The job interview is an essential step in the hiring process, but it is not the end. Following up after an interview is just as important as acing the interview itself. Because following up demonstrates the importance of interview and that you’re interested in the job and willing to put in the time & effort to make it happen. It also allows you to reinforce your strengths and address any concerns that may have arisen during the interview.
In this blog, we’ll look at seven rules for following up after an interview to help you to stand out from the crowd & increase your chances of getting the job.
Rule #1: Send a Thank You E-mail within 24 Hours
The first rule of interview follow-up is to send a thank you e-mail within 24 hours of the interview. This may appear to be a minor gesture, but it can significantly impact the hiring decision. This is why:
First and foremost, a thank you e-mail demonstrates that you value the interviewer’s time and are enthusiastic about the position. It also allows you to reaffirm your interest in the position and highlight your qualifications. Furthermore, it demonstrates that you are professional, know the importance of interview, and are courteous, which can help you build rapport with the interviewer.
Make sure to include the following in your thank you e-mail:
- A genuine expression of appreciation for the interviewer’s time.
- A formal confirmation of your interest in the position.
- A brief description of your qualifications and how they relate to the job requirements.
- A closing statement expressing your excitement about the opportunity to work with the company.
To keep the conversation fresh in the interviewer’s mind, e-mail the thank you within 24 hours of the interview. If you wait too long, your message’s impact may be diminished.
Rule #2: Personalize You’re Thank You E-mail
While sending a thank you e-mail is important, personalizing it to make it more effective is also essential. A generic thank you e-mail may appear insincere or lazy. In contrast, a personalised e-mail can show your attention to detail, genuine interest in the position and the importance of interview. Here are some pointers on how to personalize your thank you e-mail:
- Mention specific interview details: Mentioning specific details demonstrates that you were engaged and paying attention. You could refer to a specific question or topic that came up during the interview and provide additional information or context.
- Mention something you learned about the company: It is important to research the company before the interview, and mentioning something you learned during your research can demonstrate your interest in the company, the importance of interview and its mission.
- Address any concerns or questions raised during the interview: Addressing any concerns or questions raised in your thank you e-mail can demonstrate that you’re proactive and willing to take action to address any potential issues.
- Include a personal touch: A personal touch, such as a reference to a common interest or connection, can help you stand out and leave a lasting impression.
Rule #3: Follow Up on Promised Actions
The interviewer may have mentioned specific actions or information they would provide after the interview during the interview. Following up on these promised actions is Rule #3 for following up after the interview.
This may entail providing additional references, sending a work sample, or completing an assessment. Following up on these actions within the agreed-upon timeline is critical to demonstrate your dependability, importance of interview and responsibility.
Even if the interviewer did not specify any specific actions or timelines, it is still a good idea to contact them a few days after the interview to inquire about the next steps in the hiring process. This demonstrates that you are proactive and enthusiastic about the position and knows the importance of interview.
When following up on promised actions, keep your communication polite and professional. To inquire about the status of the action or information, send a brief e-mail or call the interviewer.
Rule #4: Don’t Be Too Pushy
While following up after an interview is important, the right balance of persistence and pushiness must be struck. The fourth rule of following up after an interview is to avoid being overly pushy in your communication.
Being overly pushy can come across as aggressive or desperate, which can turn off the interviewer. It’s critical to consider the interviewer’s time and the hiring process and to refrain from bombarding them with follow-up messages or phone calls.
Instead, stick to a few polite and professional messages or phone calls. If you have not heard back from the interviewer after a week or two, you can e-mail or call to enquire about the hiring process’s status.
It’s also critical to avoid making unreasonable demands or setting unrealistic expectations. Don’t, for example, ask the interviewer to decide by a specific date or demand an update on your application. Instead, be patient and respectful while allowing the interviewer to lead the hiring process.
Rule #5: Use Multiple Communication Channels
Using multiple communication channels when following up after an interview is critical. Rule #5 for following up after an interview is to use various communication methods to increase your chances of receiving a response.
Only some people check their e-mail regularly, and phone calls are frequently missed. You increase your chances of contacting the interviewer and receiving a response by using multiple communication channels such as e-mail, phone, and LinkedIn.
When using multiple communication channels, it is critical to be strategic. Avoid bombarding the interviewer with messages from all channels simultaneously, as this can come across as pushy. Instead, use a strategic combination of channels, such as sending an e-mail followed by a phone call a few days later.
Rule #6: Keep it Short and Sweet
The sixth rule of following up after an interview is to keep your communication brief and to the point. Interviewers are time-pressed individuals who need the luxury of reading lengthy e-mails or listening to lengthy phone messages. You respect their time and increase the likelihood of your message being read or heard by keeping your communication brief.
Be clear and to the point to keep your communication short and sweet. Avoid using technical or jargon terms that the interviewer may not understand. Use bullet points and avoid asking too many questions in a single message if necessary. Following these suggestions can improve your chance to stand out from the crowd & landing the job (importance of interview).
Rule #7: Be Patient
The seventh rule of following up after an interview is to be patient. It is essential to avoid being too pushy during the hiring process. Set reasonable expectations and follow up within a reasonable time frame. Maintain polite and professional communication while continuing your job search. Remember that a lack of response sometimes implies that you were not chosen for the position. Being patient shows respect for the interviewer’s time and increases your chances of receiving a positive response.
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