Maybe it was just a case of ringing them to follow up and keep you fresh in their minds. Or have you had an interview that you thought you did especially well and then end up waiting for ages for them to contact you? Maybe all you need to do is give them a follow-up and see how they are going and if they have had any further thought to speed up the process.
A follow up can be a visit, a phone call or even an email. It can be done in many ways, whether it is a thank you or a note asking if they have had a chance to look at the applicants? It is just ensuring that you do get in touch, so they do know that you are still interested in the job and it also shows a sense of enthusiasm.
You can also use the follow-up email as a chance to add in what you might have forgotten to say at the interview. Things that you may have done in the past or qualities that you think you bring to the table; This could also give you more credibility in the eyes of the employer. The same goes if you feel like you messed up at any stage of the interview. Let this be your chance to clear up and fix your mistakes and let them know what you meant to say.
If the employer gives you a call to tell you that ‘you didn’t get the job’ and ‘better luck next time’, don’t hesitate to ask why. Ask for feedback in regards to where you went wrong or fell short of getting the job. Every bit of feedback that you can get will be all the more help for the next one so you can keep improving on what you might not be doing so well. Advice is key, and this is the only way people can become better is if they take on feedback and act on that feedback.
We have wrapped up a list of all the things you need to include into your follow up conversations.
Convey your ongoing interest in becoming a part of their team.
Let them know why you think that you are the best fit for the role.
Provide the employer with any additional information that they asked for in the interview.
Anything that you forgot to say? Add that to the conversation as well.
Did you say something in the interview that you shouldn't have said? Or something that didn’t quite come out right? Let this be your chance to fix those mistakes.
Ask for feedback on how your interview process went and if there is anything that you could work to improve for your next interview (only if this one was unsuccessful).
Be sure to thank the employer for both their time and them giving you the opportunity.
Last but not least - Do not wait to send that message! Send it as soon as possible after your interview, so then you are not too late, and the employer has already selected their top candidates.
