How to Follow Up After an Interview and Increase Your Chances of Getting Hired

You’ve just finished a job interview and you’re feeling confident about your performance. You think you’ve made a good impression on the interviewer and you’re eager to hear back from them. But what should you do next? Should you just sit back and wait for their response? Or should you take some action to show your interest and enthusiasm for the job?

The answer is simple: you should follow up. Following up after an interview is a crucial step in the hiring process that many job seekers overlook or neglect. It can make a difference between getting hired or being forgotten. In fact, according to a survey by CareerBuilder, 22% of employers are less likely to hire a candidate who does not send a thank-you note after an interview.

But how do you follow up effectively? What should you say and when should you say it? How can you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of getting hired? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with the best practices and tips for following up after an interview. You will learn:

• Why follow-up is important and how it can benefit you
• When to follow up and how to respect the employer’s timeline
• How to choose the right medium for follow-up (email, phone call, etc.)
• How to craft a professional and polite follow-up message
• What to include and what to avoid in your follow-up message
• How to handle different scenarios and outcomes (no response, rejection, etc.)
• How to stay organized and track your follow-ups and responses
• How to leverage LinkedIn and other online platforms for follow-up

By following these strategies, you will be able to demonstrate your interest and commitment to the job, reinforce your qualifications and fit for the role, address any concerns or questions that the interviewer may have, and build a positive and lasting relationship with the employer.

Understanding the Importance of Follow-Up

Why is follow-up so important in the hiring process? What are the benefits of following up after an interview? Here are some of the reasons why you should always follow up:

• It shows your interest and enthusiasm for the job. By following up, you are sending a clear message to the employer that you are serious about the opportunity and that you want to work for them. This can help you stand out from other candidates who may not follow up or who may show less interest.
• It reinforces your qualifications and fit for the role. By following up, you are reminding the employer of your skills, experience, and achievements that make you a suitable candidate for the job. You can also use the follow-up message to highlight any additional information or examples that you may not have mentioned during the interview or that may be relevant to the role.
• It addresses any concerns or questions that the interviewer may have. By following up, you are giving yourself a chance to clarify any doubts or misunderstandings that the interviewer may have about your candidacy. You can also use the follow-up message to ask any questions that you may have about the job, the company, or the next steps in the hiring process.
• It builds a positive and lasting relationship with the employer. By following up, you are showing your appreciation and gratitude to the employer for their time and consideration. You are also demonstrating your professionalism and communication skills, which are essential for any job. By following up, you are creating a good impression and a rapport with the employer, which can increase your chances of getting hired or getting referred to other opportunities in the future.

When to Follow Up

One of the most common questions that job seekers have is when to follow up after an interview. There is no definitive answer to this question, as different situations may require different timings. However, here are some general guidelines that you can follow:

• Ask about the timeline at the end of the interview. The best way to know when to follow up is to ask the interviewer about their timeline and expectations at the end of the interview. For example, you can ask: “When can I expect to hear back from you?” or “What are the next steps in the hiring process?” This will give you an idea of how long you should wait before following up and what kind of follow-up you should send.
• Send a thank-you note within 24 hours. Regardless of the timeline, you should always send a thank-you note to the interviewer within 24 hours of the interview. This is a common courtesy that shows your appreciation and professionalism. It also helps you keep your name fresh in the interviewer’s mind and reinforces your interest and qualifications for the job.
• Follow up again after the expected response time. If the interviewer gave you a specific date or time frame for their response, you should wait until that time has passed before following up again. For example, if they said they would get back to you by next week, you should wait until the end of next week before sending another follow-up message. If they did not give you a specific date or time frame, you can follow up again after one or two weeks of the interview.
• Be respectful and patient. When following up, you should always be respectful and patient with the employer. Remember that they may be busy with other tasks or candidates and that they may have unexpected delays or changes in their hiring process. Do not send multiple follow-up messages in a short period or pressure the employer for a response. This can come across as desperate or rude and may hurt your chances of getting hired. Instead, be polite and professional and express your continued interest and enthusiasm for the job.

