Question: I haven’t heard back from my interview. What should I do?
Answer: Most of us breathe a sigh of relief when an interview wraps up. We typically reflect on how it went – and then the waiting game begins. This can be more nerve-wracking than the interview itself! Here’s some tips on interview follow-up – and effective follow-up steps in general.
We recommend that if the interviewer hasn’t proactively told you what the next steps in the recruitment process are – you ask this as the interview wraps up. As a candidate, you deserve to know and asking is completely acceptable. Here’s how to follow up:
- Reach out via email or phone – touch base using the method they told you to use or that they used to set up the interview. *This is likely the same method you used to thank them within 24-hours after the interview. You did that right?
- Give some grace on the timing. If, for example, they say that you should hear back from them on Friday, follow up Monday or Tuesday the next week.
- Keep it brief and focused on being helpful and not that you’re checking up on them. See the example below.
“Hello <insert name>. I’m following up on our conversation on <insert day of interview> about the <insert job title> role. I remain very interested in the position and joining your team. Is there anything else that I can provide you to help with your decision-making process?”
Another suggestion for interview follow-up is in the event that you are not selected. Of course, this will be disappointing news but it does present an opportunity to ask for feedback. Hopefully, they will give you some insight that you can use going forward in your job search.
Effective follow up whether it’s after an interview, meeting an industry networking contact or while waiting for a response to your inquiry is a tool every professional should have in their toolkit. Keep these guidelines in mind:
Be polite. Maintain a positive tone throughout so avoid staying things like, “you haven’t responded yet.” Acknowledge they are busy and make it easy for them with a clear, concise message – remind them how you met or why you’re connecting.
Gently Persist. Give some ‘buffer’ time before you start following up, possibly a week (less in the case of interview follow-up) and then gauge what feels comfortable.
Give and Take. When we follow up, we’re typically asking for something, try offering something. Share an article or some relevant news. Changing up your message – even the timing – could do the trick.
Remember that following up professionally is not being a nuisance – it’s part of being a professional. Your team of Career Specialists would be happy to help you finesse your follow-up strategies – book an appointment via Career Track.
