The Follow-Up: Post-Interview Strategies & Best Practices

By now we all know the job market moves quickly and the talent pool is endless. Recruiters are speaking to a high volume of candidates per week and hiring managers are moving forward to interview just a fraction of those screened and submitted. 

So how can you stand out through an interview process?

The key is to maintain a connection with the hiring team and decision-makers through the entire process! With so many qualified professionals on the market right now sometimes the final hiring decision can come down to something as simple as an after-interview follow-up. Reaching back out after interviewing not only keeps you in the hiring team’s clear view but also demonstrates your strong desire to obtain the role.

There are a few follow-up tactics every professional should use and some unique strategies that could help you stand out and land that role you have been aiming for.

The Follow-Up Email

This is the email you send later in the afternoon or early the next morning after an initial interview with a potential hiring manager or recruiter. This is brief and to the point. A simple gesture of thanking them for their time and letting them know your interest in the role. Why is this important? - When interviewing the details matter. Carving out time for an interview is one thing but taking the time to follow up and express continued interest shows initiative. It takes only a few moments and to some managers considered a standard practice now.

LinkedIn Connection

So, you’ve emailed those you met with and expressed continued interest in the role. Now it’s time to connect! Networking through sites like LinkedIn is easy and provides another visible source for hiring managers to keep you top of mind through the process. Sending a connection request with a brief message referencing your interview is the perfect way to not only maintain contact through the interview process but also your career moving forward.

Snail Mail

At the beginning of every process, the recruiter will typically tell you the interview stages and how long the process should take. If they don’t happen to touch on this then make sure to ask! Most interview stages have at least two steps and two individuals within the company to meet. Once knowing the stages sending a personal Mailed thank you note to your connection can be a way to elevate your commitment in a hiring manager’s mind. Not only does it speak to strategic timing but also to your desire and dedication to ensure you get this role. If you’re willing to plan out and send mail to a hiring manager then you’ll be inclined to go the extra mile for clients or internal stakeholders once in a role with the company.

Meet the Author

Devin Colbert
Talent Consultant, Talent Solutions

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