How to Follow Up After an Interview: Best Practices

Following up after an interview is a critical step in the job application process. It shows your continued interest in the position and can help keep you top-of-mind with the hiring manager. Here are some best practices for following up after an interview.

1. Send a Thank You Email

A thank you email should be sent within 24 hours of your interview. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. Mention specific points from the interview that you found particularly interesting or relevant.

Example:

Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss the [Position] role at [Company]. I enjoyed learning more about the team and the exciting projects you are working on.

I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity to join your team and contribute to [specific project or aspect discussed]. I believe my experience in [relevant experience] aligns well with the needs of your team.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of working with you.

Best regards, [Your Name]

2. Connect on LinkedIn

If you haven’t already, connect with your interviewers on LinkedIn. This helps maintain the relationship and keeps you in their professional network. Personalize your connection request by mentioning something specific from your interview to make it more meaningful.

3. Follow Up If You Haven’t Heard Back

If you haven’t received a response after the timeline given by the interviewer, it’s appropriate to follow up. Send a polite email inquiring about the status of your application. Reiterate your interest in the role and ask if there are any updates regarding the hiring process.

Example:

Subject: Follow-Up on [Position] Interview

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on the [Position] interview we had on [date]. I am very excited about the opportunity to join [Company] and wanted to inquire about the status of my application.

If there are any further steps or additional information you need from me, please let me know. Thank you again for considering my application.

Best regards, [Your Name]

4. Be Patient and Professional

After following up, be patient and give the hiring team time to respond. Continue your job search in the meantime, and stay professional in all your communications. Demonstrating patience and professionalism can leave a positive impression on the hiring team.

Conclusion

Following up after an interview is an important step in the job application process. Send a thank you email, connect on LinkedIn, and follow up if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeline. By being patient and professional, you can reinforce your interest in the role and increase your chances of landing the job.