{"id":1000,"date":"2022-08-04T14:50:07","date_gmt":"2022-08-04T14:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=1000"},"modified":"2024-06-24T12:59:05","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T16:59:05","slug":"follow-up-job-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/basics\/follow-up-job-interview","title":{"rendered":"How to Follow Up on a Job Interview in 2026 (With Example)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After perfecting your cover letter<\/a> and resume<\/a>, then acing the interview<\/a>, you\u2019re waiting to hear back from the company about the next steps. And whether it\u2019s been a day or a week, you\u2019re wondering how to follow up on a job interview without ruining your chances of landing a job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trick is to strike a balance between professional and eager without crossing the line into over-eager and possibly needy. Here\u2019s everything you need to know about following up on a job interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Applying to entry-level roles?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Figure out what entry-level roles are right for you at Red Bull with their Role Match Quiz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get started<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why You Should Follow Up on a Job Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Following up after a job interview helps convey your interest in and excitement about the job. It also demonstrates to the employer that you possess certain soft skills<\/a>. The email you send or voicemail you leave are excellent, real-world examples of your written and verbal communication skills<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Interview Preparation: Own Your Story<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Get interview ready in this free class from BCLP. You'll learn how to create and share a professional story that explains why you're the right person for the role.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tInterview preparation, self-reflection, career management, career and self-development\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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How to Follow Up on a Job Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not hearing back about your job interview doesn\u2019t mean you didn\u2019t get the job or the employer is ghosting you. Career coach Denise Ingledue-Lopez, MA, PRC, points out that you\u2019re likely only one of many candidates who interviewed for the role, which complicates things for the hiring manager<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cConsider that for one<\/em><\/strong> position, they may have had hundreds of applicants, then conducted between five and 10 interviews for that role.\u201d So, while there\u2019s only one you following up, each interviewer may have as many as 10 people to follow up with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does this mean for you? As Ingledue-Lopez says, \u201cYou don\u2019t want to annoy the interviewer by contacting them too soon or too many times.\u201d So, here\u2019s how to follow up on a job interview the right way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check Your Notes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the interview, you\u2019ve (hopefully) been taking notes. And at the end of the interview, there\u2019s usually time for you to ask questions<\/a>. If the hiring manager hasn\u2019t volunteered the information, ask when you can expect to hear about what comes next. Will they email you or maybe call? Do they specifically not<\/em><\/strong> want you to contact them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE:<\/strong> What to Bring to a Job Interview in 2023<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, before you follow up, check your notes. If they said it would be a week, wait until a week has passed before reaching out. And while it\u2019s tempting, try not to follow up exactly<\/em> one week from your interview. Consider giving them a few more days or even an additional week before reaching out, just in case they\u2019ve fallen behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may think reaching out before the deadline shows how interested you are in the position. However, it can also demonstrate a lack of soft skills, like being an active listener<\/a>, paying attention to details<\/a>, and following instructions. So, as hard as it might be, resist the urge to reach out too soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If, for some reason, you don\u2019t have any notes about how to follow up, check the job posting. Sometimes the information is in there. But if it\u2019s not in the job posting and you didn\u2019t get the information from the interviewer, you can follow up one to two weeks after your interview.In some cases, it might also be helpful to follow up by reaching out to other contacts within the organization, such as the recruiter<\/a> or other employees you connected with during the interview process. This networking<\/a> can be a valuable way to express continued interest and gather updates on the hiring decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Expert Tip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have any connections within the company or industry, reach out to them for advice or insights. Mentioning your mutual connection in your follow-up communication can help establish a personal connection and potentially give you an edge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Example Follow-Up Script<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it\u2019s time to follow up, you\u2019ll likely reach out via email, though you can leave a voicemail if you want \u2014 or even send a note by postal mail if you think that\u2019s preferable for the role and company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter your preferred contact method, Ingledue-Lopez says that your follow-up should include these seven elements:<\/p>\n\n\n

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    1. The interviewer\u2019s first name<\/li>\n
    2. An explanation that you\u2019re following up on the status of your candidacy<\/li>\n
    3. A specific mention about the job title you applied for and the date you interviewed<\/li>\n
    4. Restate your interest in the role<\/li>\n
    5. Directly ask about the status and that you look forward to hearing from them<\/li>\n
    6. A thank you<\/li>\n
    7. A positive tone<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n

      Here\u2019s how a follow-up email could look:<\/p>\n\n\n

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      Hi [Interviewer Name],<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      I wanted to quickly follow up and see if there are any updates on the [job title] position I interviewed for on [date]. I\u2019m excited about the prospect of joining the team, as this role seems like a great fit for my background [give a specific example of what you\u2019ll bring to the role]. I look forward to hearing any updates as they become available. Please let me know if there\u2019s anything you need from me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Thanks again,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      [Your name]<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

      You can also use this email to elaborate on anything brought up in the interview (like the company\u2019s strategic goals for the next two quarters) or even to mention something you forgot to say. Bringing up specific details or topics discussed during the interview can help demonstrate genuine interest and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Let It Go Unless\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Once you hit send, there\u2019s not much else you can do but wait. If another one to two weeks passes, you can follow up again with a similar (but not the same) email or phone call. But the maximum is two follow-up attempts. If you don\u2019t hear anything after your second email or phone call, it\u2019s time to move on from this job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The one exception to this advice is if you get a job offer from a different company. If you\u2019re waiting to hear back from Company A, but Company B makes an offer, you should contact Company A to let them know. While there\u2019s no guarantee, the fact that you have an offer could be enough of a nudge for the hiring manager to follow up with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\t

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      How Not to Follow Up on a Job Interview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      The right ways to follow up on a job interview will help paint you in a positive and professional light. But there are also wrong ways to follow up that could cost you the job. So, here\u2019s how not<\/em> to follow up on a job interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Follow Up Too Much<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      While there are multiple methods to get in touch with people, you don\u2019t want to overdo it when following up on a job interview. For example, if you send an email, you shouldn\u2019t also leave a voicemail (to let them know you sent an email), then contact them on LinkedIn<\/a>, then tweet at them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      When you send multiple messages, your interest and enthusiasm can read as desperation, and generally, companies don\u2019t hire desperate candidates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Follow Up Often<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Even if you stick with one contact method, you shouldn\u2019t use it to follow up too often. If email is your preferred way of reaching out, don\u2019t send a message every day asking what the status is. One email a week is plenty. And, again, if you don\u2019t hear anything after your second attempt, move on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      >>MORE:<\/strong> How Long Does It Take to Hear Back After a Job Interview?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Skip the Follow Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      While following up on a job interview too much isn\u2019t a good idea, neither is skipping it entirely. You might think the \u201cplay it cool\u201d approach signals you\u2019re interested in the job but aren\u2019t \u201ctoo\u201d interested. But what it really tells the hiring manager is that you aren\u2019t interested in the job at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Lie About a Competing Offer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Though it\u2019s crucial to reach out if you have a job offer from company B, only reach out if you have a written job offer. You may want to reach out if you have a verbal offer, but that could be risky. Why? If you only have a soft job offer (like a verbal one) or no job offer, you run the risk of company A saying, \u201cCongratulations and good luck on the new job.\u201d And if the verbal offer falls through or you never really had a competing offer, you won\u2019t have a job at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Follow Up With Care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      When it comes to following up after a job interview, balance is key. You want to reach out to let the interviewer know you want the job without overdoing it. Reaching out once or twice with a positive, upbeat inquiry will help you display your passion for the role without overwhelming the hiring manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Got an interview coming up? Get prepped and ready:<\/p>\n\n\n\n