Choosing the Right Medium for Follow-Up

Another question that job seekers have is how to follow up after an interview. Should you send an email, make a phone call, or use another medium? The answer depends on several factors, such as the type and stage of the interview, the preference and availability of the interviewer, and the nature and urgency of your message. Here are some pros and cons of different mediums for follow-up and some tips on how to choose the most appropriate one for your situation:

• Email: Email is the most common and preferred medium for follow-up, as it is convenient, professional, and easy to track. Email allows you to craft a clear and concise message that can include relevant attachments, links, or references. Email also gives the interviewer time to read and respond to your message at their convenience. However, email can also be impersonal, delayed, or overlooked, especially if the interviewer receives a lot of emails. Therefore, you should use email for follow-up when:
  • You want to send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview.
  • You want to provide additional information or documents that support your candidacy.
  • You want to ask a simple or non-urgent question about the job or the hiring process.
  • You want to confirm or reschedule an appointment or a meeting.
  • You want to follow up after the expected response time has passed.
• Phone call: A phone call is a more direct and personal medium for follow-up, as it allows you to communicate your tone and emotion and to have a conversation with the interviewer. Phone calls can also help you get an immediate response or feedback from the interviewer. However, phone calls can also be intrusive, disruptive, or awkward, especially if the interviewer is busy or unavailable. Therefore, you should use phone calls for follow-up when:
  • You have a prior relationship or rapport with the interviewer.
  • You have the interviewer’s direct phone number and permission to call them.
  • You want to express your enthusiasm and excitement for the job.
  • You want to discuss a complex or urgent issue or question that requires clarification or negotiation.
  • You want to follow up after sending multiple emails with no response.
• Other mediums: Other mediums for follow-up include text messages, social media messages, handwritten notes, or personal visits. These mediums can be more creative, casual, or memorable, but they can also be inappropriate, unprofessional, or annoying, depending on the situation and the employer’s culture. Therefore, you should use these mediums for follow-up only when:
  • You have a specific reason or purpose for using them.
  • You know the interviewer’s preference or expectation for using them.
  • You are confident that they will not offend or irritate the interviewer.
  • You are applying for a job that requires creativity, innovation, or social media skills.

Crafting a Professional Follow-Up Message

Once you have decided when and how to follow up after an interview, the next step is to craft a professional and polite follow-up message. A good follow-up message should be clear, concise, and courteous. It should also be personalized and tailored to the specific job and employer. Here are some tips on how to write a professional follow-up message:

• Use a clear and relevant subject line. The subject line is the first thing that the interviewer will see when they receive your follow-up message. Therefore, you should make sure that it is clear and relevant to the job and the interview. For example, you can use the job title, the company name, or the date of the interview as part of your subject line. You can also use words like “thank you”, “follow-up”, or “update” to indicate the purpose of your message. For example, you can write: “Thank you for the Marketing Manager interview” or “Follow-up on the Software Engineer position”.
• Address the interviewer by name and title. The salutation is the second thing that the interviewer will see when they open your follow-up message. Therefore, you should make sure that it is respectful and professional. You should address the interviewer by their name and title if you know them. If you don’t know their name or title, you can use a generic salutation like “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear Interviewer”. For example, you can write: “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Jones”.
• Express your appreciation and interest. The opening paragraph is the main part of your follow-up message. Therefore, you should make sure that it is positive and engaging. You should express your appreciation and gratitude for the interview and the opportunity. You should also restate your interest and enthusiasm for the job and the company. For example, you can write: “Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the Marketing Manager position yesterday. I enjoyed learning more about your company and the role. I am very interested in joining your team and contributing to your goals.”
• Reinforce your qualifications and fit. The body paragraph is the optional part of your follow-up message. You can use it to reinforce your qualifications and fit for the role. You can highlight your skills, experience, or achievements that are relevant to the job. You can also provide additional information or examples that you may not have mentioned during the interview or that may be helpful for the interviewer. For example, you can write: “As we discussed, I have over five years of experience in marketing and communications, with a proven track record of increasing brand awareness and customer loyalty. I have also successfully managed several marketing campaigns and projects, using various tools and strategies. I have attached some samples of my work for your reference.”
• Address any concerns or questions. The closing paragraph is the final part of your follow-up message. You can use it to address any concerns or questions that the interviewer may have about your candidacy. You can also ask any questions that you may have about the job, the company, or the next steps in the hiring process. For example, you can write: “I understand that you are looking for someone who can start working as soon as possible. I am available to start working immediately, and I am flexible with the working hours and location. I would love to hear more about the expectations and responsibilities of the role. Do you have a timeline for making a decision?”
• End with a courteous and confident sign-off. The sign-off is the last thing that the interviewer will see when they read your follow-up message. Therefore, you should make sure that it is courteous and confident. You should thank the interviewer again for their time and consideration. You should also express your hope and anticipation for hearing back from them. End with a professional and appropriate closing, such as “Sincerely”, “Best regards”, or “Kind regards”. You should also include your full name and contact information. For example, you can write: “Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, John Doe. Phone: 123-456-7890. Email: johndoe@email.com.”

