Post-Interview Follow Up Tips: After The Thank You Note

Candidates often ask me, "Post-interview, how longstand and what you can expect.   And it shows the
should I wait AFTER I send the thank you note tohiring manager that you really do care about landing
contact the hiring manager again?  What should Ithis job.  (Watch my video on How to Close for the
say?  Should I call or email again?"Job to see how to ask for the job, or at least find out
The post-interview follow up period can feel like thewhen they're going to make a decision. )
trickiest of situations for candidates.  Push too hard,At the very least, you should ask if it's OK to call if you
and you'll annoy them.  Don't push, and you risk nothaven't heard anything in say, a week.  Or just ask
looking like a go-getter.  If you're working with athem when it's OK to call to follow up.  Then call. 
recruiter, the recruiter will do the calling to see what'sALWAYS follow through with whatever you've said
up.  But if you're going after this job on your own, thenyou will do.  They will be paying attention.
it's all up to you.If you've gotten out of the interview and haven't asked,
I put this question to my LinkedIn group to see whatthen here's what to do (although here's also where
the experts think.  (Yet another reason why LinkedInthey start to differ a little more in their opinions):  wait
groups are so valuable.)  I got some fabulousno more than a week, and then call.  Or email, and tell
answers from business leaders in management andthem you'll call.  If they tell you they haven't reached a
HR, and wanted to share them with you.decision, ask if it's OK for you to call again in another
The VAST majority of those who replied said thatweek.
candidates can and should avoid that whole awkwardOverall, the hiring managers who responded seemed
situation by being direct in the first place. Ask about themuch less concerned with being "hassled" by potential
time-frame for the hiring decision while you are still inemployees than with finding someone with initiative
the interview:   "When do you expect to make awho really wanted to work for them.  So, aim for
decision?"  or  "What are the next steps?"  That'spoliteness, directness, and clarity, and you should be
a move that feels bold to some candidates, but it's ajust fine.
really important step that's going to tell you where you