Selling Your Strengths
Follow-Up Etiquette from an HR Expert
Manners matter even after the job interview.
The owner of Chastain Consulting in Tallahassee, Joyce Chastain is also president of the HR Florida State Council, an organization of 14,000 human resource professionals across the state. Her responses to these frequently asked questions may help you follow up after your next job interview.
Q. How soon — and when — should I follow up after an interview?
A. Immediately with a thank-you note. Immediately for me, means same day/evening. And never a phone call! An email is quick, concise and completely appropriate. A handwritten note makes me feel like the applicant is a “class act.” It encourages me to find a way to make them a part of my team if at all possible.
Q. When is “no” the final answer?
A. I believe a single post-interview contact is sufficient. After that, it’s annoying. One exception: If the interview went well, you truly felt a connection and are expecting an offer, but then you get an offer from a different potential employer, it would be appropriate to communicate that information with the first potential employer.
Q. If I wasn’t hired, how can I effectively follow up to ensure I am considered for another position?
A. An email thanking the potential employer for the opportunity to meet, learn about their organization and be considered for the role is best. In that same email, you should express your continued interest in joining the organization and being considered for any other positions for which you may be qualified.
