Do’s and Don’ts of Following Up After an Interview

You worked hard to land an interview with that company, and you’re relieved that the interview is finally over. Now you just sit back and wait, right?

Not exactly. While the interview can feel like the end of the hiring process, it’s really only the beginning of your relationship with the company, especially if you end up working there. That’s why following up after an interview is so important.

Of course, there’s a right way and a wrong way to follow up. Make sure you maintain a good impression by following these do’s and don’ts for following up after an interview.

DO send a thank you note.

At the very least, you should email the people involved in the interview to thank them for their time and to express your continued interest in the position and in their organization. If you really want to impress, consider also sending a handwritten card. This is a nice personal touch that can help you really stand out. If you’re going to mail a card, make sure to get it in the mail as soon as possible after your interview, to avoid an awkward delay. 

DO connect on social media.

Following the company’s social media pages is a great way to show your interest in and appreciation for their company. Additionally, if you were impressed by the person who interviewed you, it could be appropriate to connect with their professional social media profiles. Even if you don’t get this particular job, those kinds of connections could help you in the future. 

DO follow up when appropriate.

Most interviewers will set an expectation about when you can expect to hear back from them. If you haven’t heard anything within that time frame, it’s appropriate to take the initiative and reach out yourself. Simply restate that you enjoyed the interview and are wondering if any decisions have been made about the position. Keep it brief and professional. 

DON’T reach out too soon or too often.

If you try to follow up before the expected time frame has passed, or you follow up multiple times within a short time period, you’re going to come across as desperate, not professional. Be patient and give them time to work through the rest of their interviewing and hiring processes. 

DON’T give up on other opportunities.

An interview is a great step towards a new job, but it doesn’t guarantee you the position. Make sure you don’t give up on your job search after an interview, even if you think it goes very well. At the very least, you’ll continue to make valuable connections that could serve you later on in your career.

DON’T disappear if you aren’t hired.

Even if the company decides to hire someone else, it’s still a good idea to respond to the rejection, especially if you were particularly excited about the opportunity. You can encourage them to contact you if it doesn’t work out, and express your continued interest in having a professional relationship with them. Who knows—you could impress them enough that they add you to their short list the next time they’re hiring. 

An interview can feel like a win, especially if it goes well. But you’re not at the finish line yet. Follow these do’s and don’ts for following up after an interview to make sure you maintain a positive image with the company and the people in charge of hiring. Be confident and show your enthusiasm without looking desperate, and you’ll be remembered for all the right reasons.