The job interview process does not end with the physical interview.
Even after the interview, following up with the interviewer is a crucial aspect of the process. This follow-up indicates your interest in the job and may give you an edge over other candidates.
In this article, we will discuss the significance of following up after a job interview and the ways to do so.
Demonstrating Interest in the Job
Following up after a job interview shows your keenness for the position.
It also indicates that you have been thoughtful about the interview and the company. It demonstrates that you are proactive and that you want the job. This can be a significant factor in the hiring process. Employers want candidates who are genuinely enthusiastic about the job and the company.
Personal Interaction with the Interviewer
Following up on the interview also allows you to have a personal interaction with the interviewer. This interaction can help you build rapport with the interviewer, which may give you an advantage over other candidates. It also provides an opportunity for you to clarify any misunderstandings or answer any questions that the interviewer may have.
Different Ways to Follow Up After a Job Interview
1.) Calling the Interviewer – Once the interview is over, the interviewer will give you a timeframe for calling you back.
If the interviewer does not call within the given timeframe, it does not necessarily mean that you have not been selected. You may wait for 24-48 hours and then call the interviewer to ask about the status of your interview.
Before calling the interviewer, ensure that you have prepared what you wish to ask, and call in a quiet environment.
2.) Following up with a Text Message – Sending a corporate-looking thank you message to the interviewer via text message can be a quick and effective way to follow up after the interview.
If the interviewer has shared their contact number, you may also send a short SMS message thanking them for their time.
3.) Timeframe of Follow-Up – It is crucial to send your follow-up communication within 24-48 hours of the interview.
Sending the message after three or four days will indicate that you have a newly found interest in the job or that you have not been successful in other interviews.
Email: If all else fails, the traditional email is an effective way to follow up. Send a thank you email to the interviewer, expressing your interest in the job.
If the email addresses of everyone who conducted the interview have been shared with you, make sure that you send the email to each and every one who conducted your interview.
The email should be semi-corporate and professional – not too casual or insinuating.
Why You Should Send a Follow Up Thank You Email
Asking whether or not you should send a follow thank-you email after an interview is a common question among job seekers.
The answer is simple: yes, you should. A timely and well-written thank-you note can leave a positive impression on the interviewer, even if it does not guarantee you the job.
However, it can make a difference in determining who gets the follow-up interview.
1.) The “Why” Question – A well-crafted thank-you Email can make a real difference in whether you get the job or not.
While it may not always change the outcome of the hiring process, a thank-you note can turn things in your favor if all other factors are equal. However, if you are not a good writer, or your handwriting is poor, it may be better to forgo the thank-you letter than to risk making a poor impression.
Keep in mind that sloppy or poorly written messages can also jeopardize your chances of getting the job. It’s essential to give your Thank-You Email the same attention you gave your resume.
2.) It Depends (In Some Cases) – In a few rare cases, it may be best to forgo the thank-you message based on personalities or the company culture.
Your decision to send a message should be based on the type of interview and your gut feeling.
If you have the feeling that a note may be more of a hindrance than a benefit, it may be best to avoid sending one.
3.) It Is a Marketing Tool – Sending a thank-you Email is not a sign of weakness; in fact, it’s a powerful marketing tool.
A well-crafted thank-you Email can be the finishing touch that convinces the employer to choose your application over another.
It shows that you are interested in the job and that you took the time to follow up with the interviewer.
4.) Customize and Personalize Your Thank-You Email – While it’s okay to get ideas from an online example about what to include or what to avoid, make sure your email is personalized.
Many employers recognize canned examples when they cross their desk, so it’s essential to make sure your Thank-You Email is unique.
5.) Whom to Send the Thank-You Email – If you interview with more than one person, it’s a good idea to send a thank-you message to each person who interviewed you.
However, make sure each message is the same to avoid accusations of favoritism.
6.) When to Send the Thank-You Email – It’s recommended that you send out the thank-you Email within 24 hours of your interview. Doing so will help your interviewers remember exactly who you are.
7.) How to Send – If you think sending your email is going to take longer than the interviewer(s) will take to make their decision, you should either send a cellular message – WhatsApp or SMS.
If you receive an offer faster than you are able to send the thank-you Email, go ahead, and send it anyway.
Thank You Email Examples
There are several examples of thank-you emails that you can find on this site to help you craft your message. These examples can give you an idea of what to say and how to structure your message.
However, it’s important to remember to personalize your message and make it unique to you and your experience.
Conclusion
Following up after a job interview is a crucial aspect of the job interview process.
It shows your interest in the job and the company and allows you to build rapport with the interviewer.
There are different ways to follow up, such as sending a text message or email.
Ensure that you follow up within 24 hours of the interview and call the interviewer after 24-48 hours.