You've applied for a job, aced the interview, and sent a thank-you note to the hiring manager. But what if you don't hear back from them? Should you follow up again, wait patiently, or move on? Here are some tips on how to handle this common and frustrating situation.
Before you panic, review the timeline of your application process. When did you send your thank-you note? How long did the hiring manager say they would take to make a decision? Is there a deadline for the job posting? Depending on these factors, you may need to give them more time to respond. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least a week after your thank-you note before following up again.
A thank you note isn't part of a transactional chain with some prize at the end. A thank you note is just a moment of grace you extend to someone in the awkward process of a job search. It is as much for you, the sender...to make the process more human, as it is for the recipient.
This is something that I coach my clients to manage rather than guess at. We've found that discussing follow up and timelines in the interview conversation removes a lot of the angst around this part of the process. An inquiry into the projected timeline for a decision and then an agreement to follow up if you've not heard back a day or two after that. (This will also give reason to get the interviewer's contact information.)
When you send a thank you note, you shouldn't expect a person to acknowledge it. It is merely a form of gratitude we extend. I would not ask them if they received the card because it isn't necessary. Continue to follow up on the job interview as you normally would by email or phone.
A thank you note isnt intended to be reciprocated (although it’s nice when it is). The thank you note is intended to 1. Thank the interviewer for their time and 2. To re-affirm your interest in and qualifications for the position. When interviewing try asking for a timeframe as to when you’ll hear about next steps in the hiring process. If things go beyond that timeframe it’s ok for you to follow up, but otherwise just continue your job search.
My initial words of advice are .. “Don’t Panic!” More times than not, the sense of urgency to fill the role is different between the job candidate and the hiring manager. Candidates are singularly focused on whether or not they are “the selected hire” for the role of interest while Hiring Managers are occupied with other work responsibilities, besides just hiring. While waiting, perform further due diligence about the job and the company and inventory, on an honest basis, the true alignment between your personal life goals and needs and the job’s responsibilities and requirements. Keep your options open! Continue to apply to open positions that are in line with your career interests, goals and capabilities.
If you haven't received a response after a week, you can send a polite reminder to the hiring manager. This is a way to show your continued interest and enthusiasm for the job, as well as to get an update on the status of your application. You can use email, phone, or LinkedIn to follow up, depending on how you communicated with them before. Keep your message brief, friendly, and professional. Remind them of your qualifications, restate your interest, and ask if they need any additional information from you.
You should not expect a response to a thank you note. If you get one, wonderful. But you most likely you won't get one from anyone. And you don't send a note for a response.
Don't wonder if you need to send a polite reminder or not because it's definitely worth doing. You don't get responses maybe because: - The employer is too busy with many other important tasks and and they just haven't had a chance to contact you. - The employer misses your thank-you note. Maybe he got hundreds, or even thousands email and he unintentionally miss yours. - The employer neglects and doesn't want to response. However, no matter what the reason is, we hardly know the true story behind. So, just do it. If you get response, then it's good for you, but if not, it's also a signal that you may not fit that company. In that case, you don't fail, that company loses you!
I wouldn't advise to follow up the thank you note. "Thank you" is something we give without expecting anything back. Recruiters don't miss out on Shortlisted candidates. If you are ghosted, it's either because of the process and procedures or because you weren't a good fit.
If a week has passed and you're still met with radio silence, it's perfectly fine to send a polite reminder. This serves a dual purpose: it shows your ongoing interest in the role and provides an opportunity for an application status update. Choose your medium wisely, whether it's email, phone, or LinkedIn, based on your previous communication. Craft a short, friendly, and professional message. Reiterate your qualifications, express your continued enthusiasm, and offer any needed information. Stay tuned for more tips on how to navigate this common job search scenario! ?????? #JobSearchEtiquette #FollowUp #StayEngaged
Un mensaje breve y sencillo puede hacer la diferencia, puede ser algo como esto: Estimado/a ______, Espero que esté bien. Quería seguir de cerca el estado de mi aplicación para el puesto de [nombre del puesto]. Estoy muy interesado/a en la oportunidad y disponible para cualquier información adicional que pueda necesitar. Agradezco su tiempo y consideración. Saludos,
While it's important to follow up, you don't want to be pushy or desperate. Don't send multiple messages in a short span of time, don't demand an immediate answer, and don't sound negative or impatient. These behaviors can annoy the hiring manager and hurt your chances of getting hired. Remember that they may be busy, dealing with other candidates, or waiting for approval from higher-ups. Be respectful of their time and process.
