Knowing how and when to follow up after an interview can be confusing. You don’t want to appear overzealous. Yet, you want to convey your excitement. Most of all, you just want to know how the interview went. Are you still in the running?
Waiting for the phone to ring is torture. Time seems to stand still as you hold your breath for any news. The worst part is wondering why the recruiter didn’t call yet. You need to have a few tools in your arsenal to help you follow up in the right way.
Recruiters are busy! It is possible they won’t have feedback right away. When they get it, they don’t always have time to pick up the phone and call right away. Your call may be on their “to do” list, they just haven’t made it there yet. So make it easy for them to respond.
Related: Download your guide to ace the interview.
A good rule of thumb is to ask about their timeline during the interviews. Many times a recruiter will share details about where they are in the interview process or when they ideally would like to fill the role. This also sets the expectation that you plan to follow up. If you didn’t ask this question, then just follow the designated timelines listed below as your guide.
The trick to following up with a recruiter is to find a balance between excitement, possible annoyance at not hearing anything yet, and giving them space. Remember the way in which you communicate and your professionalism are still making an impression and can be used in their final decision.
3 Tips to Follow up After Interviews
1 – Send a Thank You!
This seems like common sense, but you would be amazed at the number of people that skip this step all together. It is the perfect opportunity to put your name back in front of them. Even more than that, you will stand out! I was always impressed when a candidate took time to drop me an email or send me a hand written letter. Those sentiments go a long way in demonstrating character, interest, and class.
Personalize the letter if at all possible. Include something they said that you found interesting or helpful. Reflect on a conversation you had with that person. Most of all, thank them for taking the time to get to know you a little better. If there is anything you forgot to say, say it now. Keep your note short, but convey your continued interest in the job. Let them know you are looking forward to hearing back from them.
If you plan to send a hand written copy, drop it in the mail the same day (or next morning). That will ensure it arrives quickly. Even better would be to send them an email. Wait 24-hours after your interviews end. This gives the recruiter the opportunity to send you a quick reply back. It’s a great way to get even a tiny bit of information to hold you over for a decision.
2 – Connect on LinkedIn
There are so many reasons this is beneficial. First, it helps to grow your network on the largest job professional network that exists. This makes the tool more powerful for you as you grow your career, apply for future jobs, and network within your industry. Second, it puts your profile back in front of the recruiter. It reminds them what you bring to the table. So make sure it’s updated and optimized!
Include a brief message on your invitation to connect. You can simply state, “It was a pleasure meeting you this week. I would love to connect and stay in touch.” They may or may not reply. However, it is still a good technique. As a recruiter, I was always nosy to see what was on their profile. Take that as a second opportunity to show who you are.
3 – Check In Weekly
Please do not be that candidate that turns into a stalker! You should never call every hour or even 3-4 times a day. Your recruiter has caller ID. Even if you block your number, they can figure out it’s you. Don’t be annoying. Call one time, leave a voice mail. Then wait!
If you check in via phone, wait a few days and call back if you haven’t heard anything. Or send them a quick email. Every recruiter has access to email on their phone. It is so easy for them to take 10 seconds and reply before or after a meeting. Much easier than a phone call.
What You Need To Know
Regardless of the method of follow up you choose, do not go overboard. Set the expectation with yourself that no news is good news. Try to be patient. It’s hard, but annoying the one person that can help you is not the answer. A simple “just checking in to see if you have any updates yet” is sufficient.
Be appreciative of any information the recruiter shares with you. Take the good and the bad with grace. Even if you don’t get this job, that doesn’t mean something else won’t come along. Every time you communicate with someone you’ve interviewed with you need to always remain courteous and professional. Download these tips to help you ace the next interview.