With a lack of clear follow-up expectations after the interview, you are left hanging up in the air, without knowing the next step and when you will hear back. To relieve the waiting anxiety while showing professionalism and enthusiasm, we want to tell you how to follow up after a job interview without being annoying or burning bridges.
Why Am I Not Hearing Back After a Job Interview?
While you see the front end of the recruiting process behind the scenes, it might be more complex than you imagine.
According to Legal Jobs, nearly 120 people apply for one job, and 20% get an interview. That gives you an idea of how lengthy the process can get.
Here are some of the reasons why you might not hear back from recruiters after the interview:
- They didn’t come to a decision
- They are in the process of interviewing other candidates
- They are “ghosting” you
- They expected you to follow up, and you didn’t
At Hire Integrated, we value the time job seekers put in to prepare and attend the interview, so we make sure always to send a response, no matter what the decision is.
How Long Should I Wait Before I Follow Up After a Job Interview?
While you want to get a definitive answer as soon as possible, sending follow-up emails right after an interview with direct questions might not be your best strategy.
Instead, you can break down your follow-ups into a few stages to show your genuine interest and enthusiasm about the job. For each step, it’s all about timing.
For instance, if a recruiter asks you to send additional documents or a portfolio, you want to do that as soon as possible, even if it’s 20 minutes after the interview. If you wish to receive feedback or hear the decision, you might want to give it a couple of days.
However, every situation is unique, so you would have to play it by ear. We will try to equip you with the basic principles that follow-up after an interview should follow, and you will be able to make decisions on your own.
How to Follow Up After a Job Interview:
Notes like “I hope you still remember me” would not help you create a good lasting impression after the interview. You want to be thoughtful and respect the employer’s time while following up after an interview
Send a “Thank You” Note or Email
Employers might conduct tens of interviews a day, and it’s hard to remember everything about everyone unless they stand out. You could stand out among other candidates with a small and personalized “thank you” note.
Some people use snail mail to send notes. While it takes longer to get in the hands of the receiver, it provides a more personalized approach, which might be appropriate in some settings.
The most common option is to send a thank you email as a first follow-up after the interview. It is quicker and could deliver the same message. If you decide to go that route, send it no longer than 2 hours after the interview. By doing so, you will refresh the good memories from your interview.
Keep this note short and to the point.
Thank You Email After an Interview Template
As you write this email, remember to include something that really happened. We only provide a template, but you need to adjust it to be genuine. Highlight what stood out to you during the interview about the company, their initiatives, etc.
Template:
Hi [recruiter name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me today. It was a pleasure to meet the team and learn more about the [position] role at [company].
This position sounds even more exciting after our conversation, and it is something that I could succeed in. I am looking forward to hearing about the next steps. If, in the meantime, you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Send a Short Email
Usually, recruiters tell you when you should hear back from them after the interview. If they seem to forget, ask it yourself before the conversation is over.
If you don’t hear anything from the recruiters after this time after the interviews pass, you can send a quick email to follow up. Your tone should be as friendly as a “thank you” note you sent earlier, but it is reasonable to ask specific questions.
It only needs about two points:
But you could also let them know that you can send additional qualifications or information about your experience.
Follow Up After A Job Interview Email Template
The tone of the email should mirror the style of the interview. Some companies prefer formal communication, while others lean more toward a casual manner.
Hi [recruiter name],
Thank you again for taking the time to have an interview with me on [date]. I am still very interested in the position.
I just wanted to follow up and see if you have an update, or do you need additional information from me? Let me know when you have a minute.
Thanks,
[Your name]
In Conclusion
Learning how to follow up after a job interview is easy, but it can serve you well as you look for a perfect job.
Remember to send a thank-you note right after your interview to keep your name in front of the interviewer. Please keep it genuine and straightforward: there is no need to go off for a 2000 word essay. Let them know what stood out to you and what makes you excited about the role after the interview.
If they didn’t follow up with you within the specified time frame, take the initiative and ask a direct question while still maintaining the interview’s tone.
