Guide: How to Ask for an Update After Interview – Professional Tips
jillianhunt
August 16, 2023 12:38 pm
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13 min read
After attending an interview, it is crucial to follow up with the company to express gratitude, reiterate your interest in the role, and inquire about the hiring decision. However, it can be challenging to know how to ask for an update after an interview without appearing pushy or unprofessional.
In this guide, we will provide you with professional tips on how to ask for an update after an interview. From the timing and etiquette of sending a follow-up email to crafting a professional message that includes requesting interview feedback, we will cover everything you need to know to approach the situation effectively and professionally.
The Importance of Follow-Up After an Interview
Post-interview communication is an essential part of the job search process that can impact your chances of getting hired. Not only does it demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the role, but it also allows you to follow up on any questions or concerns that may have arisen during the interview. However, it is important to follow interview follow-up etiquette and be mindful of the hiring manager’s time and preferences.
After an interview, it is recommended to send a follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time and expressing your interest in the position. This shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. However, it is important to avoid coming across as too pushy or demanding, as this can be off-putting to the hiring manager and potentially harm your chances of being selected.
Interview follow-up etiquette involves being patient and respectful of the hiring process. Avoid bombarding the interviewer with multiple follow-up messages or phone calls, especially if they have not responded to your initial email. Allow at least a week or two to pass before sending a second follow-up message, and avoid using aggressive or confrontational language.
The Importance of Follow-Up After an Interview
- Demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for the role
- Allows you to follow up on any questions or concerns
- Keeps you fresh in the hiring manager’s mind
Interview Follow-Up Etiquette
- Be patient and respectful of the hiring process
- Avoid bombarding the interviewer with multiple follow-up messages or phone calls
- Allow at least a week or two to pass before sending a second follow-up message
Remember, post-interview communication is an opportunity to leave a positive impression on the hiring manager and stand out from other applicants. By following interview follow-up etiquette and crafting a professional and concise follow-up email, you can communicate your interest in the role and potentially increase your chances of being selected.
Timing and Etiquette for Follow-Up
Timing is crucial when it comes to follow-up after an interview. You don’t want to come across as too pushy or impatient, but you also don’t want to wait too long and risk missing out on the opportunity. The general guideline is to send a follow-up email or message within 24 to 48 hours of the interview. This shows that you’re interested and enthusiastic about the position without being overly aggressive.
When crafting your follow-up email, make sure to address your interviewer by name and thank them for their time and consideration. You can also use this opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and express how excited you are about the opportunity to work with the company.
However, it’s important to remember that there’s a fine line between being persistent and being annoying. Sending multiple follow-up messages or calling excessively can leave a negative impression and hurt your chances of getting the job. Ideally, you should wait at least a week before sending a second follow-up email or message. And if you still don’t receive a response after that, it’s best to move on and focus on other opportunities.
Crafting a Professional Follow-Up Email
After the interview, it is appropriate to send a follow-up email to express appreciation for the opportunity and to reiterate your interest in the position. A well-crafted and professional follow-up email can set you apart from other candidates and leave a positive impression on the employer. Here are some tips for writing an effective follow-up email:
1. Personalize the Email
Avoid sending a generic follow-up email. Instead, take the time to personalize the email by including details from the interview, such as projects or challenges discussed. Address the interviewer by name and express your appreciation for their time.
2. Express Gratitude
Begin the email by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position. Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
3. Reiterate Interest in the Position
Use the email to reiterate your interest in the position and the company. Briefly remind the interviewer of your qualifications and explain why you are a good fit for the role.
4. Request Feedback
If appropriate, politely ask for feedback on your interview performance or for any updates on the hiring process. This can demonstrate your eagerness for the position and your commitment to self-improvement.
5. Close Professionally
Closing the email professionally can leave a positive impression on the employer. Thank the interviewer again for their time and reiterate your interest in the position. Provide your contact information and express a willingness to answer any further questions or provide additional information.
By following these tips, you can write a follow-up email that is professional, personalized, and effective in expressing your interest. Remember to proofread the email thoroughly before sending to ensure that it is free of errors and conveys your message clearly and concisely.
Subject Line and Opening of the Follow-Up Email
After a job interview, sending a follow-up email is essential to express gratitude, reiterate interest, and inquire about the hiring decision. The subject line and opening lines of the email are crucial since they are the first things the hiring manager sees. Here are some tips for crafting an attention-grabbing subject line and opening lines:
Use a Clear and Concise Subject Line
The subject line should be clear and concise, stating the purpose of your email. For instance, “Follow-Up on [Position/Job Title] Interview,” or “Checking on Hiring Decision for [Position/Job Title].” This way, the hiring manager can easily identify the purpose of your email.
Start with a Polite Greeting
Begin your email with a polite greeting, such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],” or “Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name].” Using the hiring manager’s name shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
Express Gratitude and Reiterate Interest
Start the body of your email by expressing gratitude for their time and consideration. This can be as simple as saying, “Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the [Position/Job Title].” Then, reiterate your interest in the position and why you believe you are the right fit, highlighting your relevant skills and experience.
Inquire about the Hiring Decision
After expressing gratitude and reiterating interest, politely inquire about the status of the hiring decision. You can ask, “I was wondering if there was any update on the hiring decision for the [Position/Job Title]?” or “Do you have any feedback or further questions for me?” This shows that you are enthusiastic about the position and eager to hear back from them.
