The period after a second interview can be filled with anticipation and uncertainty. This often leaves candidates wondering about the next move. A common question that arises is whether to follow up with the employer or simply wait for them to reach out. The decision you make can reflect your professionalism and sustained interest in the opportunity. This guide provides clarity on navigating the post-interview landscape.
The Importance of Following Up
Sending a follow-up message after a second interview is a recommended step in the job application process. It serves as a tool to reinforce your candidacy and demonstrate professional courtesy. A timely note expresses gratitude for the interviewer’s time and reaffirms the positive impression you made. It shows that after learning more details about the role and the company culture, your enthusiasm has been sustained or even strengthened.
This communication keeps you on the hiring manager’s radar during their decision-making period. It also provides an opportunity to mention a relevant point you may have forgotten to discuss during the conversation. By referencing a specific detail from your discussion, you can make your message more memorable and underscore your attentiveness.
Determining the Right Time to Follow Up
The timing of your follow-up is a delicate balance between showing enthusiasm and avoiding the appearance of being impatient. The ideal moment to reach out often depends on the information you received at the end of your interview. Many interviewers will provide a timeline for their decision-making process. In this case, it is best to respect their stated schedule and wait until after that timeframe has passed before sending a message.
If the interviewer did not provide a specific timeline, a guideline is to wait between three and five business days before following up. Sending a message too soon can be perceived as pushy and may undermine the professional image you have worked to build. Patience demonstrates respect for the employer’s process.
Crafting Your Follow-Up Message
Your follow-up message, sent via email, should be concise, professional, and personalized. Start with a clear and straightforward subject line, such as “Following up on [Job Title] Interview” or “Thank you – [Job Title] Interview.” Address the interviewer directly by name, ensuring correct spelling, to create a personal connection from the outset.
Begin the body of the message by expressing thanks for their time and the opportunity to discuss the role further. Reiterate your strong interest in the position and the company. The most impactful part of your message will be a specific reference to your conversation. Mentioning a particular topic, project, or challenge that was discussed shows you were engaged and helps the interviewer recall your specific interview. For instance, you could write, “I particularly enjoyed our discussion about the upcoming software launch and have been thinking about how my experience in project management could support the team’s goals.”
Conclude your message with a simple and professional closing. A phrase like “I look forward to hearing from you” followed by your name and contact information is appropriate. Avoid attaching your resume unless it has been specifically requested, as the hiring manager already has your application materials.
Navigating a Lack of Response
If you do not receive a response to your first follow-up note after about a week, it is acceptable to send one final, brief check-in message. This second message should be even shorter and more direct than the first.
Your final follow-up should be a polite inquiry about the status of the hiring timeline. You could write something as simple as, “I am writing to briefly follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position and wanted to inquire if there have been any updates to the hiring timeline. I remain very interested in the opportunity.” This approach is professional and non-pressuring.
It is important to know when to cease communication. If you still do not hear back after a second polite inquiry, it is time to gracefully move on. Continuing to send messages can negatively impact your professional reputation with the company. While the silence can be difficult to interpret, continuing your job search is the most productive course of action.