Interviews are usually a testing time for everyone, starting from young graduates to seasoned professionals. Once your application has been shortlisted, the interview is the most important part of the recruitment process. Candidates usually feel nervous and apprehensive during this time, especially after once the interview is complete. In cases where the recruiter did not hint the candidate’s selection or rejection during the interview, it is of paramount importance that the candidate follow up with the recruiter in a proper manner.
In this article, Team YLCC brings you tips on how you can face those fears and communicate with the recruiter effectively post-interview. Read on!
How Long After The Interview Is It Appropriate To Follow Up?
As per current practices, one may send a follow up ‘thank-you’ mail to the recruiter the day of the interview itself or at least the day after. This helps in reminding the recruiter of your interview and also conveys the premise that you are serious and eager about the position.
To be on the safe side, the candidate should follow up within a period of 7 days from the date of the interview.
Here Are Some Tips To Keep In Mind
- Do Not Undermine Yourself– Some candidates refrain from following up with the recruiter if the interview did not go as per their expectations. This is a mistake. In such cases it is important to leave the judgement to the recruiters and stay optimistic. A good follow-up mail even after a sub-par interview can keep your chances for the position alive.
- A Verbal Deadline Is An Exception– If the recruiter has set a verbal deadline e.g. ‘You will hear from us within a week’, do not follow up within that duration to avoid running the risk of coming across as a nuisance. Even after the deadline, wait a few days before reaching out as for the recruiter it is not a strict deadline but more a guideline.
- Express Enthusiasm– The follow up mail should not reek of impatience or tension. You may instead express your interest in the particular position or working with the organization. Even so, there is a thin line between eagerness and desperation.
- Read Through The Resources– Some organisations give certain organizational material to new or prospective employees such as mission statement, brochure, product/service guides, etc. Prior to follow up, make sure you thoroughly peruse such resources. This will give you better insight on how to approach the recruiter.
- Take It As An Opportunity– No interview goes perfectly. If you forgot to mention anything during the interview, you can take this as an opportunity to recover from that mistake and clarify any additional information that you intended to communicate in the first place.
- Proofread and Edit– Whether you send the note by mail or by email, be sure to read through the message carefully before sending it. You are still trying to make a strong impression, so a professional, well-written letter is key, and typos or a misspelled name will hurt your chances. Proofreading is important to avoid any such mistakes.
Even if you do not get the job, following up with the recruiter is showing courtesy and can help you with the following:
- Thanking the interviewer for his time and considering is important. This shows that you are not bitter over a single rejection and also ensures a good relationship between you and the recruiter. Instead of burning bridges at work, staying polite and professional is likely to hold you in good stead in the future.
- More importantly, a follow up mail in case of rejection also gives you the opportunity to understand where you fell short by asking for quality feedback from the recruiter. Interviewers will have the best insight into how you performed in an interview, so if you feel it’s appropriate you can ask your interviewer for feedback. They could have tips for performing well or specific feedback on your interview answers.
- A rejection does not close the organisation’s door on you forever. The follow up or acknowledgement mail gives you a chance to tell the recruiter that you are interested in any future opportunities at the organization so that next time a position opens, the recruiter keeps you in mind and may reach out to you on his own.
SAMPLE FOLLOW UP EMAIL
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name:
Greetings of the day!
It was a pleasure meeting you the other day and discussing the Associate position at (your law firm/Law Firm name). I really appreciate the time you took to interview me for the position.
I enjoyed meeting everyone on the team and getting to pick their brains about the position. The more I spoke with you and the team, the more I was convinced that my experience and my passion for the law and solving problems make me a strong candidate for this position.
I look forward to hearing from you next week regarding your final decision. Feel free to reach out to me beforehand with any questions or concerns. Again, my phone number is + 91 00000 00000.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Warm Regards,
(Your Name)
YLCC would like to thank Riya Gupta for her valuable insights in this article.