What to Include in the Follow-Up Message

Now that you know how to write a professional follow-up message, you may wonder what to include in it. What are the key elements that make a follow-up message effective and memorable? Here are some of the things that you should include in your follow-up message:

• A clear and specific purpose. Your follow-up message should have a clear and specific purpose that relates to the job and the interview. You should state the purpose of your message in the subject line and the opening paragraph. For example, you can write: “Following up on the Marketing Manager position” or “Thank you for the Software Engineer interview”.
• A reference to the interview. Your follow-up message should refer to the interview and the conversation that you had with the interviewer. You should mention something that you learned, enjoyed, or appreciated about the interview. You should also mention the interviewer’s name and title if you know them. This will show that you paid attention and that you are interested in the job and the company. For example, you can write: “It was a pleasure to meet you and learn more about your marketing strategy and goals. I was impressed by your innovative approach and your passion for your work.”
• A summary of your qualifications and fit. Your follow-up message should summarize your qualifications and fit for the role. You should highlight your skills, experience, or achievements that are relevant to the job. You should also explain how you can add value to the company and the team. This will show that you are confident and capable of performing the job. For example, you can write: “As I mentioned during the interview, I have over three years of experience in software development, with a focus on web and mobile applications. I have strong skills in Java, Python, and HTML, as well as experience with agile methodologies and user interface design. I believe that I can bring my technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills to your team and help you deliver high-quality products to your customers.”
• A call to action. Your follow-up message should include a call to action that prompts the interviewer to take the next step in the hiring process. You should ask for an update, feedback, or confirmation, depending on the situation. You should also express your availability and willingness to provide any additional information or documents that the interviewer may need. This will show that you are proactive and eager to move forward. For example, you can write: “I would love to hear your feedback and the status of my application. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns that I can address. I am available for a second interview or a trial project if needed. You can reach me by phone or email at any time.”

Avoiding Common Follow-Up Mistakes

While following up after an interview is important and beneficial, it can also be risky and detrimental if done incorrectly. There are some common mistakes that job seekers make when following up that can ruin their chances of getting hired or damage their reputation. Here are some of the mistakes that you should avoid when following up:

• Following up too soon or too late. Timing is everything when it comes to follow-up. If you follow up too soon, you may seem impatient or desperate. If you follow up too late, you may seem disinterested or forgetful. Therefore, you should follow the guidelines discussed in the previous section and follow up within 24 hours of the interview and then again after the expected response time has passed.
• Following up too frequently or too infrequently. Frequency is another factor that matters when it comes to follow-up. If you follow up too frequently, you may annoy or pressure the interviewer. If you follow up too infrequently, you may lose the opportunity or the connection. Therefore, you should follow the rule of thumb and follow up no more than once a week until you get a response or a decision.
• Following up with the wrong person or the wrong medium. Targeting is another aspect that counts when it comes to follow-up. If you follow up with the wrong person, you may waste your time or offend the interviewer. If you follow up with the wrong medium, you may miss the opportunity or irritate the interviewer. Therefore, you should follow the tips discussed in the previous section and follow up with the person who interviewed you or who is in charge of the hiring process and use the medium that is most appropriate and convenient for them.
• Following up with a generic or rude message. Content is the final element that makes a difference when it comes to follow-up. If you follow up with a generic or rude message, you may lose the interest or the respect of the interviewer. Therefore, you should follow the advice discussed in the previous section and follow up with a personalized and polite message that expresses your appreciation, interest, and qualifications for the job.

Following Up After Receiving No Response

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not receive a response from the interviewer after following up. This can be frustrating and discouraging, but it does not necessarily mean that you are rejected or that you should give up. There may be various reasons why the interviewer has not responded, such as:

• They are busy with other tasks or candidates and have not had time to review your application or message.
• They are waiting for the approval or input of other decision-makers or stakeholders in the hiring process.
• They have encountered some delays or changes in their hiring plans or budgets.
• They need to remember your contact information or message.

