Soon after a job interview, it is only customary to want an update regarding the hiring process. Amid a grip of anxiety, you may consider sending a follow-up email or call to find out whether you were successful. Being hasty with this process could damage your chances of landing the job. You need to be thoughtful about when and how to make your follow-ups. Here are pro tips on following up on a job interview without ruining your prospects of getting the job.

Find Out When to Expect a Response

At the tail end of the interview, inquire from the hiring manager as to when to expect their response regarding their next steps. This date is crucial as it helps you decide the appropriate time to make a follow-up in the future.

Send a Thank You Note

A day after the interview, send a quick thank you note to the recruitment manager for their time. In your email, highlight one unique thing regarding the interview or something you learned about their organization. Give a hint on how much you look forward to hearing from them. A thank you note provides a chance to showcase your enthusiasm and gratitude. Keep your notes as short and sweet as possible.

Wait Before Sending a Follow-up Note

If you don’t get a response from the hiring manager by the date they said they would make an offer, don’t send a follow-up message immediately. Doing so could make you appear pushy, sloppy, or too informal, which could ruin your chances of getting a job. There is always a possibility that you might not have been the initial preference for the position, but you are still running as a viable candidate.

It is advisable to send the follow-up note one week after the date you were expecting the initial response. When that day comes, send a quick note of less than three paragraphs. The follow-up note should follow a format similar to the thank-you note.

Consider Sending a Feedback Note

If you aren’t offered a job despite feeling the interview went exemplary well, send an additional note to request feedback on the interview. Again, be as brief and pleasant as possible. Start by thanking the interviewer for their time. Inform them you would love to get constructive feedback that could help you improve your chances of getting a job in the future.

What If I Am Offered Another Job Before Getting a Response?

You may reach out earlier than the date the hiring manager gave you when there is a notable change in your portfolio. For instance, if you get another offer from someone else before hearing back from the hiring manager, you can write to let them know you have another offer. Mention that although you have a competing offer, you prefer their company and hope to hear from them before deciding.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Follow-up

An unprofessional follow-up gesture can negate all the positive efforts you made during the interview. Here are some of the common pitfalls to avoid when following up after an interview:

• Making too many follow-ups: Although there are several methods to contact the hiring manager, making too many follow-ups may seem unprofessional. If you have sent an email, you should not leave a voice message or make calls. Sending too many messages can be construed to mean you are desperate. Generally, companies dislike desperate candidates.
• Skipping the follow-up: While following up on a job interview too much is unprofessional, skipping it entirely is not a good idea either. Your lack of enthusiasm may imply your lack of interest in the job.
• Lying about competing offers: Although it is essential to reach out if you receive another job offer from a different company, do so only if you have solid evidence, such as a written job offer. Lying can harm your relationships in the professional world. Word can spread quickly in industries and among professionals, and your dishonesty may become known to other potential employers or colleagues.

Sending a follow-up message or thank-you note demonstrates your continued interest in the position and the company. It shows that you are genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity. However, you should be tactful when sending your follow-up messages. The tips we have shared here offer a great starting point.

Good luck with your job-hunting efforts!