How To Follow Up After a Job Interview

Rundown on the best way to follow up after a face-to-face job interview.

For a phone screen, send a quick email message like this one:

Dear <Hr Name>,

Thanks for chatting with me on Monday about the Production Manager position at XYZ company. It was terrific to meet you, and the position sounds very close to my background and interests. I’m looking forward to the next conversation. If you need any more information, please let me know.
Best,

<Your Name>

If you’ve had a face-to-face interview, you’ll use a stepwise follow-up process.

1. Write down your notes and questions about the interview before you have a chance to forget them. Who were the interviewers? Write down each person’s name or as much of their name as you can remember.  Write down the specific questions and concerns each interviewer had. You’re going to use those person-specific details in your personalized thank-you  notes — we’ll get to those in a minute.
2. Write down your own observations and questions, too. You’re going to post-mortem the interview in a conversation with a friend you trust. Make sure you jot down anything you want to cover with your friend. When you’re on a job search, it’s easy to be dazzled by the positive attention you’re getting and fall into the vortex. A smart and cynical friend will keep you grounded.

Sample email or note

Dear <Hr Name>,

Thanks for a lively conversation about Supply Chain mechanics and international trade laws last Thursday. I was happy to meet you, Steve and Vince. Looking forward to continuing the discussion and learning more about what’s in the works at XYZ company.

Enjoy your week,

<Your Name>

Other sample format for follow up after interveiw

• Ask About Next Steps (Before You Leave the Interview)
  Ask the interviewer what happens next, you know exactly when it’s acceptable to follow up. If the she says she’ll be contacting candidates within a week, and it’s day 9? It’s completely OK to touch base and remind her of the timetable she gave you. Don’t be pushy, but a quick note is perfect:“Hi Sue—I hope you’re having a great week. You mentioned that your team would be finalizing a hiring decision on the Marketing Manager position this week. I’m eager to hear when you have an update. And certainly, if I may provide any additional information to support your decision-making process, please let me know!”
• Get That Thank-You Note Out (With Lightning Speed)
  Thank-you notes matter: They give you a terrific opportunity to follow up with the decision-maker right away. I encourage job seekers to get thank-you notes out (to each individual they’ve met in the interview process) immediately after the interview. Same day. From your laptop in the parking lot, if you really want to wow them.Use this moment to affirm to the hiring manager that you’re on top of things and would bring a ton of value into the position for which you’re interviewing. Make it easy for them to decide on you.
• Ask if You Can Connect via LinkedIn (Then Do)
  Hey, this is a potential long-term professional relationship in the making. So it’s perfectly appropriate to connect on LinkedIn after the interview. That said—you don’t want to ambush anyone with your request, or leave the decision-maker wondering what your motives are (and please—no generic connection requests!). Instead, you should create a logical reason for connecting, then ask if she’s OK with it while you’re at the interview.
• If Things Drag Out, Check in (Periodically)This is the job search technique people tend to stink at the most—the periodic check-in. But it’s so important, and it should be used throughout your career to keep your network fresh and engaged.

  Now, this is not about harassment: “Did I get the job?” “Do you have a job for me?” “Did you make a decision?” Not at all. It’s about offering something of value to your contact. And in doing so, you will also (by default) remind her that you’re still out there.

  This could mean forwarding an article that you think she’ll find interesting, or congratulating her if you notice she’s been promoted or earned some sort of recognition. Maybe thanking her for a bit of advice that you employed. Keep it simple and brief, and don’t ask for anything back. If that person hears from you and has an update? She’ll absolutely be in touch. Try:

  “Hi Sue, We spoke last month about the product manager position at XYZ Industries. In our conversation, you highlighted some emerging trends in food packaging. I noticed this attached article about the same topic and thought of you. No response necessary. I hope you find the information useful!”

Reference
How To Follow Up After a Job Interview
4 Non-Annoying Ways to Follow Up After an Interview