Therefore, you should not take the lack of response personally or negatively. Instead, you should try to follow up again and try to get a response or a decision. Here are some tips on how to follow up after receiving no response:

• Wait for a reasonable amount of time. Before following up again, you should wait for a reasonable amount of time to give the interviewer a chance to respond. Depending on the situation and the employer’s timeline, you can wait for a few days or a week before sending another follow-up message. However, you should not wait for more than two weeks, as this may indicate that you are no longer interested or available for the job.
• Send a friendly and polite reminder. When following up again, you should send a friendly and polite reminder that expresses your continued interest and enthusiasm for the job. You should also restate your qualifications and fit for the role and ask for an update or feedback on your application. You should avoid sounding desperate or demanding, as this may annoy or offend the interviewer. For example, you can write: “Hello, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my application for the Marketing Manager position. I am still very interested in joining your team and contributing to your goals. I believe that I have the skills and experience that you are looking for. I would appreciate it if you could let me know the status of my application and the next steps in the hiring process. Thank you for your time and consideration.”
• Try a different medium or contact. If you still do not receive a response after sending another follow-up message, you may want to try a different medium or contact. You may have more luck reaching the interviewer by phone, text, or social media if you have their contact information and permission. You may also want to contact someone else who is involved in the hiring process, such as the human resources manager, the recruiter, or the referral if you have one. They may be able to provide you with some information or assistance. However, you should be careful not to contact too many people or too frequently, as this may seem intrusive or annoying.
• Know when to move on. If you still do not receive a response after trying all the above tips, you may have to accept the fact that the interviewer is not interested or that the job is no longer available. Send a final follow-up message that thanks the interviewer for their time and expresses your disappointment and regret. You may also want to request some feedback or a referral, if possible. However, you should not dwell on the negative outcome or take it personally. Instead, you should focus on the positive aspects of the experience and the lessons learned. You should also move on and continue your job search, as there may be other opportunities that are more suitable and rewarding for you.

Following Up After a Rejection

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may receive a rejection from the interviewer after following up. This can be disappointing and discouraging, but it does not necessarily mean that you are unqualified or that you should give up. There may be various reasons why the interviewer has rejected you, such as:

• They have found another candidate who is more suitable or experienced for the job.
• They have changed their hiring plans or budget and have canceled or postponed the job opening.
• They have encountered some internal or external issues or challenges that have affected their hiring process.
• They have a different vision or expectation for the role or the company.

Therefore, you should not take the rejection personally or negatively. Instead, you should try to follow up professionally and gracefully and try to learn from the experience. Here are some tips on how to follow up after a rejection:

• Thank the interviewer for their time and feedback. When you receive a rejection, you should respond with a thank-you note that expresses your appreciation and gratitude for the interview and the opportunity. Acknowledge and respect the interviewer’s decision and wish them well. This will show that you are professional and courteous and that you value the relationship with the employer. For example, you can write: “Thank you for letting me know about your decision. I appreciate the time and effort that you invested in the hiring process. I respect your choice and I wish you and your team all the best.”
• Ask for constructive feedback. If possible, you should ask the interviewer for some constructive feedback that can help you improve your skills and performance in the future. Be polite and humble and avoid being defensive or argumentative. Thank the interviewer for their honesty and advice and use the feedback to identify and address your weaknesses and gaps. For example, you can write: “I would appreciate it if you could share some feedback on my interview and application. I am always looking for ways to improve myself and grow as a professional. I would be grateful for any suggestions or tips that you can offer me. Thank you for your valuable input and guidance.”
• Request a referral or a recommendation. If appropriate, you can also request a referral or a recommendation from the interviewer, especially if you have a good rapport or a connection with them. You can ask them if they know of any other opportunities or contacts that may be suitable or interested in your profile. You can also ask them if they would be willing to provide you with a reference or a testimonial that you can use for your future applications. This will show that you are proactive and resourceful and that you value the network and the reputation of the employer. For example, you can write: “I am still very interested in working in your industry and field. I wonder if you know of any other openings or organizations that may be looking for someone with my skills and experience. I would appreciate it if you could refer me to them or introduce me to them. I would also appreciate it if you could provide me with a reference or a recommendation that I can use for my future applications. Thank you for your support and assistance.”

