Whether you walk out of a job interview giddy with confidence or with the sinking feeling that things didn’t go as planned, there’s one last step that’s always worth your while.
Following up is key to keeping a connection with prospective employers and showing your continued interest as a candidate. So, when it comes time to touch base, how should you go about it?
Here are some pointers for how to follow up after a job interview:
Take your time
You want to appear eager and show your gratitude to the individual who took time to meet with you but be aware that there are most likely other applicants and interviews to be held. Avoid sending a message the same day as your interview.
Give yourself and the hiring manager or employer at least one or two days to reflect on your meeting and what you learned about the other.
Say thank you – but keep it simple
When you compose your initial follow-up email a day or so after your interview, it should be short and to the point.
Thank the hiring manager, recruiter or individual – by name – for meeting with you. Mention a personal takeaway from the meeting – something that stood out to you or was attractive about the health system, staff or community. Then, tell them you look forward to hearing from them.
Here’s an example:
Dear <recruiter/hiring manager>,
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday (or day of the week) to learn about my experience and interest in a future at . I’m so glad we could connect, and I enjoyed learning more about what makes such a unique and warm community. I was especially drawn to the support and resources that you make available to new hires during the onboarding process.
Thank you again, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Be patient
If you haven’t heard back right after sending your thank you email, don’t panic. Again, there are most likely other individuals applying for the same position, and a lack of response doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not being considered. Don’t rush into sending another message; use the waiting period to draft the next message you’ll send about a week after your interview.
Send your formal follow-up
One of the most valuable uses of the thank you email is the room it leaves for a more formal follow up a week or so later. This message to your interviewer will be slightly longer than your thank you email, but still as brief as possible; it will also more directly state your purpose of following up. You can add something to your note about how you enjoyed learning more about their health system and community and another specific detail; for instance, maybe you identified with their mission and that’s why it seems like it could be a good fit. Then, state your excitement about the opportunity to serve this organization and your willingness to provide additional information if needed.
Here’s an example:
Dear <recruiter/hiring manager>,
I’m reaching out to follow up on my interview held on for the . I enjoyed connecting with you and hearing more about your facility, culture and community with at its center. The dedication you show your staff members and the support you provide your team really stood out to me and is a quality I value in a future employer.
Please let me know if there’s any other information I can provide during this stage of the hiring process, and I look forward to the opportunity of working alongside you at .
Accept the outcome
Whatever the response to your follow-up message, accept the decision and carry on through the next steps of the hiring process or your job search. Whatever you do, don’t burn bridges. Sending a thoughtful and well-written follow-up – and gracefully receiving the outcome – can be the difference between a fizzled connection and one that invites consideration for opportunities in the future.
Still have questions about following up after a job interview? We’re here to help! Contact us at physicianrelations@practicelink.com.
August 31, 2021
