You’ve applied for a job or had an interview, and now you’re wondering what to do next. Should you wait for the employer to contact you, or should you follow up with them? How soon is too soon to reach out? What should you say or write in your follow-up message?
These are common questions that many job seekers face after submitting their applications or meeting with potential employers. In this article, we’ll explain why following up is important, how to do it effectively, and what to avoid when following up. We’ll also provide some examples of follow-up emails and phone calls that you can use as templates or inspiration for your communication. By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of getting a positive response and landing the job you want.
Following up is important for job seekers for several reasons. First, it shows that you are interested and enthusiastic about the job opportunity. It also demonstrates your professionalism and communication skills, which are essential for most roles. Second, it helps you stand out from the crowd of other applicants who may not follow up or do it poorly. It gives you a chance to remind the employer of your qualifications, skills, and fit for the position. Third, it allows you to get feedback and updates on the hiring process. You can find out if the employer has received your application, if they have any questions or concerns, or if they have made a decision. This way, you can avoid wasting time and energy on waiting or applying for other jobs that may not suit you.
Common Mistakes or Challenges in Following Up After a Job Application or Interview
One of the most important steps in the job search process is following up after applying or interviewing for a position. Following up can show your interest and enthusiasm, demonstrate your professionalism and communication skills, help you stand out from the crowd of other applicants, and allow you to get feedback and updates on the hiring process. However, following up can also be challenging and tricky. There are some common mistakes or pitfalls that job seekers should avoid when following up with potential employers. In this essay, we will discuss three of them: following up too soon or too late, following up too frequently or too infrequently, and following up with the wrong person or method.
The first mistake or challenge is following up too soon or too late. Timing is crucial when it comes to following up. If you follow up too soon, you may seem impatient or desperate. You may also risk interrupting the employer’s busy schedule or interfering with their decision-making process. If you follow up too late, you may miss the opportunity or lose the employer’s interest. You may also give the impression that you are not serious or committed to the job opportunity. A good rule of thumb is to follow up within a week after applying or interviewing unless the employer gives you a specific timeline. This way, you can show your interest and enthusiasm without being pushy or desperate. You can also remind the employer of your qualifications, skills, and fit for the position without being redundant or forgetful.
The second mistake or challenge is following up too frequently or too infrequently. Frequency is another important factor when it comes to following up. If you follow up too frequently, you may annoy or pressure the employer. You may also make yourself look needy or insecure. If you follow up too infrequently, you may appear uninterested or indifferent. You may also lose touch with the employer or miss important updates or information. A good balance is to follow up once or twice unless the employer asks you to stay in touch more often or less often. This way, you can show your interest and enthusiasm without being annoying or pressuring. You can also get feedback and updates on the hiring process without being uninterested or indifferent.
The third mistake or challenge is following up with the wrong person or method. Person and method are also essential aspects when it comes to following up. If you follow up with the wrong person, you may not get the information or response you need. You may also waste your time and energy on contacting someone who has no influence or authority over the hiring decision. If you follow up with the wrong method, you may not reach the employer or convey the right tone. You may also violate the employer’s preferences or expectations for communication. A good practice is to follow up with the person who contacted you first or who interviewed you and to use the same method they used (email, phone, etc.) unless they tell you otherwise. This way, you can reach the decision-maker or the person who can give you feedback or updates. You can also use the most appropriate and effective way of communication.
Following up after a job application or interview is an important step in the job search process. However, it can also be challenging and tricky. Job seekers should avoid some common mistakes or pitfalls when following up with potential employers, such as following up too soon or too late, following up too frequently or too infrequently, and following up with the wrong person or method. By avoiding these mistakes and challenges, job seekers can increase their chances of getting a positive response and landing the job they want.
The Best Practices for Following Up After a Job Application
When to follow up and how often are two important questions that job seekers should consider when applying or interviewing for a position. The answers may vary depending on the situation, but here are some general guidelines:
- When to follow up: A good time to follow up is within a week after applying or interviewing, unless the employer gives you a different timeline. This shows that you are interested and enthusiastic about the job opportunity and that you are respectful of the employer’s time and process. If you follow up too soon, you may seem impatient or desperate. If you follow up too late, you may miss the opportunity or lose the employer’s interest.
