Conventional job-seeking wisdom advises you to follow up after a job interview, but choosing a method often presents a challenge. In the age of texting and instant messaging, a phone call can feel too intrusive. The right communication channels keep you in touch and maintain name recognition, all without making you look desperate.
Email is an easy, low-stress way to follow up. Employers can reply to messages at their convenience, so your message won't be a burden. As you write, strike a balance between brevity and meaning. Your note should be short enough to scan quickly, but long enough to help you stand out from the sea of interviewees. Refer to a moment you shared or a topic that you connected on. Alternatively, express your increased enthusiasm for the job, giving specific reasons from the interview. When it comes to email, timing is important. Don't send it immediately after the job interview, but aim for sooner rather than later. Wait until later in the day or the next morning, while your face is still fresh in the employer's mind.
Social Media
When you're competing with hundreds of other applicants, social media can be a useful tool for a follow-up. Your profile photo helps employers remember who you are, and the profile information presents a more comprehensive picture of your accomplishments. Tread carefully, though — following employers blindly can make you appear desperate or insincere. Instead, lay the groundwork by mentioning your intention during the interview. If you know someone that might benefit the person, offer to make the connection. If you'd like to share information about a common interest, ask politely if you can follow up using a specific social media site. This strategy ensures that the employer isn't caught off-guard when your friend request comes in.
Know When to Check In
After your initial follow-up communication, it's important to let the topic rest for a time. After all, depending where your interview falls in the hiring process, you may need to wait weeks or even months for a decision. It's acceptable and expected to ask about the status of your application, but be sure to respect the company's process. Learn about the timeline by asking for a schedule at the end of your interview, and use that information as a guide. Wait a couple of weeks, and then make a polite inquiry to the hiring manager or HR department. Keep your communication brief and simple, and avoid adding extraneous information about your personal situation. Don't feel guilty about requesting an update; it's the department's job to manage each round of hiring.
Follow-up communication can be uncomfortable, but it's an essential part of the job-seeking process. By exercising discretion and remaining professional at all times, you can stay in contact without appearing desperate or overzealous.
Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!