A job search -more often than not- is exhausting and takes longer than you would expect. So, it is understandable why after you are called in for an interview, you become hopeful and begin to eagerly await feedback. However, the period of awaiting feedback can be just as frustrating as the job search period and if you don't exercise patience, you may be tempted to give up - I have been there too
Still, the post-interview stage is arguably the most crucial stage in landing a job. This is because being invited for an interview implies you are a serious contender for the job position. Your post-interview stage could make all the difference between being hired or being rejected. It shows your passion for the job, demonstrates your relevant qualifications, and is an opportunity to mention important issues/details that weren't mentioned during the interview.
Here are some ways you can follow up after the interview:
A thank you note is best sent a day after the interview. A quick email thanking the recruiter for their time will do. Many recruiters have also stated that they do not mind receiving follow-up texts on LinkedIn so you could consider sending messages via LinkedIn instead of writing an email. Whichever one you decide, ensure that you keep it concise and warm. Consider mentioning a specific thing you noticed during the interview or something you learned about their organization. You may also add how much you look forward to hearing from them and how excited you are to join the company. Note however that a thank you note is strictly for showing gratitude and demonstrating your excitement. Resist the urge to turn it into a second stage interview. Be professional, not pushy.
An example of a thank you note that you can send is:
Dear Sallie,
I deeply appreciate your time yesterday. I am particularly grateful for the chance you gave me to share my interest and qualifications for the role of community manager in your company. I found learning about your company enjoyable and was drawn by the organization of mentor-mentee programs for new employees to give them overviews of the different units in the company and how to navigate them.
I look forward to joining the team. If you need any additional information from me, kindly let me know.
Thank you.
Best regards,
XYZ.
Note that in the example above, the first name of the recruiter and the job role was mentioned. Mentioning those details makes your email sound personalized and not generic to the receiver.
If you do not get a response from the recruiter by the date, they said they were going to get back to you, it may be time to send a follow-up note but do not send it just yet. While you may not have been the recruiter's first choice, it is possible that you are still being considered for the job position. There have been several cases where an offer is made to somebody, and the person rejects the job. Give things some time to play out.
To ease the anxiety and help you remember, you can schedule a time/date on your calendar for the follow-up. It is advisable that the date should be at least one week after. A day or two before that date, draft a concise note to the recruiter that interviewed you. Let what you write be similar to what was in your thank you note. Demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the job position and ask if they need any additional information from you. Drafting your message, a day before the date makes things less nerve-racking for you and gives you a chance to perfect your follow-up note.
An example of a follow-up note you can send without appearing desperate is:
Dear Sallie,
I wanted to follow up on my interview on Friday, the 14th of January for the role of a community manager. I was wondering if you had news to share about the position.
As I mentioned in the first email I sent, I enjoyed our discussion and loved learning about ABC Ventures. I would love an opportunity to learn from the mentor-mentee program and contribute my capabilities to the company as I feel that these are a good fit for my career goals.
Kindly let me know if there is any additional information you need from me. I look forward to joining the team at ABC Ventures.
Thank you.
Best regards,
XYZ.
Regardless of how great you think the interview went, it is not advisable to send another follow-up note after the thank you note, and the initial follow-up note. The last thing you want to look like is a desperate and pushy person. Instead, consider sending a feedback note. In this note, you can mention that while you are disappointed you didn't get the job position, you'd appreciate getting some constructive feedback to help you improve your chances of getting other jobs.
An example of a good feedback note would be:
Dear Sallie,
I was disappointed to learn that I did not get an offer following my interview on Friday, 14th of January. I truly loved our conversation and am impressed with the work that ABC Ventures does but I assume that you did not see me as the best candidate. Nevertheless, I was hoping you could give me some feedback on my interview. This would help me present myself as the perfect candidate in the future. I would appreciate any suggestions you have to give me.
Thank you.
Best regards,
XYZ.
Know that while you may get a response that could still give you a shot at the job in question or a useful suggestion that could improve your chances at other jobs, not all recruiters will take the time to give you the feedback you requested, in which case you have to keep things moving. Do not be tempted to send another message after the feedback note. The job opening has likely been filled and the recruiter has moved on to other things.
Remember that you must be patient. The recruiter is interviewing many other candidates, and this may take up to a few weeks. To keep your hopes in check, before you leave the interview room, ask the interviewer how long deciding on a candidate takes. This way you'll know the appropriate time to follow up. Also, do not put all your eggs in a basket. Consider exploring other options that you have - apply to more jobs. You could also channel your energy into something productive. Do volunteer work, sign up for networking events, take classes and courses, learn new skills, etc. These activities will be good means of release and who knows, could bring great opportunities and connections your way.
