Following Up On A Job Interview After No Response

You went to a job interview, thought it went well, and then heard-absolutely nothing. You didn’t receive a phone call, email, or form letter saying that you didn’t get the new job. So, now what?

For many people, they just let the interview and opportunity go…never following-up or finding out exactly what happened. Check out the five tips below for ensuring you complete the appropriate follow-up-whether or not the company does the same.

Do Your Part

Send a thank you card. After the interview, be sure to send a handwritten thank you card (yes, in the mail), the very next day. While some may see a mailed card as old-fashioned, it does stand out more than a simple email follow-up. In fact, it can make a larger impact because it arrives a day or two after the interview.

Follow-up via phone within a week

If you still haven’t heard anything for a week after your interview, you can certainly call the interviewer and ask if he or she has made a decision. If a decision is yet to be made, then ask when a decision may be forthcoming. And, even if you aren’t able to talk to the interviewer live, it’s important that you leave a voice mail and reiterate your interest in the position.

Connect with the interviewer(s) via LinkedIn

This is just one more way to connect with the company and interviewer. This shows that you are proactive and want to stay connected-whether you get the job or you don’t get the job. In addition, be sure to put a personal note into the connection invitation. Do not just use the standard LinkedIn verbiage. Instead, mention that you appreciate the interviewer’s time and that you would like to stay connected.

Send an email with follow-up resources

Even though the interview went well, it’s important to provide the interviewer with reasons to hire you. If you didn’t share a written recommendation letter, e-mail it to the interviewer. Additional professional references? Send an e-mail with your references attached and reiterate your interest in the new position.

Focus on additional opportunities

During an active job search, do not put too much emphasis on one job opportunity. Instead, plan to apply for several jobs at one time and continue to seek new openings. By doing so, you will be focused on the future and not waiting by the phone for a company to call you.

Remember – striking a balance between being proactive and assertive without being too annoying and pushy is a key to your job-searching success. Track your key contacts, interviews, and follow-up dates and opportunities. Then, take responsibility for your job search and be certain that you are doing everything in your control to make your job search a success.