Timing of Follow-Ups
After a job interview, timing your follow-up communications is key to maintaining professionalism. Send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. Keep it simple and sincere, expressing genuine appreciation for the opportunity. Mention something specific from the interview that resonated with you.
For example:
"Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the [Job Title] role. I especially appreciated learning about your company's dedication to [specific detail]. I am eager to contribute my skills to your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
If you haven't heard back by the date the hiring manager mentioned, wait a week before sending a gentle follow-up. If they didn't give a specific date, wait about 10 days from the interview. Here's a sample follow-up email:
"Dear [Hiring Manager],
I wanted to follow up on our interview on [Date] for the [Job Title] position. I remain very interested in the opportunity and would appreciate any updates you can provide. Thank you again for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]"
While waiting, continue applying for other jobs or enhance your skills. This shows potential employers that you're proactive and dedicated.
If you receive another job offer, update the hiring manager. Let them know you have an offer but remain very interested in their position. You could write:
"Dear [Hiring Manager],
Since our interview on [Date], I've received another job offer. Your company's vision and values, however, continue to impress me, and I am very interested in your role. Any updates you can provide would be appreciated as I consider this offer.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
If you didn't get the job, requesting feedback can be valuable. Keep the email polite, recognizing that not all hiring managers will respond. An example feedback request:
"Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you for letting me know about the decision for the [Job Title] position. I appreciate the opportunity to interview and would value any feedback you could provide to help me in future job searches.
Thank you again,
[Your Name]"
Remember, every follow-up is a step closer to your goal. Maintain a balance between enthusiasm and patience, and the right opportunity will come.
Crafting Effective Follow-Up Messages
Creating effective follow-up messages combines professionalism with genuine enthusiasm. Strike a balance between showing interest and maintaining a courteous tone. Here's a structured approach:
- Thank-you note (within 24 hours):
"Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Job Title] position yesterday. I was particularly impressed by your company's innovative approach to [specific aspect discussed]. Our discussion confirmed my enthusiasm for this role, and I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]" - Initial follow-up email (if no response by the given date, or after 10 days if no date was provided):
"Dear [Hiring Manager],
I hope this message finds you well. I'm writing to follow up on our interview on [Date] for the [Job Title] position. I continue to be very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your team and would appreciate any updates you can provide regarding the next steps.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]" - Second follow-up (if no response after another 10 days):
"Dear [Hiring Manager],
I hope all is well. I'm following up on my previous email regarding the [Job Title] position I interviewed for on [Date]. My enthusiasm for this role remains strong, and I'm eager to contribute to your team. If there's any additional information needed from my side, please let me know.
Thank you for your continued consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
Each follow-up message reflects your professionalism and eagerness. Maintain a polite, respectful tone and reference specifics from your interactions to demonstrate your genuine interest. Keep your communications clear and positively framed, remembering that persistence paired with patience often yields the best results.
Special Situations for Follow-Ups
In special situations, the typical waiting guidelines may need adjustment. These include receiving another job offer, encountering significant changes in circumstances, or seeking feedback after not securing the position.
If you receive another job offer while waiting for a decision, inform the hiring manager promptly:
"Dear [Hiring Manager],
I hope this message finds you well. Since our interview on [Date], I have received an employment offer from another company. However, I remain very interested in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Any updates you could provide would be greatly appreciated as I consider this offer.
Thank you for your time and understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
For significant changes in your circumstances, such as a new certification or completed project:
"Dear [Hiring Manager],
I wanted to follow up regarding our interview on [Date] for the [Job Title] position. I recently [obtained a new certification/completed a significant project], which has further enhanced my qualifications for the role. I remain very interested in this opportunity and am eager to bring my updated skills to your team.
Thank you for your consideration and any updates you can share.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
If you didn't get the job and wish to request feedback:
"Dear [Hiring Manager],
Thank you for informing me about your decision regarding the [Job Title] position. While I'm disappointed, I truly valued our conversation and learning more about [Company Name]. If possible, I would greatly appreciate any feedback on my interview performance and how I might improve for future opportunities.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
For all special situations, ensure that your communications are prompt yet tactful, clearly explaining your circumstances without seeming demanding. Show that you respect the hiring manager's time and decisions while underscoring your ongoing interest. These strategies can help you navigate exceptions to the traditional waiting periods effectively and may increase your chances of ultimately securing a desirable position.
Remember: According to a recent survey, 91% of employers appreciate follow-up messages from candidates after interviews, viewing it as a sign of genuine interest and professionalism.
- Korn Ferry. The art of the follow-up: why it matters in your job search. Korn Ferry. 2022.
