It’s your dream job, and you just nailed the interview. As you float out of the building, sure you’re going to get a call in the next few weeks stating that you got the job, a thought goes through your mind: “What if someone else was just as good? How will they choose me over them?” The stirring question is really: When and How do I follow up after a job interview? What’s the appropriate course of action?
After fantasies of breaking into their office in the dead of night and stealing your competitors’ resumes are logically eliminated, you’re left with a rather innocuous, yet questionable, option:
Do I make a follow-up call?
You rationalize a follow-up call is a good thing. It shows you’re interested in the job and that you’re willing to take the extra step. It’s a chance for some subtle kissing-up to whoever is making the decision, and above all else it keeps you front-and-center in their mind.
Of course, it might be a bad thing. What if they view you as impatient? What if they don’t want people who need reassurance and see your calling as the desperate move of an inferior candidate? Would you hire someone who called with no other agenda than to disrupt your day for their gain? Who would hire such a jerk?
You can fill your brain with anxiety if you think about it too hard.
Is there a right way to follow-up?
How I Feel
For many years I was at the top of the Human Resources food chain with a large multinational corporation everybody knows. I played some role in the hiring process of hundreds of people while I was there. Some of those interviewed knew just what to do when following up and others couldn’t help but trip over their own feet.
I think the answer to whether or not to follow up after a job interview is a definite YES, of course!!! That is, as long as you don’t make a fool of yourself.
If you’re going for a position that will be filled quickly, a short thank-you note is never a bad move. It shows a sense of occasion and protocol. They know you are trying to impress them, but they can also transpose that to see your behavior when you’re trying to impress a client or a partner. It’s a good thing.
If the position will take months to fill, send the thank you note. Also, know that down the road, there’s nothing wrong with sending a note or an email inquiring how their search is evolving. Don’t ask, “So did I get the job or what?” Simply mention that you are inquiring about the status of the position and if they need anything else as part of your presentation that you are available.
Advice from An Industry Leader
ZipRecruiter.com, one of the job sites that cater to professionals, suggests that when you check-in to see how things are evolving, don’t give the vibe that you believe you didn’t get the job. Also, don’t follow-up from the thank you note too quickly. If the company says the position will be filled by January 1 and you don’t have any news by January 7, a note of inquiry is appropriate. It is not, however, appropriate on December 10.
ZipRecruiter.com also suggests if you don’t get the job but think you’re a match with the company, stay in touch with the company through once-in-a-while notes or platforms like LinkedIn.
Whether you just send a thank-you, decide to check-in a little later, or both, always use professional, courteous language.
You never get a chance to make a first impression, but you never get a chance to make a second impression either.
If you or your team need guidance to work through these types of questions or in developing high performance teams, contact us to schedule a complimentary consultation at http://maricarmenpizarro.com/contact-mari-carmen/
