How Much Follow-Up is Too Much?

A strong interview performance can give you a certain rush of euphoria and optimism. It’s a little like the feeling you get following a great first date. However, just like texting your new romance a dozen times the next day could end up hurting your long-term chances, an over-aggressive follow up after a good interview can end up counteracting the positive impression you made.

For that reason, the art of following up on a strong interview requires finesse. You need to find a healthy balance between staying in contact and smothering their HR people with emails and phone calls.

Here are some tips you can use to find the right line to walk while figuring out your follow-up strategy:

Follow Up Some

You want to maintain contact with a potential employer. The follow up communicates that you care about the position. It’s like a statement of interest. You are telling the company that you still want the position after the interview. So, when determining the right amount of contact, don’t let “none” be an option.

Desperation Doesn’t Sell Well

Beyond not doing any good, an over-aggressive approach can hurt your cause. You will come off as desperate and lacking in other options. It’s not an impression likely to impress.

While, you want some level of follow up to indicate interest and to keep contact with the people involved, err toward the conservative side. If you find yourself asking, “should I really send this email?” the correct answer is probably “no.”

Keep Their Clock in Mind

Of course, you’re hyped to get an answer fast. You’d love to know immediately whether you’ll score a job offer or not. However, the company doesn’t have your timetable in mind.

They aren’t looking to optimize your experience. They are concentrating on their own internal needs and schedules. Keep that in mind. At the end of the interview, ask them about the hiring timeline, and respect their target dates as you develop your follow-up strategy.

If They Are Interested, They’ll Get In Touch

A company isn’t going to forget that they want to hire you. No matter how good the interview seemed, no matter how much the job seems perfect for you, you can’t just will them to hire you.

If a company has been silent for a long time, it means they are either still considering their options, or they have moved on with someone else. It can be painful to accept, but it’s part of the job application process. At a certain point, you just have to be patient and confident and wait for them.

Set Specific Goals

Each time you make contact, have a concrete purpose. You are thanking them for the interview (or some other interaction). You are asking a particular question. Or you are relaying some specific information.

Don’t let emotion get involved. Never send a late-night email or express anger or annoyance in your communications. Operate r. Set out a plan ahead of time and stick with it, unless conditions dictate a change in approach.

Managing contacts with potential employers is fraught with potential pitfalls. That’s why it’s helpful to have a knowledgeable, reliable advisor to handle it for you. A strong recruiting partner, like SmartTalent, will steer you into amazing opportunities, saving you the complicated communications.

Contact SmartTalent today to find out more.