In many cases, the hiring process involves a lot of “hurry up and wait.” You work diligently to make sure your resume and cover letter are submitted before the tight deadline, only for it to take days, weeks, or longer to find out if you’re moving forward. The same can happen with an interview, getting only a few days’ notice about the appointment only to have a week or more of silence before learning anything new.
Often, the wait is equal parts anxiety-inducing and frustrating. As a result, it’s normal to want to request an update. The problem is that requesting information the wrong way can work against you. That’s why you need to use the right approach if you’re going to touch-based post-interview.
Fortunately, getting the strategy right doesn’t have to be challenging. Here’s a look at how to follow up appropriately.
The Post-Interview Thank You Note
Within 24 hours after your interview, you’ll want to send a thank-you note. This allows you to express your appreciation to the hiring manager, as well as ask about any next steps in the hiring process. What you learn from any subsequent response can make it easier to time any subsequent follow-up as well, which is why this is a particularly important step.
Make sure to keep the email short. After expressing your appreciation, mention a detail from the interview that really piqued your interest. Couple that up with a brief statement about looking forward to any next steps and offering to provide more information. Close out by saying you hope to hear from them soon, and sign off.
The Second Post-Interview Follow-Up
When you follow up a second time depends on whether you were given a date for any next steps. If the hiring manager said you’d hear back by a specific date, you can send this follow-up two business days after that date. If you weren’t given a particular date, then you want to wait two weeks after the interview to reach out.
In this follow-up, lead off by mentioning that you’re touching base about the position. Reassert your interest in the role, and again express your appreciation for the hiring manager’s time and attention. Close out by offering additional information and stating that you’re looking forward to hearing back.
The Final Follow-Up
Generally speaking, a third follow-up is the maximum number of times you want to reach out. Either time it two weeks after your second message or two business days after the newest decision date passes, if one was provided after your second follow-up.
If there’s no response after this one, it’s best to move on to other opportunities. If the company reaches out and lets you know someone else was selected, you do have the option of replying and asking for feedback on your performance so that you can improve. However, any contact beyond that is often unwise.
Ultimately, you’ll want to limit yourself to the amount of follow-up above and make sure to use that timing. That allows you to come across as engaged and enthusiastic without seeming pushy.
If you’d like to learn more, the team at TempStaff can help. Contact us today.
