Our focus today is in how to follow up after a job interview when you have heard nothing. This is Day 29 in our 30 Day Job Search Challenge. This is a free challenge that is available to all job seekers (regardless of your industry).
If you would like to start the 30 Day Job Search Challenge from Day 1, then click here.
Alright, the interview went well but it has been two weeks and you have heard nothing. You even wrote a nice job interview thank you letter. Now, you are scratching your head right? What do you do when you haven’t heard back after the interview? How could everything be so positive and then just silence. Have you been there before? You are not really sure what to do but you are still definitely interested. So, you think: “What do I have to lose?”
Well, before bugging the heck out of them with daily phone calls, I want to offer you 4 different killer follow-up letters that you can use to gauge if there is still a pulse. While it is not a bad practice to mail a follow up letter after the interview, I highly recommend that you use these letters as an email.
An interview follow up letter can be incredibly powerful. The reason why I suggest the email follow-up is because it makes it easier for the Hiring Manager to reply (either good or bad). In other words, if you are out of the mix, he can easily take you off the hook if he wanted to.
No response could still mean there is a pulse and a positive response allows you to reply back and reinforce an interest. This is why a follow up email after interview is so important. Also, it opens a dialog and as long as there is 2 way communication there is a pulse. You can still choose to use the below examples as a follow up letter after interview but I think they work best as an email in my experience.
Day 29 – How to Write a Follow Up Email After Interview: 4 KILLER FOLLOW-UP EMAILS
Now, I would not recommend sending every single one of these follow-up emails. The interview follow up email needs to be personalized and specific. You need to determine which one below is most appropriate for your situation. Always remember that there is a fine line between moving things in a positive direction and de-railing the whole process.
Use common sense to determine what is appropriate. Also, these emails are to be used after you have done the initial thank you notes and some time has past. Pick the follow up interview email that works best for you. Also, if you want pointers on proper ways to follow up, read my post about thank you letters.
1. Is the Position Still Available Email (Follow up email after interview no response) - Here is a good follow up interview letter that you can use in order to get a pulse as to what is going on. If you are not sure which one of the four to use then I would go with this one.
It basically is asking for information as it relates to the open position that you interviewed for. Feel free to tailor the wording to your liking as it might be a bit bold for some, but this will give you a general feel for the type of follow-up letter that you can use.
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Mr. Smith,
It has been ________(NUMBER) weeks since we last spoke about your company’s _______________(TITLE) position. At that time, you mentioned you would be making a decision soon. As I have not yet heard back from your company, I am unsure if I am still under consideration for this position or if the position has been filled. If the position is still open, I would like to again express my interest in working with you at _______________(COMPANY).
Once again, if you are looking for a performance-oriented person to fill a position in your _______________(DEPARTMENT), my experience is broad-based and will provide a valuable contribution to the right position. I am a self-motivated individual seeking a challenging position that utilizes my strengths and abilities.
Perhaps it may be worthwhile to meet once again and explore the many ways in which I could benefit your company? If you agree, I can be reached at _______________(PHONE/E-MAIL).
Sincerely,
Brad Mills
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2. Request another Interview Email – This one is a bit bolder than the other approaches. If used in the right setting, it can work very well. It is simple and straightforward post interview email in which you can ask for a second interview. It also lets the other party know that you are interested in the opportunity.
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Mr. Smith,
My interest in working for _______________(COMPANY) and the _______________(DEPARTMENT) has increased tremendously since my interview with _______________(NAME) two weeks ago. You are obviously looking for a dedicated professional who can make a difference on the team. I am looking for a team that pushes the limits of what can be accomplished. Our objectives seem perfectly aligned.
As you mentioned in our interview, you need people who can think and act quickly in tight situations and who can deal with a variety of different types of personnel. Throughout my career, I have been recognized by supervisors for carrying twice the workload of most employees. I am proficient in time management, quick to learn new tasks, and have accomplished noted achievements in professional areas requiring diplomacy, confidentiality, and/or sensitivity.
I’ve included an updated copy of my resume so you can review once again my experience and capabilities. I would welcome the opportunity for another personal meeting and believe that it would really give you the opportunity to judge my _______________(FIELD) abilities.
Sincerely,
Brad Mills
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3. Portfolio for Your Review Included Email- This can be used as an opportunity to supply more information to the hiring manager who is in the valley of decision. Use this if you have not heard anything as it gives you an opportunity to put your skills back in front of them in a professional way. If you do not know how to put together a portfolio, then just create a one page word document with your major skill sets and bullet points listed underneath. Use this job interview follow up email as a way to throw your hat back in the ring.
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Mr. Smith,
I appreciate the time you recently took to discuss with me the position you currently have open at _______________(COMPANY). It was a pleasure speaking with you and meeting your very competent staff. I found each of my conversations extremely informative. As I mentioned during our interview, I am confident that, given the chance, I could contribute a great deal to your overall company objectives and goals.
In addition to my experience, skills, and qualifications, I am an experienced team player who brings enthusiasm and energy into group efforts. I know that I can meet and exceed your expectations.
As a helpful resource, I’ve enclosed a representative portfolio highlighting my _______________(FIELD) work. If you feel my talents are in line with your ideas, please feel free to call so we can further discuss _______________(COMPANY)’s needs.
Sincerely,
Brad Mills
Enclosure
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4. Forgot to mention during the interview – the purpose for this one is to send some additional information that you believe could be helpful to the Hiring Manager. This can give you a specific reason as to why you are reaching out to him. It is an “oh, I almost forgot…” kind of email. Used tactfully, it can be very powerful follow up email sample.
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Mr. Smith,
I came away from our interview on _______________(DATE) with a very favorable impression of _______________(COMPANY). Clearly, the leadership begins at the top and carries throughout the entire organization. I welcome the opportunity to work with such a team.
If more time had been available, I would have liked to explain in greater detail my accomplishments at _______________(COMPANY). My responsibilities included training and motivating employees, providing customer service and satisfaction, increasing merchandise sales through sales volume and profitability, shrinkage control and scheduling as well as preparing reports on daily sales and receipts. I was also recognized for high ethical standards in all work performed.
The time and consideration you have given me are very much appreciated. I will call you again next week to determine if you have reached a decision.
Sincerely,
Brad Mills
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There you have it. A powerful sample follow up letter after interview. Hopefully, these will work out well for you or if not at least it has your mind working as to the type of follow-up email you can create. For a limited time, I am sharing an internal document that I use with all of my interview coaching clients. Click the button below for a sneak peak video and for more information.
