It can be tricky to decide when and if you should follow up after an interview. As an applicant for temporary work, it can be even more difficult navigating the right pathways to do so. The overall expectation should be that if you ended the interview on a positive note, and feel good about the opportunity, following up can be a great way to stay top of mind. It’s also an important way to let a company know you’re interested. But doing so through your recruiter is a great way to do so. Keep these other tips in mind for best practices to follow when reaching out.
It’s generally a good idea for job candidates to follow up after an interview for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it allows you to express your gratitude for the interviewer’s time and reiterate your interest in the position. Following up also shows the employer that you’re proactive and committed to the opportunity.
Additionally, following up can help keep you top of mind for the employer as they make their final decision. If they’re still weighing their options between multiple candidates, a well-timed follow-up could be just what you need to stand out and show that you’re the right person for the job.
However, it’s important to strike the right balance between following up and coming across as pushy or desperate. You don’t want to pester the employer with multiple phone calls and emails, but you also don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to reinforce your interest and qualifications. Here are some of the best ways to follow up after an interview.
Send a thank-you email
Within 24 hours of the interview, it’s a good idea to send a thank-you email to the interviewer. This email should express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your interest in the position. Be sure to personalize the email by mentioning specific topics or aspects of the interview that stood out to you. This will demonstrate that you were actively engaged and paying attention during the interview. Check with your recruiter whether it’s ok to send to the hiring manager directly, or if they prefer to send it for you.
Connect on LinkedIn
If you haven’t already, consider connecting with the interviewer on LinkedIn. This can be a great way to keep in touch and stay on their radar. Be sure to personalize your connection request and mention the interview in your message. If nothing comes of the interview, at least you have the chance to grow your network.
Follow up after a week
If you haven’t heard back from the employer after a week or so, it’s appropriate to follow up with a polite email or phone call. In your message, express your continued interest in the position and ask if there are any updates on the hiring process. This shows that you’re still interested in the opportunity without coming across as overly pushy. And again, make sure you check with your recruiter about preferred methods of communication first.
Keep it short and sweet
No matter how you choose to follow up, be sure to keep your message short and sweet. Employers are busy people, and they don’t have time to read through long emails or listen to lengthy voicemails. Keep your message brief, professional, and to the point.
In conclusion, following up after an interview can be a great way to demonstrate your interest and commitment to a potential employer. By sending a thank-you email, connecting on LinkedIn, and following up after a week, you can keep yourself top of mind without being pushy or annoying. Remember to keep your messages short and professional, and you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job.
