Waiting to hear back after a job application or interview can be a stressful experience. The period after you submit your resume or leave an interview presents an opportunity. A well-timed and thoughtfully composed follow-up is a standard part of a professional job search. It signals continued interest and can set you apart from other qualified candidates.
The Importance of a Strategic Follow-Up
A strategic follow-up reinforces your interest in the position. Companies want to hire individuals who are enthusiastic about the opportunity and the organization. A follow-up message communicates that you are actively engaged in the process and eager to move forward. This act of reaching out also demonstrates proactiveness, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. Taking the initiative to follow up can distinguish you from the competition and keep your name top of mind as decisions are finalized.
Key Timing and Methods for Following Up
The timing of your follow-up is a delicate balance; you want to show enthusiasm without appearing impatient. After an interview, send a thank-you note within 24 hours. This gesture shows courtesy and keeps the positive impression you made fresh in the interviewer’s mind. Preparing a draft beforehand can be a useful strategy.
If you have submitted an application and have not received a response, it is acceptable to check in after one to two weeks. If a recruiter provided a specific timeline and that date has passed, wait one or two business days before sending an inquiry. This respects their stated process while reminding them of your application.
Email is the most professional and preferred method for follow-ups. It is non-intrusive, provides a written record, and allows the hiring manager to respond at their convenience. A phone call can be perceived as overly aggressive unless you were invited to call for an update. Sticking to email respects the recruiter’s time and maintains a professional boundary.
What to Say After an Interview
The email you send within 24 hours of an interview is an important communication that can solidify your candidacy. Start with a clear subject line, such as “Thank you – [Job Title] Interview.” Address the interviewer by name, ensuring the spelling is correct to show attention to detail.
Begin the email by expressing thanks for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the role and the company. To make your message memorable, reference a specific topic you discussed, such as a project they mentioned, a company value that resonates with you, or a particular challenge the role addresses. This personalization demonstrates you were actively listening.
Next, briefly reiterate your enthusiasm for the position. Connect one or two of your qualifications directly to the needs of the role that were discussed. This reinforces why you are a strong fit for the job.
Conclude with a professional closing. Reaffirm your interest in the next steps of the hiring process and invite them to contact you if they require any additional information. Use a simple closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your full name and contact information. Proofread the entire message carefully to eliminate any typos or grammatical errors before you hit send.
What to Say When You Haven’t Heard Back
If the stated review period for an application has passed, or if it has been a couple of weeks with no word, a polite check-in is warranted. The goal is to inquire about your application’s status without sounding demanding. Your message should be brief and to the point.
Your email should remind the recipient of your application. State the position you applied for and the submission date. Express your continued interest in the role and politely ask if they have an estimated timeline for the hiring process. This approach is professional and shows you are organized.
A similar approach applies if an interview decision deadline has passed. Reference the interview date and position, thank them again, and express your ongoing enthusiasm. Politely inquire if there is an update on the timeline for the role, maintaining a patient and understanding tone.
Common Follow-Up Mistakes to Avoid
- Following up too soon or too often: Sending messages too frequently can be perceived as desperate or bothersome. Respect the timelines provided, and if none are given, allow a reasonable amount of time to pass before reaching out.
- Being too generic: A copy-and-pasted follow-up that lacks personalization shows a lack of genuine interest. Always tailor your message by mentioning specific details from your conversation or the job description to demonstrate your attentiveness and sincere enthusiasm for that particular role.
- Sounding demanding or entitled: Your follow-up should never convey impatience. Avoid phrases like “I need an update” and instead use polite language, such as “I’m writing to politely follow up on the status.”
- Using an informal tone or typos: Every communication with a potential employer reflects your professionalism. Avoid using slang or emojis, and always proofread your emails for spelling and grammatical errors.
- Asking about salary or benefits: The follow-up email is not the appropriate venue to inquire about compensation unless the employer has initiated that conversation. These topics are discussed later in the hiring process, often after a formal offer is extended.