How Long Should You Wait Before Following Up After an Interview?

Answer 1

If you have reached the question suggested by the title, great! This means that you were previously the prospect in a job, scholarship, college or any other interview. Now you are faced with the decision of contacting the interviewer or waiting for them to reach you. Contrary to popular belief, it is perfectly fine to contact your interviewer and inquire about your results as long as you follow a few tips. Before following up after an interview, note the date that the interviewer said he would contact you. Most interviewers will tell you that “they will be in contact with you soon” about the outcome of the interview and others may be generous enough to give you an exact date to expect to be contacted. Initially, you should wait for the interviewer to contact but if the date has already passed or if you were not given a date, then contact the interviewer by e-mail or telephone within a couple of days, approximately two days, after the interview. For a follow up via telephone, make sure to thank the interviewer for his time and restate your interest in the position, award, or promotion. Next, you should ask them about the status of your interview and if there is any additional information they need from you. If they have selected another candidate, thank them for the opportunity and ask to be considered for any other positions that may become available. If the interviewer has not selected a candidate, ask them when you can expect a final decision. Let the interviewer know that you are interested in a polite and professional tone, but do not be too aggressive because it may make you seem desperate. If you choose to follow up via e-mail, make sure your e-mail includes a polite greeting such as “Dear, Good Morning, or Good Afternoon.” Start the body of the e-mail by thanking the interviewer for the opportunity. Also state you enjoyed learning more about the position. Toward the end of the body of the e-mail, ask for an update on the status of the interview. End the e-mail with a closing salutation such as “Sincerely or Thank You,” your name, and your contact information. Keep in mind, some interviewers will specify at the closing of the interview that you should not contact them about the status of your interview. If so, wait patiently for them to contact you.