There are rules related to the job search. One of them is to exercise caution when following up after a job interview. We know the waiting game can be hard but the last thing you want to do is ruin your chances of getting the job because you are too aggressive in pursuing it. So, what is the etiquette for following up on your job search? It turns out you don’t have to wait around but you don’t want to be a stalker, either.
Temper Your Anxiety-Do These Things After the Job Interview
You think you’ve found the job you want and you’re excited about it. But don’t go overboard. Keep in mind there is going to be a waiting game on any job because the hiring manager or recruiter is probably handling multiple positions simultaneously. This takes time. The company may be running a background check or they may have a process for several people to meet before your offer letter can be approved.
One way you can mitigate your worry about a lengthy corporate decision-making process is to ask at the end of the interview about the next steps. It’s okay to ask about the process and how long that might take. You should even ask permission to contact the hiring manager if you haven’t heard from them within a week or so. Here is some language you can use when the interview is wrapping up and the interviewer asks if you have any last questions:
- “Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today.”
- “I do have one last question: What are our next steps?
- (After the interviewer responds), “May I contact you if I haven’t heard back in (X time) or so?”
This is a good way to end the interview on a positive note and keep the door open if you think things went well. Generally, there are also a few times when it’s a good idea to reach out to the interviewer after you’ve spoken with them. For example:
- Always thank the interview team via a nice email after the fact.
- Call or email the hiring manager (or recruiter) after you’ve asked permission and they’ve approved the timeframe for a reach out.
- If you haven’t heard back two or three days after you’ve thanked and reached back out, you can send one more email or make one more call. It’s okay to ask if you are still in the running for the job. But give the interviewer more than enough time from what they said their timetable would be before you send this final note.
- You can also reach out if something has changed in your personal situation. Perhaps you found another job. Or, maybe you’ve made a significant addition to your portfolio that you want to share.
In the meantime, to lessen your anxiety, why not apply to more companies? Or, work your social networks to find a better position. The idea is to keep yourself busy so you don’t spend too much time worrying about the one that may have gotten away. Have faith and believe that everything happens for a reason and your dream job is out there waiting on you.
Need Help Finding Work You Are Passionate For?
People Plus works hard to help candidates like you find meaningful work. Call on us—we offer free services to job candidates and can connect you with top employers.
