Be an Assertive Job Candidate

As a career coach, one of the things that really surprises me about job seekers is the apprehension that surrounds asserting themselves throughout the process. While I work with clients on enhancing their confidence and presentation, one of the areas where they fall short is in keeping it up after the interviewing process. 

I’ve worked with countless individuals who have gotten discouraged after going on an interview and not hearing back. After asking if they’ve followed up, the answer is usually “no!” This surprises me, as I always recommend writing a thank you note after an interview.This not only shows appreciation for the time your interviewer spent, but also serves as a reminder of your candidacy. You can reference an anecdote you told during your interview, reiterate your strengths, and summarize how those strengths meet the needs of the organization. Sometimes the note helps you hear back from the employer, and other times, you’re still waiting. 

When that happens, take an assertive step and follow up with the organization. Many job seekers, particularly women, shirk at the idea of making another point of contact with their interviewer. If I could quell those feelings of apprehension and fear on behalf of job seekers everywhere, I sure would! 

However, we all know that’s not realistic. So I’m here to address once and for all that yes, it is okay to touch base and follow up with your interviewer. 

How long should I wait? 

Well, you should start with a thank you note (yes, you can email it). Get that out no later than 24-36 hours after your interview. Sooner is better, but don’t come to your interview with one pre-written. Personalize your note after your interview so you can mention something that you discussed during it. Give yourself some time to process your interactions. Take the most memorable part of your conversation and reference it. 

Sometimes employers don’t get back to you because they are entrenched in other responsibilities. Remember that the problem may not necessarily be with you, but time constraints. Yes, they may choose another candidate, but rather than dwell on that, work on your other applications and find your right fit! 

What should I say? 

Reiterate your interest in the position, share a wow-worthy anecdote that makes you a great fit for the job, and reference a topic you discussed during your interview. If you recently read an article that relates to your conversation, mention it (with a link to the article) and how it is relevant to your discussion and the organization’s needs. Conclude with your contact information and availability to talk about the position in more detail. 

How many times should I reach out? 

After your thank you note, I would give it the “three strikes and you’re out” approach. But use clues from your interviewer as a guide. If they anticipate that the hiring decision will be made in the next week, don’t wait a week to follow up. If your interviewer will be on a two-week vacation, wait until they get back. 

Don’t contact the organization more than once a day. Of course, if you decide to make a phone call and don’t get through, you can try again later in the day, as long as you don’t keep leaving messages each time. If you’re relying on email, leave at least a few days in between each attempt at contact. Persistence is good, in small quantities. Avoid going overboard. And if after three attempts you still don’t hear a peep from them, drop it and move on.

What if they respond but don’t seem interested? 

Let’s say you write a glowing email and while you do hear back from your interviewer, it’s an abrupt, “thank you. We’ll be in touch”? Remember that each organization has a different way of doing things and a different style. For some, it may not be their style to give clues to their hiring decisions until a choice is officially made and an offer is extended. In that case, take a day or two to respond with, “Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.” Or cordially ask about their time frame for making the decision to hire. You don’t need to keep gushing about the position, but take the opportunity to close the loop with a request for a timeline. Even if they don’t respond, it keeps you in the mindset of taking control of your needs. 

Then move on to put the emphasis on your next interview! 

Remember, even if you’re one to shy away from following up with an organization after an interview or after applying for a job, it really is up to you to show initiative and interest in the position. Don’t wait to get “permission” from someone who assures you that it’s okay to follow up. You are entitled to seek out an update on your stance as a candidate. Take the bull by the horns and do it! 

—Victoria Crispo, July 2015 Career Coach