You aced the interview and now you are waiting for the hiring manager to get back to you. How do you follow up without being annoying or pushy? Here are some best practices for following up with a hiring manager after an interview.
The first thing you should do after an interview is to send a thank you email to the hiring manager and anyone else who interviewed you. This shows your appreciation, interest, and professionalism. A thank you email should be concise, personalized, and specific. Mention something you learned or enjoyed from the interview, restate your value proposition, and express your enthusiasm for the role.
Following up with a hiring manager after an interview is an important step in the job search process. Here are some best practices to consider: -Send a Thank-You Email -Be Prompt -Personalize Your Message -Reiterate Your Interest -Address Concerns -Highlight Qualifications -Keep it Concise -Maintain a Professional Tone -Proofread -Use Proper Email Etiquette -Ask About the Next Steps -Follow Instructions -Avoid Excessive Follow-Ups -Respect Response Time -Thank Them Again
Be specific in your follow-up: Mention the job you interviewed for. This helps the hiring manager remember your application and shows your continued interest. Keep it professional and concise: Thank the hiring manager for their time, briefly summarize your qualifications, and express your continued interest in the position. Personalize your follow-up: If there were specific topics or discussions during the interview, reference them in your follow-up email. This shows that you were engaged during the interview and helps you stand out.
Send a timely thank-you email expressing gratitude and reiterating your interest. Personalize your message by referencing specific interview details. Maintain professionalism in your communication. Use a clear subject line in your email. Be patient, but follow up if you haven't heard back within a reasonable timeframe. Be courteous if making a follow-up phone call. Avoid being pushy or aggressive in your follow-up. Respect their decision and seek feedback if necessary. Stay professional regardless of the outcome.
During the interview, you should have asked about the next steps and the timeline for the hiring process. This will give you an idea of when to expect a response and when to follow up. If the hiring manager gave you a specific date or timeframe, respect it and don't contact them before then. If they didn't give you a clear answer, you can follow up after a week or two.
Mention specific points from the interview that you found interesting or that highlight your qualifications for the role. This shows that you were actively engaged during the interview and helps refresh the interviewer's memory about your conversation.
When you follow up with the hiring manager, be polite and positive. Don't sound desperate, impatient, or demanding. Use a friendly and respectful tone and avoid negative words or phrases. For example, instead of saying "I haven't heard from you" or "I'm still waiting for your decision", say "I hope you are doing well" or "I'm looking forward to hearing from you". Also, don't send multiple emails or calls in a short period of time. This can come across as spammy or aggressive.
If you have something new or relevant to share with the hiring manager, you can use it as an opportunity to follow up. For example, you can update them on your availability, your current projects, or your achievements. You can also provide value by sending them an article, a resource, or a suggestion related to the role or the industry. This will show your initiative, interest, and expertise.
While you are following up with the hiring manager, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Keep applying for other jobs and exploring other opportunities. You never know when a better offer might come along or when the hiring process might stall or change. By keeping your options open, you will avoid getting too attached to one role and increase your chances of landing a job that suits you.