6 Tips for Successfully Following Up After an Interview
Did you know almost two-thirds of recruiting managers interviewed in a recent survey said applicants do not adhere to acceptable follow-up protocols? Recruitment managers are unanimous on the impact of a simple “thank you” and the crucial role it plays in favor of the candidates. If you have been interviewed for a job, you should follow up regardless of the outcome. So here are tips for following up and the impact of this communication:
Thank the interviewer
The recruiter and everyone who was part of the interview team picked out your resume from the thousands that flood their inbox every day. So, thanking them for their time is the least a candidate can do. This should be done irrespective of getting the job or not. In fact, sending a personalized “thank you” note could actually increase your chances of getting the job. Within the first 24 hours following the interview, ensure you send an email that confirms your interest in the job. Also, add a personal thank you note, and include any information that may have been left out in the interview.
Stay in touch but don’t pester
It is important to check in with the recruiter or the interviewer after the initial gratitude email as part of the follow-up process. Sending small but relevant inquiries will show that you are keen and expect an update from the recruiter. You also need to ensure that you don’t come across as needy or desperate in the follow-up communication. Recruiters can get overwhelmed and avoid those who seem to go overboard seeking updates. So you should show enough enthusiasm to remind the recruiter about your application.
Address doubts or concerns
Many companies follow their own guidelines set for follow-up responses, and it may take the interviewer or recruiter a few weeks to get back to you. So, you should be patient. If the recruiter responds after a few rounds of interviews but only to express some concerns regarding your application, do not assume the worst and back out. Address the concerns and see what can be fixed. Actively addressing concerns and responding can show the recruiter that you can handle spotlight situations and work in your favor.
Keep the communication short
After the final round of interviews, the recruiter processes the applications, which can take a while. They may not have the time or patience to read lengthy messages, so you should not send long messages while asking for updates. Consider writing short, precise, and professional notes to put forth any inquiries and address concerns. Also, when communicating with multiple recruiters, ensure that each note is customized, proofread, and written for that particular job application. Do not mix up the thank you notes for different recruiters, as this can turn into an embarrassing situation.
Demonstrate excellent written communication
Follow-ups also present a unique opportunity to highlight your communication skills. In the interview, recruiters can gauge your oral communication and overall personality. But with follow-up communication, you can show how well you can handle written communication. Companies look for candidates who can handle interactions with clients and vendors. So, recruiters observe tiny details that can dictate the potential outcome of any interview, which includes your written communication.
Update your contact details
Follow-up messages are excellent opportunities to provide recruiters with all the details required to get in touch with you. Of course, these details are also available in your resume, but including them in the notes makes it easy for the interviewers to reach you. Also, in the concluding follow-up communications, do not forget to ask the recruiter about potential next steps. Regardless of selection, these efforts only increase the odds of getting the job.
While following up cannot guarantee selection for the job, incorporating these tips in your follow-up process will increase the chances of getting a favorable response.