After a job interview, candidates should generally provide some follow up to the hiring authority. It shows professionalism and makes a good impression.  Hiring decisions may not be made on qualifications alone, but also on the impression made on the hiring authority. Effective follow-up shows persistence and enthusiasm for the company.

Here’s how to handle the interview follow-up process, and improving your chances of landing a great new job.

Initial Response 

For a first follow-up, write an email or make a phone call within 48 hours after the interview. It should be presented in a professional matter and show that you are committed to the job opening. The way it is conducted could be based on the tone of the interview.  If the interview was serious and straightforward, the first follow-up should reflect this. If it was light and conversational, be that way in your response, but still remain professional.

Written Follow-Up

Within a week after the first interview, a formal notice can be sent thanking the employer for the opportunity to be interviewed. It should state the interviewer’s name and reiterate your ability to do the job.  The letter does not need to go into detail or mention specific points.  The most effective way to do this is by e-mail especially if there was more than one interviewer.

Major Points

There are important ideas to express in the first follow-up. If you forgot something of interest at the interview, this provides the opportunity to present it. Provide recognition of what was covered in the interview. Reinforce interest in the position by stating you still want the job. Phrase your response in a way that shows confidence, enthusiasm, and motivation.

The Second Round

If a candidate is fortunate enough to advance to the next round of interviews, follow up contact is still necessary and is similar to follow-ups from the initial interview.  However, these contacts can be more brief than previous follow-ups,  as you become more familiar with the interviewers and the company. Too much contact can come off as being overbearing. While this expresses confidence in the early stages of the interview, it gets old after a while.

The Finish Line

You have made it to the final round of interviews! The interviewer may state that it is between you and one or more other candidates. Most hiring authorities will give a day by which a final decision will be made and you will be contacted either way. Sending a brief correspondence two or three days before decision time stating you are excited about the opportunity and what you can offer can still make an impression. Measure this response based on the tone of the whole process.

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