Keep in mind that Recruiters are usually juggling multiple searches and each search has several active candidates for them to communicate with. If you don't hear back after you send a Thank You note, please know it's nothing personable and in no way indicative of how well you did in your interview. If the interviewer did not indicate when they will be getting back to you, then I recommend following up after the first 2 weeks. You can let them know that you remain interested in the role and look forward to hearing the next steps, or provide any updates regarding your search progress (i.e. if you have other pending interviews or offers). If still no response, I'd follow up after another week via email and send them a LinkedIn message.
In my professional opinion, two weeks is an appropriate time to wait for a follow up. Move on if you don't hear back after that. Life gets in the way for everyone, including hiring managers and and recruiters. You'd be surprised at the number of our people who go a month or two without hearing anything only for a hiring manager to reach out and progressive our candidate in the hiring process. Desperation is never a good look. It can lead to or give the appearance of rash decision-making. Planning, process, discipline, and determination are what gets this job done.
I actually think in the post-week, no information follow up, candidates should be direct. “I wanted to reconnect as I remain excited about the opportunity, but appreciate that you are seeing a variety of candidates and will ultimately make the best decision for your needs. To that end, I’d appreciate it if you could give me a status update on my candidacy. If you’ve moved to another candidate, please let me know. If I remain in active consideration, I’d love to know what I should expect as a next step. Either way, appreciate the time and consideration and wish you the best in this search process.” This should elicit a reply and save you tons of guess work. If they don’t reply to a direct note like this - RED FLAG!
When following up, maintain your professionalism and poise. Avoid being pushy or appearing desperate. Sending a barrage of messages, demanding immediate answers, or sounding negative can backfire. Remember, the hiring manager might have a lot on their plate – juggling multiple candidates, awaiting approvals, or handling other tasks. Respect their time and process. Patience and courtesy will always be your allies in the job search journey. Stay tuned for more guidance on this topic! ?????? #JobSearchEtiquette #Professionalism #PatienceIsVirtue
?No acoses al reclutador! esto puede ser contraproducente. Se entiende que hay ansiedad, incertidumbre pero se debe ser paciente y estar atento a los canales de comunicación por si te contactan, teléfono, correo o tus redes sociales por donde fuiste contactado.
Even if you're confident that you nailed the interview and impressed the hiring manager, you shouldn't put all your eggs in one basket. You never know what might happen or how long it might take for them to make a decision. That's why you should keep applying for other jobs that match your skills and goals. This will help you expand your options, avoid putting too much pressure on one opportunity, and stay positive and motivated.
My best advice is to continue your job search and continue to interview with other companies. There are so many variables in the selection process. Try not to put all your eggs in one basket. I would also say that you are evaluating this company just as much as they are evaluating you. If you send a thank you message to the recruiter and hiring manager and they don't respond it could mean that they may not be interested in you as a candidate and they are waiting to select someone before sending the thanks but no thanks email. Some recruiters or hiring managers will say we are extremely busy but if you are a top candidate they should stay engaged with you and this would be a ?? to keep an eye out for.
Always apply for more jobs. You don't have a new job until it is in writing. A job offer can always be taken away. It can take a while for the job process to be done.
The expectation is not to receive a response If you do, fantastic If you don't Move on Aim to become process driven Network, apply, thank Network, apply, thank Network, apply, thank You do all three because you don't which will work Focus on what you can control And be open to new things Because you never know!
While you may have aced the interview and believe you made a lasting impression, it's essential not to place all your hopes on a single opportunity. The job market can be unpredictable, and decision timelines vary. That's why the golden rule is to keep applying for other suitable jobs. This diversifies your options, alleviates the pressure on one opportunity, and keeps your motivation and positivity intact. Stay tuned for more pearls of wisdom in your job search journey! ?????? #JobSearchAdvice #StayMotivated #DiversifyOptions
Es un sano consejo...sigue aplicando y buscando otras plazas. Lamentablemente con frecuencia hay plazas que se cierran o que son ocupadas y no se avisa a los candidatos, sigue buscando! es un valioso tiempo que puedes aprovechar.
