How to Follow up After an Interview

Following up after an interview

After a completing a job interview, it's important to follow up. This shows you're excited about the job and helps the company remember you. Let's take a look at how to do it right!

When to reach out

Timing matters when following up. Here's what you should know:

Send a thank-you note within 24 hours
If given a decision date, wait an extra week after before checking in
If no date given, use the "10 Day Rule" - wait 10 days after your interview

It's better to be patient than to bother them too much. Companies often take longer than expected to make decisions. While waiting, you can focus on optimizing your LinkedIn profile to strengthen your online presence and improve your odds at landing future interviews.

Writing a good thank-you note

Your thank-you note should be short and sweet. Include these things:

Something specific from your interview
Why you're excited about the job
A reminder of why you'd be great for the role

Here's a simple example:

Dear Mrs. Smith,

Thanks for talking with me yesterday about the web designer job. I loved hearing about your new app idea! My experience making websites would help me do a great job on this project.

I'm really excited about working at TechCo and helping you make awesome apps.

Let me know if you need anything else. I look forward to hearing from you!

Best wishes,
John Doe

This note is friendly, specific, and shows why John would be a good fit for the job.

Following up if you don't hear back

If it's been a while and you haven't heard anything, it's okay to check in. Here's how:

Use a clear subject line like "Checking in about web designer job"
Keep your message short - one paragraph is enough
Say you're still interested in the job
Ask if they need anything else from you

Remember to be polite and not pushy. They might just be busy!

Making your follow-up stand out

Want to really impress them? Try these ideas:

Share an interesting article about something you talked about
Tell them about a recent accomplishment that shows your skills
Explain how you could help with a project they mentioned

This shows you're thoughtful and eager to contribute. It's also a great opportunity to demonstrate your soft skills alongside your technical skills, which are both crucial in the workplace.

Following up by phone

Sometimes it's okay to call instead of email. If you do:

Say your name and the job you interviewed for
Mention something you talked about to help them remember you
Be ready to quickly explain why you're excited about the job

Keep the call short and friendly. If they seem busy, offer to call back later.

What not to do when following up

Avoid these mistakes when following up:

Don't contact them every day
Don't sound angry or impatient
Don't ask about salary or benefits in your follow-up
Don't contact them on social media unless they said it was okay

When to move on

If you don't hear back after 2-3 follow-ups, it might be time to focus on other opportunities. This doesn't mean you did anything wrong! Sometimes companies choose another candidate or decide not to fill the position. If you're struggling with rejection, remember there are Bible verses about strength in hard times that can provide comfort and encouragement.

Conclusion

Following up after an interview is a chance to show your best self. Be polite, patient, and professional. Use these tips to make a great impression and boost your chances of getting the job. Remember, the right opportunity will come along if you keep trying. Good luck with your job search, and don't forget to pray before your job interview for added peace and confidence!

Learn more about Christian jobs that intersect with technology at Christian Tech Jobs. Whether you're exploring careers in faith-based organizations, hiring Christian talent, or seeking to combine your tech skills with your spiritual values, find your path in a place where technology and faith meet.