role. Also, use this opportunity to ask any follow-up questions or share any additional information you didn’t mention during the interview. 

4. Be Patient

Following up after an interview shows your interest and enthusiasm for the role, but it’s essential to be patient and give the employer enough time to make a decision. Hiring processes can take longer than expected, and employers are often busy with other priorities. Also, avoid sending multiple follow-up emails or making constant phone calls. It may create a negative impression and make you seem desperate or impatient. 

5. Be Professional in Your Interview Follow-Up Communication

It’s important to maintain a professional tone throughout the follow-up process. Overall, avoid using informal language, slang, or emojis in your emails. Proofread your messages carefully to ensure that they are error-free and polished.  

Remember that your follow-up communications are an extension of your brand. You want to make a positive impression on the employer. 

6. Use the Right Channels

In most cases, email is the preferred channel for follow-up communication after an interview. It’s professional, efficient, and allows you to keep a record of your correspondence. However, if the employer specifically asks for a phone call or a handwritten note, follow their instructions.

7. Show Persistence in Your Interview Follow-Up

Persistence can be a valuable trait in the job search process, but it’s important to balance being persistent and being a nuisance. If you don’t hear back from the employer after your initial follow-up, sending a polite reminder after a week or two is okay. However, if you still don’t receive a response, it may be time to move on and focus on other opportunities. 

8. Don’t Burn Your Bridges

Even if you don’t get the job, it’s essential to maintain a positive relationship with the employer. You never know when your paths might cross again. Burning bridges can hurt your chances of future opportunities.

Nonetheless, send a gracious email thanking the employer for their time and consideration and express your interest in future opportunities. Keep in touch with the employer and stay informed about future job openings at their organization. 

Following up after an interview is a critical step in the job search process. It shows your interest, enthusiasm, and professionalism toward the role and the employer. By following these best practices and tips, you can leave a positive impression on the employer and increase your chances of landing the job.  

Luck isn’t enough to find the perfect job; you need an expert recruiter on your side! Addison Group has more than 20 years of connecting candidates with jobs that propel their careers forward. Reach out to us today!