Following Up After the Interview

Employers are definitely slowing the interviewing and hiring process, waiting for budgets to stabilize and for the economy to improve, and allowing themselves to get the pick of the best candidates on the job market. That said, waiting so long after your interview has probably sealed your fate.

The best thing job-seekers can do is follow this procedure regarding job interviews and follow-up.

First, at the end of the interview — if it went well and you feel a strong fit — ask for the job. If you are not comfortable being that aggressive, then at least ask the employer about the timetable for filling the position. This information will give you an approximate planning window.

Second, as soon as possible after the interview, write thank-you notes to each person you interviewed with. If you interviewed with numerous people, you can use a “boilerplate” thank-you letter — but be sure to customize elements of each one. Check that you have correct names and titles. You can also email a quick note of thanks, but you should also send a regular thank you via postal mail. (Find sample thank-you letters here.)

Third, a few days later, but not longer than a week after the interview (or sooner if the employer has a short timeframe), contact the main interviewer (hiring manager) and again express your interest in and fit with the position.

Fourth, follow-up again in another week (or sooner)…and keep up the weekly follow-ups until the position is filled. As long as you are polite and only call about once a week, these calls will show your ongoing interest in the position — without be annoying or sounding desperate.

Read more in our article, FAQs About Thank You Letters.