How to Follow Up After Your Interview

If you made it past the initial screening and into the interview stage for a job, you're almost at the finish line. All you have left to do is follow up with the interviewer and wait for a decision. Fortunately, there are several things you can do after the interview to make sure you leave the hiring manager with a positive impression. Keep these tips in mind when doing interview follow-up with hiring managers.

Thank the interviewer, but do it quickly. Most hiring managers have multiple positions to fill, so they are busy screening resumes, scheduling interviews and making hiring decisions. After the interview, send a brief thank-you note via email or postal mail. Thank the interviewer for his or her time, summarize your qualifications and reiterate your interest in the job. Writing a thank-you note can't help you overcome a bad interview, but it can make a difference if the hiring manager is torn between hiring you or another candidate.

If you decide to send a thank-you note after the interview, be careful when choosing the format. Traditional advice dictates that a handwritten note is best, but that's not always the case. There's a chance a handwritten note could be delivered to the wrong office or sit in a pile of unopened mail until after the interviewer makes a decision. In contrast, an email goes directly to the intended recipient. Using email also shows the interviewer you are aware of current professional norms and have the technical skills necessary to compose a professional message.

There's nothing worse than waiting for weeks, or even months, to find out if the interviewer has made a decision. You shouldn't annoy the hiring manager, but it's okay to get in touch after the interview and find out if you need to anticipate any additional steps in the hiring process. Some employers conduct two or three interviews for each job while others want candidates to complete skills tests or personality tests before making any hiring decisions. Asking the interviewer what to expect gives you an edge over other candidates and helps you plan your schedule accordingly.

Not all employers ask for feedback after the interview process ends, but some do. If someone asks for your feedback within a few days of the interview, respond as soon as possible. Responding quickly shows you are still interested in the job. In some cases, a quick response can make the difference between getting the job and being passed over for the person who responded faster than you did.

Not all candidates bother with interview follow-up activities, but they really can make a difference when it comes to finding a job. If you recently interviewed for a position, take time to write a thank-you note, find out the next steps and provide feedback after the interview.

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