Yes, it finally happened! You got an interview for the job you applied for, and that is a feat to celebrate in itself. You gave it your best shot, but unfortunately, the employer hasn’t reached out, and now you’re anxious. Getting ghosted by an employer isn’t ideal, and you do deserve to know the status of your application.
So, how long should you wait after your interview to reach out to the employer? That’s a trick question, and here’s my trick answer as a recruiter: reach out right away! After the interview, send a thank-you note and then follow up to update your application status every week.
Think of This Process as a Two-Pronged Approach.
#1 – Send a Thank You Note
The thank-you note after the interview shows your gratitude for their time and shows employers that you’re genuinely interested in the role. It’s a nice personal touch that speaks volumes. The best time to send a thank-you note is the same day or the day after the interview. Try this email template below:
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Hello (add Hiring Manager’s name),
Thank you very much for your time today! I appreciated our conversation, which helped me better understand the skills and type of candidate that can succeed in this role. If you have any additional questions or require other documents for review, please do reach out. I’m happy to connect further.
Looking forward to hearing back soon,
(Your Signature)
*******
#2 – Follow Up with Your Employer After 1 Week
For our second prong, reach out to the employer one week after your thank you note if you haven’t heard back by then. Employers usually take 1 to 2 weeks to conduct interviews and evaluate candidates before making a shortlist for the second round. The exact process is followed after they have completed round two of interviews, and so on. Going through the various recruitment stages is a lengthy process, but I urge you to hang in there and follow up diligently every week to update your application.
Try using this follow up email template below:
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Hi (Hiring Manager’s name),
Thank you very much for taking the time last week on (date) to connect with me about the (add position title) role. Would you have an update on my application status?
I enjoyed our conversation on (insert two topics that you discussed with the hiring manager at the interview).
If you have any additional questions or require other documents from me for review, please reach out.
Looking forward to connecting with you again soon,
(Your Signature)
*******
Extra Tip: If Following Up Doesn’t Work
A polite but firm email tone is what you want to aim for in your follow-up emails. If the employer doesn’t respond to your follow-up, wait again for a week and send another follow-up email. When you do hear back, expect one of the following responses:
- The hiring manager is excited to invite you for the next round of interviews: this is excellent! Continue being the superstar star you are.
- The hiring manager is still undergoing interviews and will reach out with an update next week: no problem! This statement means that you still have a chance and are in the running for a potential next-round interview invite. Hold steady and follow up next week if you don’t hear back.
- The hiring manager regrets to inform you that you have not proceeded to the next round in the recruitment process: this is okay. Most interviews don’t work out, but that’s because the job you’re meant to be growing in hasn’t shown itself yet. However, don’t burn your bridges with the employer by ghosting them. Send a final thank you note, ask for feedback, and move on with the job search.
Try this thank you email template if you were rejected after an interview:
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Hi (Hiring Manager’s name),
Thank you very much for your prompt response. I am saddened to hear that I didn’t meet the job qualifications, but I appreciate the chance to have connected with you. I learned more about the role and the company, and the interview was a great learning experience.
However, may I please ask for some feedback on my interview? What areas can I improve on, and what could have made me a stronger candidate? Your advice and feedback will help me grow my career.
Thank you once again,
(Your Signature)
*******
Whether you move on to the next recruitment stage or don’t, following up for an application update puts you on an employer’s radar. Remember, people always want to work with people who showcase a great attitude, work ethic and diligence. Have patience, and the job hunt will pay off.
Happy hunting!