Follow up is one of the most misunderstood parts of the interviewing PROCESS.
There are three steps you can take to maximize your chances for an offer in the follow up process.
Many job seekers assume that once the interview ends, the hiring decision is out of their hands. But here’s a crucial truth: if you didn’t get an offer on the spot, the hiring manager hasn’t made up their mind yet. That means you still have an opportunity to influence the outcome. In this episode of The Interviewing Series, we break down why follow-up is a vital yet overlooked step in the hiring process. Candidates who treat the post-interview period as part of the competition dramatically improve their chances of securing an offer.
The key is to follow a structured three-step approach: first, send a handwritten thank-you note within 24 hours, reinforcing your appreciation and interest. Next, about a week later, make a follow-up phone call, keeping your enthusiasm high and asking about the status of the hiring decision. Finally, send a follow-up email another week later, reiterating your interest and possibly sharing a relevant article or insight related to the company. While these actions may seem simple, fewer than 10% of candidates complete them, making follow-up a powerful tool to differentiate yourself.
Skipping follow-up won’t necessarily cost you the job if you were the perfect candidate, but failing to follow through could let a competitor slip past you at the last moment. While follow-up can’t fix a poor interview, it can tip the scales in your favor if you were a strong contender. By continuing the process—alternating between calls and emails for up to ten weeks—you stay on the hiring manager’s radar, ensuring you remain a top candidate. If you want to maximize your chances of getting hired, don’t let the process end when the interview does. Listen in to learn how to take control of the follow-up stage and put yourself ahead of the competition.
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