You’ve met with a potential employer, but now what? How long should you wait before calling after an interview? The good news is there’s a science to it, so following a few simple steps will keep you at the top of the hiring manager’s mind. Here are the things you should do during and after an interview to increase your chances of an offer.
Get Contact information
If you’re going to an in-person interview, ask for a business card from the people you meet. Without the information at your fingertips, you can find yourself scrambling to follow up. You want their phone number and email address as well as the correct spelling of their name. If your interview is remote, check any email correspondence for their signature which should have most of the same information.
Ask Directly
At the end of most interviews, you’re usually asked if you have any other questions. This is the perfect time to inquire about the time frame the expect to make a hiring decision. Their answer can tell you a lot. They could give you a concrete date or be a little less exact, but this will give you the information you’ll need to know when to follow up.
Send a Thank You Note
As soon as you return home, write and send a thank–you note. Some people still send hand-written notes in the mail, and that’s a great touch. But it’s also just as acceptable to send a thank–you email. Email is immediate so can be more effective. Send a separate email to each person you spoke with and reiterate your interest along with thanking them for their time. This is also a good time to provide any information you may have forgotten to mention in the interview.
Follow Up with a Phone Call
Using the information you gathered in the interview, you can follow up with a phone call once. If they give you a specific date, call that day. If they were less exact, call in about one week after your interview. The best time to call is mid-morning before lunch. It’s okay if you don’t speak with them directly. Leave a voice mail to let them know you’re checking in and looking forward to their decision.
Know Your Boundaries
What you don’t want to do is cross a line between persistence and pushiness. Employers are looking for candidates who are confident and willing to take initiative so following up can demonstrate these behaviors. But you also need to respect their time and not contact them continuously if you don’t hear back. That can also influence their decision but in a negative way.
Are you ready to find your next opportunity?
