Post-Interview Follow Up Tips - After the Thank You Note

Candidates often ask me, "Post-interview, how longreally important step that's going to tell you where you
should I wait AFTER I send the thank you note tostand and what you can expect. And it shows the
contact the hiring manager again? What should I say?hiring manager that you really do care about landing
Should I call or email again?"this job.
The post-interview follow up period can feel like theAt the very least, you should ask if it's OK to call if you
trickiest of situations for candidates. Push too hard, andhaven't heard anything in say, a week. Or just ask
you'll annoy them. Don't push, and you risk not lookingthem when it's OK to call to follow up. Then call.
like a go-getter. If you're working with a recruiter, theALWAYS follow through with whatever you've said
recruiter will do the calling to see what's up. But ifyou will do. They will be paying attention.
you're going after this job on your own, then it's all upIf you've gotten out of the interview and haven't asked,
to you.then here's what to do (although here's also where
I put this question to my LinkedIn group to see whatthey start to differ a little more in their opinions): wait no
the experts think. (Yet another reason why LinkedInmore than a week, and then call. Or email, and tell
groups are so valuable.) I got some fabulous answersthem you'll call. If they tell you they haven't reached a
from business leaders in management and HR, anddecision, ask if it's OK for you to call again in another
wanted to share them with you.week.
The VAST majority of those who replied said thatOverall, the hiring managers who responded seemed
candidates can and should avoid that whole awkwardmuch less concerned with being "hassled" by potential
situation by being direct in the first place. Ask about theemployees than with finding someone with initiative
time-frame for the hiring decision while you are still inwho really wanted to work for them. So, aim for
the interview: "When do you expect to make apoliteness, directness, and clarity, and you should be
decision?" or "What are the next steps?" That's ajust fine.
move that feels bold to some candidates, but it's a