The interview is complete. Now what? Well, if you’re aiming to land a new position, you’re not quite at the finish line. After all, you haven’t been offered a job yet. So, how can you keep your front and center with the hiring manager? Should you leave the follow up to your recruiter? Or should you email, write, or call? Read on to learn how to follow up after an interview to increase the likelihood of getting a job offer.
How to Follow Up After an Interview: Consult with Your Recruiter
If you’ve been working with an experienced headhunter, you should check in with them after your interview. Often, your recruiter is familiar with the hiring manager and may have insight into the type of follow-up they prefer. So, even if you’re thrilled with your interview, don’t fire off a thank you email before talking with your recruiter. Your recruiter may recommend:
• Short Thank You Email to Hiring Manager
If your recruiter knows that the hiring manager is interviewing a significant number of candidates, they may suggest you send a short, concise email follow up to the hiring manager.
• Longer Thank You Email
A longer thank you email may be suggested if you’ve been through several rounds of interviews. Your recruiter may suggest that you include the names of all those present during your interview in your email. They may even suggest that you send the email to several people.
What to Include in an Email Follow Up After an Interview
Not sure how to follow up after an interview with an email? Keep your email brief, professional, and friendly. Be sure to include these key points:
- Subject referencing the interview (ex: thank you for the interview)
- Date you interviewed for the position
- Position you were interviewed to fill
- Acknowledgment and gratitude for their time
- Reiteration of key strengths
- Call to action (I look forward to hearing from you)
- Contact information
Should I Call to Follow Up After an Interview?
Today, everyone seems busier than ever, and while many people prefer digital communication to phone calls, equally as many feel bombarded by digital communications.
So, should you call? It depends. Sometimes a personal phone call after an interview may prove unsuccessful. On the other hand, some employers like candidates to show initiative by taking the time to personally call and thank them.
One of the benefits of having an experienced recruiter working on your behalf is that they will likely have a phone call or other communication with the hiring manager or company. They can then advise you if a phone is the best route for how to follow up after an interview.
If you decide to contact the hiring manager by phone, follow these tips:
- Call from a quiet location (not when outside, in the car, etc.)
- Thank them for their time
- Inquire about the status of your employment consideration
- Ask if they have any questions or need clarification on anything you said during your interview
- Keep the call brief
- Thank them again for their time
Is a Handwritten Note an Appropriate Way to Follow Up After an Interview?
Is a handwritten note sent by mail necessary after a job interview? No. But does it build goodwill and show that you went the extra mile? It does. A handwritten, mailed thank you note after an interview is a great way to stand out.
Handwritten notes are also a great way to solidify your interest and professionalism. Even if you’re not ultimately selected for the position you interviewed for, the letter may help keep your name in mind for future positions.
The Worst Follow Up is No Follow Up
If you’re still unsure about how to follow up after an interview, remember that the only wrong way to follow up is by failing to follow up. So, talk with your recruiter if you have one. If you applied for a job without the help of a recruiter, pick your favorite method (phone, email, or letter) and follow up within a few days.
Get Help Securing the Job Interviews You Want
At Competitive Edge Recruiting, we work with you to help you identify the positions that best suit your skill set and goals. We provide resume, interview, and follow up tips for all job seekers. To learn more, send us a message or view our current openings.