When to Follow Up a Second Time after Interview

Jeffrey writes:

I had an interview on Jan. 9. Then, after the interview, I sent a thank-you letter on Jan. 10. The hiring manager replied as follows: “Thanks for coming and talking with us. I think the entire interviewing team was impressed with your enthusiasm and that quality will certainly play a factor in our decision… As I mentioned to you, we will likely be able to provide you more information about your status soon.”

But so far, I have not received any more information from him. My question is: When can I do “second-time” follow-up? I hope that he doesn’t think I am desperate. If I should send “second-time” follow up, what can I say and how to say? Please advise.

The Career Doctor responds:

I think the mantra for job-seekers — until (or if) we see a vastly different job market — needs to be “patience, patience, patience.” Many employers are taking their time filling job slots, perhaps saving some money in the budget by not replacing someone so quickly, perhaps to really take the time to find the ideal candidate for the open position. Regardless of the reasons, for job-seekers, it means a prolonged interview process, with longer waiting periods and greater anxiety.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that so far you have done everything perfectly in seeking this job. It sounds as though you interviewed well, you wrote an immediate thank-you letter, and you even have gotten some feedback about how you did.

What’s your next step? Call the hiring manager — starting today. Since you were given no definite timetable as to when the employer plans to fill the position, you should take the initiative and keep in contact. You will not sound desperate — you will sound interested — if you do it correctly. In your follow-up phone call, do not whine about how long its taking to fill the position or that it is inconvenient to you or that you really, really want the job. Instead, simply restate your interest in the position, talk about your fit with the position, and stress how you are ready to make an immediate contribution. If you have some news, such as completion of more training or career development, share that as well.

Job-seekers must follow-up all job leads. Be assertive, but not rude, annoying, or groveling.

Read more in my article published on Quintessential Careers,
Following Up All Job Leads: Don’t Wait by the Phone.