Follow Up After a Job Interview

Much of the job hunt process involves waiting. After you score an interview, you might feel the urge to follow-up, so be smart about it. Writing in the Harvard Business Review, Art Markman, Ph.D. professor of psychology and marketing at the University of Texas, Austin and author of Bring Your Brain to Work: Using Cognitive Science to Get a Job, Do it Well, and Advance Your Career, posits four situations where it may be in your best interest to send the hiring manager a note:

1. The thank you note: One day post-interview, you can send a short email thanking the hiring manager for their time.  Mention one specific element of the interview or what you learned about the organization. Finally, mention how much you are looking forward to hearing from them. One caveat: This isn’t an opportunity to add more content about yourself.
2. The follow-up note: You may not hear back from the hiring manager by the date they mentioned for making an offer, but don’t panic. Sit tight for another week and then, if no word, send a brief note restating your interest. Ask if there’s anything additional you can provide.
3. The exception: The one time you can reach out in between the interview and the date the hiring manager gave you is if there is a significant change in your situation or portfolio, e.g. if you have published an article, secured a patent, or had another job offer.
4. The feedback note: If you feel like the interview went well, but aren’t offered the job, you can send one additional note to ask for feedback. Again, be brief. Thank the interviewer again, say you enjoyed the interview and would appreciate some constructive feedback on what you can do in the future to improve your chances.

 
How do you like job applicants to follow up with you after an interview? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.

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