Should Job Seekers Follow Up After an Interview? |
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Posted By: Jessica Holbrook In: Job Seeker - Interview
Jobseekers often ask if they should follow up after an interview.
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Clients often ask us if they should follow up after an interview. There can be a lot of doubt and confusion about whether following up is a proper job search strategy. But the answer is:
YES!
The majority of candidates will never follow up after an interview. I would say that for every ten people I’ve interviewed, only one has followed up after the interview. Job seekers as a whole underestimate the effectiveness and benefits of proper post-interview follow-up.
WHY SHOULD I FOLLOW UP?
It makes a great impression! When you follow up after the interview you remind the hiring manager of who you are and of your interest in the position. It’s always the polite thing to do. By following up with the hiring manager, you show that you are detail-oriented, have proper business etiquette and respect, and that you demonstrate your gratitude. These are three traits any business would be thrilled about having in an employee.
The next time you have an interview, don’t forget to follow up with the hiring manager or hiring committee. It’s a great way to show them your interest and make a great first impression.
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Comments
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Posted by: Sarah P.
This information is very helpful. But WHEN is a proper time to follow-up? Â And is it better to wait when an interviewer has said they will be contacting you? Â
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Posted by: Margie
Got it! Thanks a lot for helping me out!
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Posted by: Patricia M.
Tricia, thanks that was very helpful about followng up after the interview. I have followed up, or at least tried to, but the hiring manger would never take my call or even return the call if I left a message. What does that say about the company. That's not professional, so I never called back or even sent a thank you card.
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Posted by: Bretton B.
When should you follow up and how often? What are kind of things you recommend saying?
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Posted by: Jack L.
You forgot to mention how to follow up. Phone call? E-mail? Snail mail? And sample follow up email or conversation would be useful.
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Posted by: Regina D.
If you get a telephone interview with a bio-tech company, through an agency in another state, who would you send a thank you to?
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Posted by: Aaron W.
Zee, I would continue to follow up. Sometimes it takes companies several weeks to go through the interview process with everyone. If you're still interested in the job, let them know it. It also shows you have patience and the determination to get the job, and keeps reminding them of you. I've learned in my recent job searching myself, this is a valuable key in getting the position. Â I was offered a position last week and expect another offer next week with another. Good luck in your search!
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Posted by: FRANCIS A.
Hi, I'm really impressed about your advice so far. Some things I didn't know. I have a question and hope you will be able to answer it for me. Do you follow up by going back to the firm or by numerous calls? Also, if you are told the first time,'not accepted'. WILL YOU KEEP ON TRYING? Thanks
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Posted by: The best candidate
That is absolutely true! Â I traveled out of my state for an interview that I prepped a week for. I aced the interview and know they are considering me as one of the top candidates. Â I mailed a thank you letter the same day. Â I'm hoping that will show them without a doubt that I'm the best candidate for the position. Â Good luck job seekers!
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Posted by: Virgilio A.
Nice recommendation! Have done for so many times but never got a positive response!
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Posted by: Marie
Your tips are valuable... Thank you. What is your take on this: I have been called back for a third interview with a fortune 500, I followed up with the hiring manager a week later, she said she remembered me. I stated that I am excited to be a part of her team and look forward to working for the company and thanked her very much. She stated that I have to contact HR for any updates... I called HR who stated that he hadn't gotten any feedback from the group & that they are still in the approval process for the position.
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Posted by: Donna T.
I would continue to follow up until you receive a definite answer. Â As long as you are polite as well as persistent, the employer should have no objection. Â This shows your continued interest in the position as well as your ability to follow a situation through to its conclusion.
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Posted by: Tony Trinh
I have been on interviews since December 2010 and so far, let me tell you it has been an amazing experience. Here are the reasons. Companies have been scaling back who they want to hire. No doubt, you have to do your homework before you step your foot in for an interview, don't just wing it. The opportunity with that company may only come once in a blue moon. I did my part looking for a time position but it is not an easy transition. Every interview I have had had a somewhat difficult time deciding who they want to bring on board. Maybe it is the economy but I can't look back and say that I did not try. I don't understand why companies are taking their sweet time in making a decision.
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Posted by: Sivakumar
Thanks for your after interview followup tips.
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Posted by: Eric A.
I do agree with the writer. Following up post interview portrays an employee's insight which will be interesting for the employer to determine the employee's reliability for the job.
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Posted by: James R.
Zee, I dealt with the same thing. It is coming up on 2 months now and I have not heard anything after following up. I was told that is not a good sign. Just write it off and to keep on searching. But I also heard employers are just taking longer to hire now. It is a really difficult market.
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Posted by: mamajana
It's a delicate balance between following up and becoming a pest. Â Surveys show that hiring managers love to get thank you notes after interviews and so do I. Â But I get annoyed when a candidate starts bugging me. Â If you are truly on the short list, one reminder is enough. Â If you are not hearing anything it could mean one of three things - they are not happy with any of the candidates and are considering restarting the search, an internal candidate is being considered, they are stalled at picking the best out of their candidates or are indecisive. Â Frankly, if I'm in this situation, after a while I lose interest in the position. Â Do you really want to work for an employer who has you dangling for so long?
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Posted by: Lynn S.
I called and followed up after the interview but did not get the manager that I asked for but rather a different one. I was told I would get a 2nd interview and they have yet to call me back to schedule one. Should I not try to contact the hiring manager again?
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Posted by: Sandra F.
I have seen many advice columns saying to always follow up after an interview, but no one ever says what to say. Â You've already made your pitch, explained what a wonderful person you are and how you're just perfect for their company; but what do you say afterward? Â How soon and how do you keep from sounding like a nag? Would someone cover this topic please? Â
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Posted by: Zee
Jessica, Thanks for your post interview tips. I have a question. I recently interviewed with a Fortune 500 company. I sent the standard thank you note after the interview. So far, I have followed up twice (once every 2 weeks) and was told each time, a decision would be made the following week. Now I'm reaching another 2 week mark. Should I follow up again for the third time or just sit back and wait? This is for a marketing position. Plus, I had 2 people personally recommend me to the hiring manager. People who have worked with him on various projects. Please advise. Thanks!
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