So you’ve just had the interview for the job of your dreams. Everything went great — instant rapport between you and your interviewers, your qualifications were exactly what they’re looking for, and your experience was impressive. All that’s left now is to wait to hear back, right? Wrong. A job interview isn’t over when you walk out the door or hang up the phone. Following up afterward is just as important a part of the interviewing process as the interview itself. Here’s your cheat sheet for knowing when and how to follow up.
How: Letter or Card
When: 2-3 Days After the Interview
Believe it or not, interviewing job prospects is just as harrowing for managers and recruiters as it is for you as an applicant, and just as thankless. Show your appreciation for being given the honor of an interview by dropping the hiring manager or recruiter a line thanking him or her for the opportunity. Send a card or short letter — handwritten, and yes, it must go snail mail, not email — two or three days after the interview. Keep it simple and to the point; all you need do is thank the interviewer for his or her time and for giving you the interview.
How: Email or Phone Call
When: One Week After the Interview*
In most cases, hiring managers and recruiters give you some timeline as to when you should expect to hear back about your interview. The standard is seven to 10 days (hence that asterisk in the heading). If you haven’t heard back within a few days past that timeline, send a short email or make a call letting the manager or recruiter know that you’re still interested in the job. That’s it — don’t ask if you’re still in the running, and don’t ask how the interviews with other candidates are going. Just make it known you’re still interested.
How: Letter or Card
When: After the Decision Is Made
Whether you’re chosen for the job you interviewed for, or another candidate gets the position, you’re not off the hook just because the decision has been made. If you’ve been lucky enough to get the job, send a card thanking the hiring manager and your direct supervisor for choosing you for the position. It’s a surefire way to make yourself look conscientious and gracious to your new employer. However, if you get the dreaded letter or email letting you know someone else has been chosen, it’s still good business to send a thank you card or letter expressing your gratitude for being given the opportunity to interview. Why? Suppose the candidate chosen doesn’t work out, after all — the hiring manager will remember you, and you may get the next call!
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