- How often to follow up: A good frequency to follow up is once or twice, unless the employer asks you to contact them more or less frequently. This shows that you are interested and enthusiastic about the job opportunity and that you are professional and courteous. If you follow up too frequently, you may annoy or pressure the employer. If you follow up too infrequently, you may appear uninterested or indifferent.
By following these guidelines, you can show your interest and enthusiasm without being pushy or desperate. You can also get feedback and updates on the hiring process without being annoying or pressuring.
What to Say and How to Say It
What to say and how to say it are two other important questions that job seekers should consider when following up after a job application or interview. The answers may depend on the situation, but here are some general tips:
- What to say: A good thing to say is to thank the employer for their time and consideration, restate your interest and enthusiasm for the job opportunity, and highlight your qualifications, skills, and fit for the position. You can also ask for feedback or updates on the hiring process, or address any questions or concerns that the employer may have. You should avoid saying anything negative, rude, or irrelevant.
- How to say it: A good way to say it is to be polite, positive, and concise. You should use a professional and friendly tone, and avoid any slang, jargon, or errors. You should also match the tone and style of the employer’s communication, and use the same method they used (email, phone, etc.) unless they tell you otherwise.
How to Handle Different Scenarios
How to handle different scenarios is another important question that job seekers should consider when following up after a job application or interview. The answer may vary depending on the situation, but here are some general suggestions:
- No response: If you don’t get a response after following up once or twice, you can assume that the employer is not interested or has already filled the position. You can either move on to other opportunities or send one last message expressing your continued interest and asking for a final update. You should avoid sending multiple messages or calling repeatedly, as this may be seen as desperate or annoying.
- Rejection: If you get a rejection after following up, you can thank the employer for their time and consideration, and ask for feedback on how to improve your chances for future opportunities. You can also express your interest in staying in touch or applying for other positions that may suit you. You should avoid taking the rejection personally or arguing with the employer, as this may damage your reputation or burn bridges.
- Multiple applications: If you have applied or interviewed for multiple positions with different employers, you can follow up with each of them separately and respectfully. You can mention that you are exploring other opportunities, but that you are still interested and enthusiastic about their position. You can also update them on your status and availability, and let them know if you receive an offer from another employer. You should avoid lying or exaggerating about your situation, or accepting multiple offers, as this may be seen as dishonest or unethical.
The Best Practices for Following Up After a Job Interview
When to send a thank you note and what to include are two final questions that job seekers should consider when following up after a job application or interview. The answers may depend on the situation, but here are some general guidelines:
- When to send a thank you note: A good time to send a thank you note is within 24 hours after applying or interviewing for a position. This shows that you are grateful and appreciative of the employer’s time and consideration and that you are prompt and diligent. If you send a thank you note too soon, you may seem eager or impatient. If you send a thank you note too late, you may seem careless or indifferent.
- What to include in a thank you note: A good thing to include in a thank you note is to thank the employer for their time and consideration, to restate your interest and enthusiasm for the job opportunity, and to highlight your qualifications, skills, and fit for the position. You can also mention something specific that you learned or enjoyed during the application or interview process, or address any questions or concerns that the employer may have. You should avoid including anything negative, rude, or irrelevant.
How to Ask for Feedback or Updates
How to ask for feedback or updates is another question that job seekers should consider when following up after a job application or interview. The answer may depend on the situation, but here are some general tips:
- How to ask for feedback: A good way to ask for feedback is to thank the employer for their time and consideration and to express your interest and enthusiasm for the job opportunity. You can then politely ask for feedback on how to improve your chances for future opportunities, or what skills or qualities they are looking for in their ideal candidate. You should avoid asking for feedback in a demanding or defensive way or criticizing the employer’s decision or process.
- How to ask for updates: A good way to ask for updates is to thank the employer for their time and consideration, and to restate your interest and enthusiasm for the job opportunity. You can then politely ask for updates on the hiring process, or when you can expect to hear back from them. You should avoid asking for updates in an impatient or pressuring way or following up too frequently or too infrequently.
