Insights into the forces shaping our industry.

The interview is over and now as you anxiously await a phone call, you find yourself tapping your fingers by the phone. This leaves you (and everyone looking for a job) wondering what to do once the interview is over?

When and how to follow-up.

 
Thankfully, if you are working with a recruiter, you can be sure that your recruiter will promptly follow up with the company, although at times, even they can be kept waiting. If you applied direct and have interviewed, typically the hiring manager will give you an idea as to when they plan to make a hiring decision. Below are a few steps to guide you through how to best follow up after an interview.

First step after the interview: Sending a thank you card.

 
Regardless of how the interview happened — in person, over the telephone, at lunch, or via an online video — a prompt thank you note, to each participant, is appropriate. When you get home from your job interview, hang up the phone, or disconnect from Skype, look at your job interview notes, dig in, and write your thank you immediately. In most — but not all — circumstances, email is acceptable.

Following up: The one week wait

 
Usually, a hiring manager will give you an idea of when the company plans to make a decision about hiring. Never follow up before that date. However, if you’ve sent the thank you notes, and the date the hiring manager indicated has come and gone, it’s time to follow up.  It’s usually safe to wait about 1 week before following up unless the date you were given was longer than one week.

What NOT to do when you follow up

 
Don’t be unprofessional when you email. Bad grammar or even bad jokes won’t get you a job.

Don’t be too aggressive. Daily calls will probably land you in the “No” pile.

Don’t come off as desperate.