Ways to Follow Up After a Job Interview

Communication lays the foundation of job interviews. However, after the commencement of the waiting phase, it is normal to be anxious. In a situation such as this, it is important to remember that your potential employers will also be interviewing others, so making sure you stay on top of their mind is imperative. To follow up after a job interview there are several things you need to keep in mind, and it begins before the interview even begins.

But before diving into how to handle things after the interview, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before the interview. Your relationship with the company interviewing you will begin much before the interview, so here is an overview of how you can establish a good relationship and make a favorable impression before, during, and after the interview.

• It is very important to research the company and the interviewer before actually appearing for an interview. Read about the profile of the company and prepare for obvious questions and your introduction accordingly.
• Be as confident as possible without coming across as overconfident. Make sure you highlight events from your work experiences that are relevant to your potential role at their company. Also, be sure to highlight your strengths, areas where you need to improve and your ways of coping with them.
• After the interview is over, follow up as soon as possible in order for them to remember you better. Most interviewees tend to skip it, but it is just as important as the interview itself.

Following up not only highlights your application but also gives you an opportunity to say something that you might have missed during the interview. Here are a few ways in which you can follow up after a job interview:

1. Follow up as soon as possible and regularly

Not receiving a call-back or an email after the interview does not mean your profile has been rejected. With hundreds of applications flooding in, a meticulous shortlisting process to follow, along with managing other tasks, employers might not be able to keep each candidate updated. For this reason, it is very important for you to grab the opportunity to keep them informed that you still look forward to the opportunity. Follow up at regular intervals by asking them about the next steps or by simply asking them to update you about the final dates of the results.

2. Express your gratitude

Right after your interview, ask your employer the date by when a response can be expected. Wait patiently until then before you begin following up with them. Getting in touch to follow up after a job interview, before the date they have given you will make you seem eager and lacking patience and courtesy. Although, you can most definitely send a thank you mail right after the interview expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and their time, as well as the hope of looking forward to them contacting you after the established date.

3. Send some of your sample work

In the case that the company has not asked for samples of your work before calling you for the interview, the follow-up is a good way to show this to them. Again, you can graciously thank them and tell them you look forward to hearing from them as well in the email. Make sure the samples you send them are relevant and suit their requirements. This will assure them of your prior work experience and increase the chances of your profile getting shortlisted.

4. Send a formal follow-up

In case you do not hear back from the hiring authorities even after the expected date, leave them a formal follow-up email since your profile might still be under consideration. Keep in mind to make the email a quick and polite one. Mention that you are still interested in the role and that you are expecting a callback. Then wait for a reply. If they do not reply, wait a few days and then make a call to clarify your queries, rather than spamming them with messages.

5. Ask for feedback

In order to follow up after a job interview where you are unable to judge whether the interview swayed in your favour or not, and you do not get a call after the designated date, write to the hiring person or team with a request to provide feedback about how you can improve your profile as well as your interview skills. Asking for feedback may encourage them to revisit your profile one more time and give you a chance to be chosen. While this may or may not get you the response you seek, if they do reply you will have something to learn in order to do better at your next interview.

As the very last option, in case you want a reply because you have another offer and need to make a decision, send an email saying just that. Be clear and polite in your email.

It is very important to follow up after a job interview as they remind the employer of your application and interview time and again. It shows your interest and passion and gives you the opportunity to show them your professional personality and will for the job. These above points will help you follow up in a professional manner for all your future job interviews.