Getting a couple of extra words in after your interview can help you stand out during the interview process. It can be challenging to know how to follow up and to what extent so as not to overwhelm the interviewer/company.
How to contact
Luckily, current technology allows us to connect easily with those we have met. Usually, you will have a phone number or email contact at which you can reach them. If, for some reason, you do not have their direct contact info before the interview, ask for a business card so that you can reach them after the interview. Avoid snooping for their contact information online; it may appear aggressive. For example: if they responded to your follow-up message with “How on earth did you find me here?” you probably dug a little too deep.
What to say
The primary purpose of following up is to express your interest in the position you interviewed for and keep your name at the forefront of their minds. You could start the message by stating who you are and thanking them for the time they took to interview you. After this, you should express your excitement about the possibility of working with them. Make sure not to say anything that would sound assumptive of receiving an offer but emphasize that you would be excited about the prospect. To finish off, let them know that you are looking forward to hearing from them.
When to send it
There is no need to play games when sending a follow-up. Sending the message within 24-48 hours of the interview is a good general rule of thumb. Delaying further could be interpreted as you not caring too much about the position. If you do not hear back from the company a week from your interview, you may follow up again and ask if there are any updates.
Saying the right thing after an interview can be intimidating. Keep it simple. Give a nice thank you, state your excitement about the opportunity, and sign off.