Remember, the hiring manager is likely busy and receives many emails daily. Therefore, keep your email brief, concise, and professional.
Crafting a Professional Follow-Up Email
Once you have determined the appropriate timing for sending a follow-up email, it’s time to craft a professional message that will leave a positive impression and potentially provide valuable feedback. Here are some tips:
1. Begin with a Gracious Opening
Start your email with a friendly greeting and thank the interviewer for their time and consideration:
Example:
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about [Position] on [Date]. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about [Company Name] and the requirements of the role, and I remain very interested in pursuing this opportunity further.
2. Express Your Continued Interest
Reiterate your enthusiasm for the position and company, and briefly recap your qualifications and strengths:
Example:
I was particularly impressed with [Company’s] commitment to [Value or Initiative] and your emphasis on [Aspect of the role]. As someone with [Skill or Experience], I believe I could make a valuable contribution to your team and help achieve [Goal or Objective].
3. Politely Request an Update or Feedback
Be direct but polite in asking for an update or feedback, making it clear that you are eager to move forward but also respectful of the hiring process:
Example:
If possible, I would appreciate any updates you could provide on the status of my application, or any feedback you might have on my interview performance. I understand that you are likely very busy, so please don’t hesitate to let me know if there is anything further I can provide to support your decision.
4. Close with a Gracious Note
End your email with a positive and appreciative note, and provide your contact information:
Example:
Again, thank you for your time and consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon. Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information or if there is anything else I can do to demonstrate my interest in this opportunity.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Closing the Follow-Up Email
As you wrap up your follow-up email, it’s important to leave a positive impression and express gratitude for the interviewer’s time and consideration.
Consider including your contact information, such as your phone number and email address, in case they want to reach out to you directly. This will also make it easier for them to respond to your email if they prefer to communicate via phone or email.
Lastly, be sure to leave the door open for future communication and thank them again for the opportunity to interview. This will help keep you top of mind should another position become available or if they have any feedback for you in the future.
Following Up through Other Channels
While email is typically the most common and efficient method of follow-up after an interview, there are other channels you can consider if you haven’t received a response or want to inquire through a different platform.
Phone Call
A phone call can be an effective way to follow-up, especially if you have a personal connection or rapport with the interviewer. However, make sure to call during appropriate hours, and be prepared with what you want to say in case you reach voicemail. Keep in mind that some companies may prefer email correspondence, so use your discretion based on the situation.
Physical Letter
While physical letters may seem outdated, they can be a unique way to stand out and leave a lasting impression. Consider sending a handwritten note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterating your interest in the position. However, make sure to also send an email follow-up to ensure prompt communication.
- Consider the company culture and industry when deciding on alternative channels of communication.
- Ensure clear and concise communication, regardless of the channel you choose.
- Remember to always express gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position, regardless of the method of follow-up.
What to Do if You Don’t Receive a Response
After sending a follow-up email, it’s important to give the employer some time to respond. However, if you haven’t received a response after the appropriate amount of time has passed, there are several steps you can take.
Sending a Second Follow-Up
If it has been at least a week since you sent your initial follow-up email and you still haven’t received a response, it may be appropriate to send a second follow-up. Keep in mind that you don’t want to come across as overly pushy or impatient. In your second email, politely reiterate your interest in the position and express that you wanted to follow up and check on the status of your application.
Calling the Employer
Another option is to call the employer directly. If you choose to go this route, make sure to prepare what you’re going to say beforehand. Introduce yourself and briefly remind them of your interview. Then, politely ask if they’ve had a chance to make a decision and if there’s any additional information you can provide to help with the decision-making process.
Move On and Continue Your Job Search
At some point, you may need to accept that you won’t be receiving a response from the employer. While this can be frustrating, it’s important to move on and continue your job search. Don’t let this setback discourage you from pursuing other opportunities.
Remember, job searching is a process that can take time and patience. Keep applying to other positions, practicing your interview skills, and building your professional network.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Asking for an Update After an Interview
Asking for an update after an interview can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not sure about the right approach. Here are some common questions and concerns about the process:
Q: When is it appropriate to ask for an update after an interview?
A: Generally, it’s appropriate to follow up a week after your interview if you haven’t heard back. However, it’s always a good idea to ask your interviewer when you can expect to hear back before leaving the interview.
Q: What should I say in a follow-up email?
A: Your follow-up email should be professional, polite, and to the point. Express gratitude for the opportunity to interview, reiterate your interest in the position, and ask for an update on the hiring decision or feedback on your interview performance.
Q: How long should I wait before following up again?
A: If you don’t receive a response to your initial follow-up, it’s appropriate to send a second email about a week later. If you still don’t receive a response, it’s best to assume that you weren’t selected for the role and move on.
Q: Is it appropriate to call the company to check on my application status?
A: If you can’t reach the company by email or it’s been a significant amount of time since your interview, it’s appropriate to call and inquire about your application status. However, be sure to follow the same etiquette as you would in an email: be polite, professional, and respectful of the interviewer’s time.
Q: What if I didn’t get the job?
A: If you didn’t get the job, it’s still appropriate to thank your interviewer for the opportunity and ask for feedback on your interview performance. Use this feedback to improve your interview skills and increase your chances of success in future job applications.
Q: Can I follow up more than twice?
A: Following up twice is generally an appropriate amount, as any more than that can come across as pushy or desperate. However, if you have a legitimate reason to follow up again (such as new information about your application), then it’s okay to do so.
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