Finally, if you still don't receive a response to your thank-you note or your follow-up message, you should learn from the experience and move on. Don't take it personally or let it discourage you. Sometimes, hiring managers are too busy, forgetful, or rude to reply. Sometimes, they choose another candidate for reasons beyond your control. Instead of dwelling on the rejection, focus on what you can improve for your next application. Review your resume, cover letter, interview answers, and thank-you note. Ask for feedback from a friend, mentor, or career coach. Use this as an opportunity to grow and improve your job search strategies.
If you don't receive a response to your job application follow-up, it can be frustrating and discouraging. However, it's important to remember that there are many reasons why a hiring manager might not respond, and it's not always a reflection of your qualifications or the quality of your application. - They may be busy - They may have already made a decision. - They may have lost your email. - They may not be interested in your candidacy. If you've followed up with a hiring manager and haven't heard back within a week, it's generally okay to send one more follow-up message. However, if you still don't hear back after that, it's best to move on. Don't send multiple follow-up messages, as this can come across as pushy or annoying.
I sent a thank you email, after I had an onsite interview on a Monday. I still haven't heard back. It's difficult to not take this personally, since I carved time out of my day (and I was under the weather) to go onsite. Going onsite costs money, which people don't always realize. Sometimes you just gotta pick up and move on.
ChatGPT Absolutely, my resilient job seekers! ???? If the silence persists despite your best efforts, it's time to glean wisdom from the experience and move forward. Rejection can be tough, but remember, it's not always personal. Sometimes, hiring managers are swamped, forgetful, or simply busy with other tasks. Instead of dwelling on it, focus on self-improvement. Review your application materials, seek feedback from trusted sources, and use this as a chance to enhance your job search strategies. Every experience, even the ones without a response, can be a stepping stone to your next success. Stay strong, stay positive, and keep your eyes on the prize! ?????? #LearningFromRejection #JobSearchWisdom #StayPositive
Si preparas tu CV a consciencia y tus respuestas para entrevista no debes preocuparte. Si sientes inseguridad pide apoyo a otras personas para mejorar tus procesos de empleabilidad.
Move on with your job search. Continue with the other tasks on your to do list. The job search doesn't end with the interview and thank you note. If your thank you note is impactful, it may trigger a memory in the hiring authority's mind. I've heard a testimony about a thank you note, and a thanks but no thanks letter that follows. Soon after the hiring authority called her up with a job offer to a better job than the one she applied to. And, she was fantastic in her new/higher role!
The thank you note should not require any sort of reciprocity. It is a common courtesy and reiteration of your interest in the job - nothing more. Do you expect a reaction from your neighbor when drop drop them a note/text/em “thank you” for watching your house while you are out of town? Or your BFF for grabbing you groceries when you are ill? Or your grandmother for dropping $5 in your birthday card (even if you are 36)? No.
In addition to the valuable tips shared earlier, remember that your job search is a journey, not just a destination. It's a chance for personal and professional growth. Embrace each experience, whether it's a response or silence, as an opportunity to learn and adapt. Stay persistent, keep refining your approach, and never underestimate the power of resilience in the face of uncertainty. Your dream job is out there, and with perseverance, it's only a matter of time before you find it. ??????? #JobSearchJourney #Resilience #KeepGoing
Sending a thank-you note after an interview is not just a courtesy but a key element of the post-interview process. It allows you to express appreciation, reiterate your enthusiasm for the position, and highlight your suitability for the role. While receiving a reply is a 'nice to have,' it's essential to understand that recruiters and hiring managers are often juggling multiple candidates and may not respond immediately, if at all. They may aim to maintain a neutral stance in the process to treat all candidates fairly. If you don't hear back, it's a good practice to send a follow-up note inquiring about the status of the interview process. However, be mindful of the timing and keep your follow-up concise and professional.
Authenticity and ethical leadership not only shape your professional legacy but also foster a culture of trust and excellence. Remember, your journey is uniquely yours; celebrate the detours.
Whether or not I receive a response to a thank-you note is the least of my job search concerns. I am much more troubled by companies that do not provide updates on the status of my job application, or feedback regarding my application and whether I should even apply to your firm any more. Because the job search process is so broken, I submit an application with the assumption that I will never hear a thing from your company again. In the majority of cases you prove my assumption to be correct.