By Candice White
Job searching can sometimes feel overwhelming, and the waiting game after an interview often adds to the pressure. With so much advice floating around, it’s easy to feel unsure about how to follow up with a hiring manager the right way.
To help you navigate this, the career coaches at Ignite Career Center have shared practical tips to help you connect effectively, show professionalism, highlight your enthusiasm, and leave a lasting impression on interviewers.
Thank-you notes are an excellent way to maintain contact, remind the interviewer of your skills, and differentiate you from other applicants. Nowadays, many people use artificial intelligence to draft their thank-you letters. While tools like ChatGPT can be a helpful starting point, it’s crucial to avoid using AI output as your final version.
Instead, use it as a guide and personalize the message to reflect your authentic voice. Recruiters can also easily spot when AI is involved, particularly for positions requiring strong writing and communication skills; this could work against you.
And, of course, it goes without saying that your note should spell the interviewer’s name correctly and be free of other typos and grammatical errors.
Your approach to post-interview communication begins during the interview itself. When candidates are asked if they have any questions, this is your opportunity to inquire about the hiring timeline and when you might expect to hear back about how you are progressing in the application process.
Once that date passes, if you haven’t received any updates, send a brief note reiterating your interest in the role. If you still receive no response, wait another two weeks before reaching out again. After your second follow-up, be prepared to wait an additional three weeks before your third attempt.
Striking the right balance is key when following up after an interview. You want to show interest without being overly persistent. Avoid actions like showing up unannounced to speak with the hiring manager or bombarding them with emails or voicemails. These behaviors can come across as pushy and unprofessional, leaving the wrong impression.
If you receive the disappointing news that you didn’t get the job, consider replying graciously, wishing the company well in their search, and expressing your continued interest should anything change. This leaves a positive impression on potential future employers.
In an ideal world, we should always receive a response after the interview so that we can move on with our lives. Unfortunately, the reality is often different. Numerous factors might contribute to candidates not hearing back, most of which have nothing to do with their qualifications.
Some circumstances could include illness, unexpected hiring freezes, decisions to prioritize internal candidates or personal referrals, or simply overwhelmed recruiters. Focus on what you can control and ensure all your communications are intentional and well-timed.
Candice White is a quality assurance and Claims grant manager at JCS.
Whether you are new to the job market or a seasoned professional, the Ignite Career Center, a program of Jewish Community Services, can help you go further and get there faster. Our highly experienced career coaches provide individuals of all backgrounds and abilities with the customized services and tools they need to stand out from the competition. To learn more, visit ignitecareercenter.com or call 410-466-9200.
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