Acing your interview may feel like the hard part is over, but the urge to follow up right after can be nerve-wracking. Following up after an interview is good – it shows you’re interested. But common mistake freshers make is bugging recruiters immediately after, not giving them the time to make a decision.
We’ve prepared this guide to help you follow up on your job interview the right way.
Watch this video to know more about how you can follow-up after a job interview:
First, Sit Down And Relax
Not hearing anything back for a few days can get a little frustrating. But the interview process can sometimes take longer than usual. Maybe the hiring manager is interviewing other potential candidates or waiting for a vital decision-maker to make their decision.
A lot of first-time interviewees experience post-interview anxiety because they overanalyse their job interview if they don’t hear anything for a couple of days.
Remember, when it comes to your job search, patience is key!
Pro Tip: It is recommended to take a little bit of time out and indulge yourself in physical or mental activities that interest you. Remember to believe in yourself and your performance and accept that not everything is under your control.
Write A Thank You Mail
Did you know that only 1 out of 20 candidates writes a thank you email after an interview? A thank you mail does not only show gratitude but also leaves a positive impression in the minds of the recruiter. Make sure you write a formal thank you email within the first 24 hours of the interview.
Tip: The medium to follow up on a job interview is email. Following up via call or text is not advisable unless your hiring manager has asked you to.
How To Write A Thank You Mail
- Keep it brief
- Keep the subject line clear
- Greet them
- Express your appreciation for their time
- Recap your interest in the position and how you’ll be perfect for it
How To Follow-Up After An Interview
If the company has given you a date for the next step, make sure you wait till then. If not, you should definitely wait for a week before sending in a follow-up email. Constant emails can annoy the recruiter, which is definitely not good.
Here are a few pointers to help you write a good follow-up email.
Step 1: Write a crisp subject line
- Put in the relevant information
- Follow up with the person you directly dealt with
- Keep it crisp and precise
Example: Meera Gupta, following up on the Content Writer position
Step 2: Keep the body of the email straightforward
- Don’t beat around the bush
- Politely ask for an update
- Mention that you’re still interested in the position
- Sign off politely
Interview Follow-Up Email Template
Subject Line: Meera Gupta following up on the Content Writer position
Dear Mr./Ms. Sharma,
Hope all is well at your end. Last week, I interviewed for the Content Writer position and I would like to know if you’ve made your decision yet.
I am very interested in working with your company and I believe that my skills and experience would make me an excellent match for this position.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you need any additional details about my application. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you for your consideration!
Regards,
Meera Gupta
What If The Company Says They Don’t Have Any News Yet?
This is very likely to happen. Sometimes, the decision-making process can take longer than you’d expect. They will probably tell you that they are still working on the decision or interviewing more candidates, and will get back to you as soon as they have something.
If your hiring manager has responded to your follow-up mail, it’s a good signed, even if they don’t have a decision yet. By reminding them, you have shown that you’re still interested; if the company has responded, it means they’re still interested in you.
Here is an example of an email you could send them in the above-mentioned scenario.
Example:
Thank you for the update, Mr/Ms Sharma. Could I get some clarity on when the final decision will be made? I do understand that the interview process can sometimes take a lot of time, and it is perfectly alright if you need more time.
Regards,
Meera Gupta
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No Response To The Follow-Up Email? Send In A Second One
If the company hasn’t replied to your initial follow-up mail, you should consider sending a second email to the same person after a week or two. When you do this, make sure you are replying to your original follow-up email so the entire correspondence is saved in the same thread.
2nd Follow-Up Email Template
Hello Mr/Ms Sharma,
Just following up on my previous email. Would you have any updates to share regarding the Content Writer position I interviewed for? Some clarity would be very helpful at this point. Please let me know if I am still being considered for the role.
Thank you!
Regards,
Meera Gupta
Tip: Don’t follow up more than three times. You deserve feedback on your interview, but some companies don’t provide any update and are not worth the effort.
How To Reply To A Rejection Email
Receiving a rejection email for the job you were really looking forward to can be disappointing, but it’s all a part of the process.
Replying to a rejection email is not something you have to do, but it’s a good thing to do because it shows your sportsmanship and creates a good impression. It also helps to get feedback, so you can treat the interview as a learning opportunity.
Here’s how you should reply to a rejection email:
Dear Mr./Ms. Sharma,
It was a pleasure being interviewed by you for the Content Writer position at (company name).
While I am disappointed that my profile isn’t quite what you are looking for, It would be helpful for me if you could tell me where I fell short.
I am still very interested in working at your company. I would appreciate your further consideration when another position becomes available that you think would fit my skills and experience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
Meera Gupta
Be Patient And Move On
Be it a rejection email or a cold shoulder, continue being proactive with your job search. Keep applying to and interviewing with other companies while you wait for a decision. Don’t forget to ask when you can expect to hear back from them towards the end of your interview. It’ll save you a lot of stress and you’ll know when to follow up.
With all this information in your mind, you’re ready to follow up on your job interviews the right way.
For more information and guidance to help you crack your job interview you can visit the Kool Kanya Marketplace and check out our various freelance career coaching services.
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