How Soon is “Too Soon” to Follow-Up After an Interview
After successfully completing a job interview, you probably thought the hardest part of the process was over, right? Unfortunately, waiting to hear whether or not you have been selected can be far more trying. After all, it’s only natural to be anxious when the future of your career is at stake!
Time can move pretty slowly when all you can think about is whether or not you’re going to get the job. As much as you might want to, refrain from checking in with the hiring manager too often. Doing so will definitely ruin any chance you had of being selected. There is a fine line between showing continued interest in the position and making yourself look overly eager.
How to Handle a Post-Interview Follow-Up
Use these three guidelines to check-in with the hiring manager like a true professional:
- Adhere to the Timeline: The last thing you want to do is make a nuisance of yourself. If the interviewer gave you a timeline of when to expect a hiring decision, following up before the date has past will only make you appear desperate. Deadlines often get pushed back; do not get discouraged if a decision has not been made at the original intended date. Give it a few extra days before calling or emailing to check your status.
- Politely Ask if a Decision Has Been Made: The point of sending a follow-up message is to find out if you are still in running for the job. It is absolutely acceptable to graciously ask if a decision has been made. If you are told it a decision has not, it’s also fair game to ask if you’re still in the running.
- Briefly Reiterate Your Interest in the Job: If you are told the team is still in the process of making a decision, express your continued interest and excitement at the possibility of joining the team — but keep it short and sweet. You have already met with the hiring manager and followed up with a thank you note, so anything more could be perceived as pushy.
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