Staying Organized in Your Job Search

One of the challenges of following up after an interview is staying organized and keeping track of your follow-ups and responses. If you are applying for multiple jobs, you may have difficulty remembering who you contacted, when you contacted them, and what you said or heard from them. This can lead to confusion, mistakes, or missed opportunities. Therefore, you should have a system or a tool that can help you stay organized and manage your follow-ups and responses. Here are some tips and tools for staying organized in your job search:

• Use a spreadsheet or a database. One of the simplest and most effective ways to stay organized is to use a spreadsheet or a database to record and update your follow-ups and responses. You can create a table or a list that includes the following information for each job application:
  • The job title, the company name, and the location
  • The date and time of the application and the interview
  • The name and contact information of the interviewer or the hiring manager
  • The medium and the content of your follow-up message
  • The date and time of the follow-up and the response
  • The status and the outcome of your application
• You can use a software program like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or Airtable to create and manage your spreadsheet or database. You can also use formulas, filters, or colors to sort, organize, or highlight your data.
• Use a calendar or a reminder. Another way to stay organized is to use a calendar or a reminder to schedule and track your follow-ups and responses. You can use a physical or digital calendar or a reminder to mark the dates and times of your follow-ups and responses. Set alarms or notifications to alert you when you need to follow up or when you expect to hear back from the interviewer. Use a tool like Google Calendar, Outlook, or Todoist to create and manage your calendar or reminder. You can also sync your calendar or reminder with your email, phone, or other devices.
• Use a job search app or a website. A third way to stay organized is to use a job search app or a website that can help you follow up and track your responses. You can use a platform like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor to apply for jobs, communicate with employers, and monitor your application status. Use a tool like Jobscan, Huntr, or JibberJobber to optimize your resume, organize your job search, and manage your follow-ups and responses. You can also access these apps or websites from your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Leveraging LinkedIn for Follow-Up

LinkedIn is a powerful and popular platform for professional networking and job searching. You can use LinkedIn effectively for follow-up after an interview and increase your chances of getting hired. Here are some tips on how to leverage LinkedIn for follow-up:

• Connect with the interviewer or the hiring manager. One of the ways to use LinkedIn for follow-up is to connect with the interviewer or the hiring manager on the platform. You can send them a connection request with a personalized message that thanks them for the interview and expresses your interest in the job. Mention something that you learned or appreciated about the interview or the company. This will show that you are proactive and enthusiastic and that you value the relationship with the employer. For example, you can write: “Hi, I’m John Doe, and I interviewed with you for the Marketing Manager position yesterday. I enjoyed our conversation and I was impressed by your company’s vision and culture. I would love to connect with you on LinkedIn and stay in touch. Thank you for your time and consideration.”
• Follow the company and the employees. Another way to use LinkedIn for follow-up is to follow the company and the employees on the platform. You can follow the company page and the profiles of the people who work there, especially those who are in the same department or role as the job you applied for. This will help you learn more about the company and the industry, as well as the latest news and updates. You can also like, comment, or share their posts and articles, as long as they are relevant and appropriate. This will show that you are interested and engaged and that you have something valuable to contribute. For example, you can write: “Great article on the latest trends in digital marketing. I agree that video content is the future of online communication. I have some experience in creating and editing video content for various platforms and audiences. I would love to share some of my work with you.”
• Endorse or recommend the interviewer or the hiring manager. A third way to use LinkedIn for follow-up is to endorse or recommend the interviewer or the hiring manager on the platform. You can endorse them for their skills or recommend their work or achievements if you have enough knowledge and evidence. This will show that you are appreciative and supportive and that you respect their expertise and authority. However, you should be careful not to overdo it or to sound insincere, as this may backfire and seem desperate or flattering. For example, you can write: “I had the pleasure of interviewing with Jane Smith for the Marketing Manager position at ABC Inc. Jane is a great leader and a marketing expert, with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field. She is also very friendly and professional and made me feel comfortable and confident during the interview. I highly recommend Jane for any marketing role or project.”

Following up after an interview is a vital and valuable step in the hiring process that can increase your chances of getting hired. By following up, you can show your interest and enthusiasm for the job, reinforce your qualifications and fit for the role, address any concerns or questions that the interviewer may have, and build a positive and lasting relationship with the employer.

However, following up effectively requires some planning and preparation. You need to know when, how, and what to follow up, as well as how to avoid common mistakes and handle different scenarios and outcomes. You also need to stay organized and track your follow-ups and responses, as well as leverage LinkedIn and other online platforms for follow-up.

By following the best practices and tips discussed in this article, you will be able to craft a professional and polite follow-up message that will make a difference and help you stand out from the crowd. You will also be able to demonstrate your professionalism and communication skills, which are essential for any job.

We encourage you to implement these strategies in your job search and to share your feedback and results with us. We wish you all the best in your career and your future endeavors. Thank you for reading.