Imagine a situation where you’ve been called to interview for your dream job. You put in the time to learn about the organization and prepare yourself for the big day. You appear for the interview and answer every question confidently. The interviewer says, “we will get back to you” before you walk out. You feel positive about your application but days pass and you don’t hear from your dream organization.
A majority of job-seekers make the common mistake of not following up after an interview, which negatively affects their candidacy. It’s crucial that you reach out and re-establish your credibility and interest in the role. Looking for successful ways of following up? Read on!
Following Up After An Interview: The Need
If you want to go above and beyond and stand out from the rest of the applicants, a follow-up strategy is necessary. It’s one of the most effective ways of leaving a positive impression on the hiring manager(s) and reiterating your candidacy and interest in the position. In other words, it influences the decision-making process and improves your chances of landing the job. Here are some of the main reasons why you should follow up after an interview.
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Getting tongue-tied in interviews is quite common; by following up, you can ask important questions related to the position and the type of work you’ll be doing
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It’s a good way to be remembered and highlight your enthusiasm for the role; you can thank them for their time and express your excitement to learn more about the position
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It exhibits professionalism as you take additional effort to showcase your interest
How To Follow-Up After An Interview
There are various ways to reinforce that you’re the best candidate for the job. Here are some of the very conventional yet effective ways to get your interviewer to take notice.
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Enquiring About Next Steps
Individuals often make the mistake of not asking about the next steps at the end of an interview. Before you leave the interview, ask the interviewers about the next steps i.e., when they’ll reach out to you. It’s completely fine to touch base and provide a gentle reminder if they take too long to get back.
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Long-Term Professional Networking
You should consider establishing a long-term professional relationship with potential employers. Whether you have a good chance at landing the job or not, it’s perfectly appropriate to stay in touch via email or other networking platforms. (https://aaronkirman.com/) Think about subtle ways to make the connection. For example, “I have read this article about marketing strategies and I’d like to gain more insights. Do you have any resources you’d like to recommend?”
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Follow-Up Email After An Interview
While thank you letters or handwritten notes are instrumental in getting your message across, electronic mail or email is the fastest way to say thank you. Here is a step-by-step guide that’ll teach you how to write a follow-up email post-interview.
a. Create A Powerful Subject Line
Your subject line should be clear and concise. Here are a few examples of simple yet effective subject lines:
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Thank you for your time, <interviewer’s name>
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Wonderful to speak with you today!
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I appreciate your time and consideration
b. Start With A Thank You
Your follow-up email after an interview should be as direct and clear as possible. The opening paragraph should include the thank you note.
c. Highlight Experience And Goals
In your second paragraph, highlight the main conversation point or goal that came up in your discussion. Connect your goal(s) to your interest.
d. Set Yourself Apart
The final paragraph should be a summary statement that helps you offer something unique. You may add additional questions or communicate that you’re looking forward to the next steps.
e. End With Your Signature
Always close your email with your signature and provide contact information so that it’s easy for the interviewer to reach out to you.
If you don’t get a response to your follow-up email for job interview, here are some additional tips to consider:
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Always send your email within 24 hours of the interview; the sooner you send it out, the better it is
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Always proof-read your emails and correct any grammatical or syntactical errors; be careful about the interviewer’s and organization’s name
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Never follow up twice in the same day or week i.e., send out two emails one after the other; you should appear proactive but also maintain professionalism
Final Thoughts
Following up not only shows that you’re interested but it’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your communication skills. With Harappa Education’s Ace The Interview course, you’ll master storytelling and engage effectively with interviewers. A star-studded, faculty line-up will equip you with relevant tips and tricks to help you stay calm and project confidence as you face interviewers. Go beyond your resume and express your enthusiasm smartly!
Explore topics such as General HR Interview Questions, What are the Common Questions to Ask an Interviewer, Exit Interview Questions and Answers, Ways to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview & How to Prepare for Mock Interview from Harappa Diaries and crack your next interview.