How to Show Continued Interest and Enthusiasm
How to show continued interest and enthusiasm is another question that job seekers should consider when following up after a job application or interview. The answer may depend on the situation, but here are some general suggestions:
- How to show continued interest: A good way to show continued interest is to restate your interest and enthusiasm for the job opportunity, and to highlight your qualifications, skills, and fit for the position. You can also mention something specific that you learned or enjoyed during the application or interview process, or how you can contribute to the employer’s goals or challenges. You should avoid showing continued interest in a desperate or needy way or repeating the same information or arguments.
- How to show continued enthusiasm: A good way to show continued enthusiasm is to use a positive and friendly tone, and to express your excitement and eagerness for the job opportunity. You can also mention how you are looking forward to hearing back from them, or how you are ready to start working with them. You should avoid showing continued enthusiasm in a pushy or impatient way or making unrealistic or unreasonable demands.
Effective Follow-up Messages or Emails
Example 1: Follow-up email after applying for a position
Subject: Application for Marketing Manager position
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to follow up on my application for the Marketing Manager position at ABC Inc. I submitted my resume and cover letter on June 1st, and I am very interested and enthusiastic about this opportunity.
I have over five years of experience in marketing, with a focus on digital marketing and social media. I have successfully managed several marketing campaigns and projects, increasing brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales. I have also led and mentored a team of marketing specialists, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
I believe that I have the skills, qualifications, and fit for the Marketing Manager position at ABC Inc. I am impressed by your company’s vision, values, and culture, and I would love to be part of your team. I am confident that I can contribute to your goals and challenges, and help you grow your business.
I would appreciate it if you could confirm that you have received my application, and let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I would also like to know the next steps in the hiring process, and when I can expect to hear back from you.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Dana Stevens
Example 2: Follow-up email after an interview
Subject: Thank you for the interview
Dear Ms. Jones,
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the Accountant position at XYZ Ltd. yesterday. It was a pleasure to meet you and learn more about your company and the role.
I enjoyed our conversation and I was very impressed by your company’s mission, values, and culture. I am very interested and enthusiastic about working with you and your team.
I believe that I have the skills, qualifications, and fit for the Accountant position at XYZ Ltd. I have over three years of experience in accounting, with a focus on financial reporting and analysis. I have successfully prepared and audited financial statements, budgets, and forecasts for various clients and industries. I have also used various accounting software and tools, such as QuickBooks, Excel, and SAP.
I am confident that I can add value to your company and help you achieve your financial goals and objectives. I am eager to start working with you and your team as soon as possible.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, or if you need any additional information from me. I would also appreciate it if you could give me some feedback on how I did in the interview, and update me on the status of my application.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
John Miller
Example 3: Follow-up phone call after a rejection
Hello, this is Dana Stevens. Is this Mr. Smith?
Hi Mr. Smith, thank you for taking my call. I am calling to follow up on the Marketing Manager position at ABC Inc.
I received your email yesterday informing me that you have decided to hire another candidate for the position. I want to thank you for your time and consideration, and for letting me know about your decision.
I am disappointed that I did not get the job, but I respect your choice and wish you all the best with your new hire.
I also want to ask you for some feedback on how I did in the application and interview process. What were my strengths and weaknesses? What skills or qualities were you looking for in your ideal candidate? How can I improve my chances for future opportunities?
Your feedback would be very valuable and helpful for me as I continue my job search. I appreciate your honesty and professionalism.
I also want to express my continued interest in working with you and your company. If any other positions may suit me in the future, please keep me in mind. I would love to stay in touch with you and hear about any updates or news from your company.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. Have a great day.
Goodbye.
Following up after a job application or interview is an important and challenging step in the job search process. It can show your interest and enthusiasm, demonstrate your professionalism and communication skills, help you stand out from the crowd of other applicants, and allow you to get feedback and updates on the hiring process. However, it can also be tricky and risky. There are some common mistakes or pitfalls that job seekers should avoid when following up with potential employers, such as following up too soon or too late, following up too frequently or too infrequently, following up with the wrong person or method, and following up negatively or rudely. Job seekers should also consider some important questions and tips when following up, such as when to send a thank you note and what to include, how to ask for feedback or updates, how to show continued interest and enthusiasm, and how to handle different scenarios. By following these guidelines and suggestions, job seekers can follow up effectively and professionally. You can also increase your chances of getting a positive response and landing the job you want.