Strategic Branded Content Pro, Screenwriter, novelist, illustrator, marketer. Author of 5-star novel Rocket Summer http://chipstreet.com/rocket-summer

Sep 16, 2016

How To Follow Up An Interview Without Being A Stalker

91% of recruiters appreciate a follow up after an interview. Here’s how you do it and not be a creep.

You met your potential next significant other (employer) on the lonely professional’s hottest dating app (LinkedIn) and you just had your first date (interview.)

What’s next?

How do you let them know you’re still interested, without looking desperate?

Should you text? Email? Call?

What should you say? How soon is too soon?

Or should you just sit by the phone and wait?

If you think the two of you really have a future together, here’s a few tips on following up and moving your relationship to the next level… without going all “Fatal Attraction” on them.

Why is following up after a job interview so important?

You’re not the only fish in the sea. Chances are, even though they’re looking for an LTR, they’re dating around a little bit.

If you want to stand out, you’ve got to demonstrate just how interested you really are in making a commitment.

Before You Leave

Before you leave the interview, ask about their timeline. Get a sense of how long it might be before they do a second round of interviews, or make a final decision.

Then respect that.

Don’t Ask When — Just Say Thanks

I’m not advocating that you email to say “Have you decided yet?”

That’s a stalker move. (See the “Crickets: Now You Can Ask” section down below.)

But it’s totally reasonable to check in to say thanks.

How Soon Is Too Soon?

Don’t do it on your way back to the lobby, but do it within 24 hours. You’re prompt and interested, but not desperate.

Text, Call, or Email?

Email is best… it’s accessible on any device, it has the air of professionalism, it gives you a chance to craft your message just the way you want it, and it’s shareable if they decide to forward it along to another stakeholder.

What Should You Say?

KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid. Make your message short and to the point.

Mention them by name. Make sure you spell it right… double check.
Thank them for their time.
Remind them which position you interviewed for, and when you talked.
Reaffirm your enthusiasm and interest in the job. Be specific as to why.
They should know about your experience and skills already, thanks to the interview and your resume. But mention again what your particular skill is, and how excited you are at the opportunity to put it to work with them. Define an outcome; how will your skill tangibly help them meet their goals? Do this quickly; no long essays.
Add anything important you might have neglected to mention previously.
Leave them with all your contact information.
PROTIP: If you can, share some additional value they can take away with them. A link to a great article, or white paper, or some other relevant awesomeness they’ll like and remember.
PROTIP: Did you learn anything personal about them? Favorite hobby, sports team, plans for the weekend? Drop it into a PS. Don’t be creepy, just be observant.
PROTIP: Proofread your email before sending it.

Example

Hi, Stephanie -

I just wanted to say thank you for talking with me about the digital marketing position in your SF office.

I’m super excited about your plans for expansion. It’s a great product, and the new features are going to really improve your conversion and retention. I’d love the chance to use my experience with behaviorally triggered transactional emails to help you hit that 20% growth target you’re aiming for. Pardot has some great features for that.

By the way, I just returned from the Digital Widget conference. I learned some great new tips for maximizing engagement with existing customers that I’m looking forward to using. Here’s a link to the recap if you haven’t seen it: <link>

Thanks again — looking forward to hearing from you.

Best,

Wanda Wonderful

Phone

Twitter handle

LinkedIn profile

PS: I see the 49ers have a game this weekend… good luck!

Follow Up Phone Calls

While email is the best first follow up, it’s totally okay to also make a phone call, especially if you’ve already had any phone conversations with your contact.

Since you’ve already sent an email, you can be more casual on a call. In fact, don’t be afraid to point out the difference between the email and your call.

It’s a chance to build a little more personal rapport, and gives them a chance to get any followup questions they have taken care of right away.

Even if you’re only able to leave a message, hearing your voice will remind them of how wonderful and pleasant and likable you are, and keep you near the top of the “I’d like to work with this person” list.

PROTIP: Have a few notes handy to get you in — and out — with purpose. You don’t want them to answer and then be all tongue-tied like “Um, anyway, I just… I wanted to say thanks, and… um… I like your parking lot.”

Example

Hi, Stephanie -

I just dropped you an email to say thanks and to recap our meeting, but wanted to call too, just to say how much I enjoyed our visit. I love your office, and everyone was so nice. Please pass along my thanks to Barbara and Steve — they were great!

Let me know if I can answer any other questions.

Have a great weekend… enjoy the game!

Stop There

Don’t also message them on their LinkedIn, and on their Twitter, and on their Instagram.

Just don’t.

Now Wait Patiently… And Keep Dating

This is a big commitment they’re making… they’re looking for the right match, and so are you. They need time and space to be sure they’re choosing the right person, and you need to respect that.

Which is why, as much as you might be totally smitten with this possible match, you should get back out there and play the field.

Do more interviews, go to meetups, and set up a LinkedIn notification about new job listings. Whatever it takes to give yourself options.

Crickets. Now You Can Ask.

Remember when I mentioned asking about their timeline?

This is why.

If their decision date comes and goes, and you still haven’t heard anything, that’s when it’s okay to follow up again, and explicitly ask what the status is. Nicely, graciously, and patiently.

Thanks again for talking with me about the digital marketing position in SF.

You mentioned you’d likely have a decision by last Wednesday… is that still the timeline?

Please let me know if I can offer any additional information.

Best,

What If They Choose Someone Else?

Why, that’s crazy talk! Why would they do that? You had a real connection!

It happens.

So thank them.

And ask if they’ve got any feedback for you.

Even if they end up choosing a different candidate, your follow up will ensure that you’ve made an impression. If their first choice doesn’t work out, they’ll realize what they passed up, and you’re way more likely to get that next call.

If other positions open up, you’ll surely be shortlisted for those as well.

And maybe you’ll have a little guidance on making a better impression in the future.

There’s no downside to the followup, so don’t ignore it.