We’ve all been there before, we finish an interview and although we think we nailed it we just don’t know. From there it can sometimes be days or weeks before we hear any news if we hear anything at all. It can be a very frustrating experience that often leaves you in a blackhole of feedback. It’s why I’d like to explore how to follow up after an interview.
Thank you letter
One thing many people don’t do anymore is sending off a thank you letter following an interview. For me it’s a powerful way to once again show your interest in a position, address any gaps they might have uncovered and thank them for taking the time to meet you. By engaging them it will help you get feedback following your interview. Not only that but according to research you are 63% more likely to get a role if you send a thank you letter. That’s why it is one of the keys on how to follow up after an interview.
How to structure your letter
To begin any good thank you letter it’s best to thank them for taking the time to meet with you. If you’ve prepared properly you were able to ask in-depth questions in order to better understand the opportunity. That would mean engagement from your interviewees so letting them know you respect their time is important. Don’t forget to write down their names so you can address them directly as is goes a long way. This will also help in getting feedback so is key on how to follow up after an interview.
Why are you a fit?
Next you want to explain to them again why you are the right fit for their role. The best way to approach this is to go through what they described as important to the role. Then align your experience and strengths to those factors. In order to make this standout be as detailed as possible while going through this. An example could be the need to mentor juniors on the team as being important. Well you can highlight how in a previous role you helped someone improve their code quality and the step by step process you took to accomplish this. This will demonstrate you understand what they’re looking for and that you have the capability.
Address the gaps
At this point it’s best to address any gaps you have or any questions you couldn’t answer. This is important as often following an interview an organization might be on the fence when it comes to your candidacy. By showing them, you understand the gap or maybe struggled with a question because of nerves you can help push them in the right direction. If it’s a gap, then be upfront in letting them know it’s there but build out a plan around how you will overcome it. An example might be knowledge of a key technology and showing them an online course, you can take before you even start. It shows initiative and that you are passionate about joining their team.
As for any questions you might have struggled with, just bring them up again and let them know how you would have answered it differently. It’s ok to be nervous in an interview and blank on a question so letting them know you have the knowledge with a detailed response could be the difference in you getting that role.
Finish it off by asking them what next steps are and that you look forward to hearing from them. One thing you can mention is the fact that you are exploring other opportunities. Reiterate that theirs is your priority but inquire about a timeline so you can best plan your other interviews. This will help put some pressure on them to give you an answer and show if they are truly interested in your candidacy.
How to get feedback
If you’ve written a thank you letter and still don’t receive any feedback, there is something you can do. All it takes is a quick feedback email to the people that interviewed you or a recruiter. You do have to understand that often they might not have gotten back to you due to time constraints or they are still interviewing candidates for the role. People also do have a hard time giving negative feedback which is why they sometimes avoid it. For that reason, it’s best you take a professional approach in terms of your email.
To do this address those issues upfront and let them know you understand they are busy and might have other interviews. Then let them know you aren’t expecting a concrete answer but are only looking for initial feedback. Adding in that feedback on your interview will help you continue to grow in your career. The point of the follow up after an interview isn’t to show anger towards them but remind them that you are interested and would like to understand how the interview went on their end.
Getting feedback following an interview especially when you aren’t selected can be tough. That’s why sending a strong and detailed thank you letter following your interview is important. Then adding in some reminders acknowledging their time and schedules while also showing them you want to grow are how to follow up after an interview.
How avansai can help?
If you’re looking for something new and don’t want to experience a lack of feedback fill out our Candidate Profile. Corey and I are open to reviewing your email or Thank you letter in order to help improve your chances!
