How to Follow Up After a Job Application Without Being Annoying

There are few things as frustrating as having to wait for the outcome of an interview, especially if you’re unsure about what happens next. Following up is a good idea, but it is important to handle it right so that you don’t come across as pushy and put your potential employer off.

Here at CareerWise, we can help you through the job application process, from finding suitable positions to apply for to crafting your CV and honing your interview skills. We can also advise you on how to handle the follow up and feedback stages, while ensuring that you continue to make a professional impression. Let’s take a look at the best ways to follow up after a job interview without appearing annoying…

Follow Up Post-Interview Protocol

You’ve finished the interview and taken a deep breath of relief – it’s over and you did your best. But there are still some steps you can take to improve the way the organisation views you and your application. So, how do you follow up after a job application?

• Send An Email

In most instances, we recommend that you send a follow-up email within 24 hours of a job interview, thanking your interviewer for the opportunity and providing any information that was requested of you. This is a great chance to reinforce your interest in the position and ensure that you are at front of mind during the selection process. If you can, refer to something you discussed during the interview to maintain the personal connection, and keep your tone light and professional.

• Clarify The Timeline.

While you are in an interview, it can be helpful to confirm when you may expect to hear from your potential employer. This may be part of a longer recruitment process, and it is important that you respect the timeline specified. It is fine to ask for feedback if they have exceeded the time in which you had expected a response, but you should avoid getting in contact before this as it can make you look unprofessional and demanding.

• Follow Up.

If you have not received a response – either a job offer or a decline to take your application further – within a week, it is considered acceptable to send a follow-up email, as long as the organisation has not set out a longer deadline for you. If you choose to follow up in this way, you should reiterate your interest in the job you have applied for and express that you are looking forward to hearing from the organisation. This serves as a simple reminder and can help to remind interviewers of your interest in the role.

• Connect On Social Media.

If your potential employer uses social media platforms such as LinkedIn, you may find it helpful to pursue a connection on this platform. This can help to build your professional network and may help to keep you in line for consideration if future job opportunities arise.

• Keep It Professional.

While it may be frustrating to have to wait for a response or to get a negative response, you should maintain your professionalism at all times. Remember that even if you miss out on this job role, others will arise and making a positive impression with key figures or organisations in your industry is invaluable. Do not be tempted to call or email multiple times, and keep looking at other available positions to keep yourself inspired and motivated.

If you have felt stressed or overwhelmed by the interview process, the thought of following up might be difficult for you but it can really help to remind the interviewer of the connection you made and reinforce your suitability for the position in question. Keeping it professional and friendly throughout will ensure that you can continue to grow your network and make progress in your career, even if you don’t succeed at interview this time.

Your Expert Recruitment Agency

At CareerWise, we know that the job hunting process can be stressful and we can help you, every step of the way. We work with talented professionals in Ireland and the EU and we offer Executive search, recruitment and contractor management services. We always begin by getting to know you and understand your career goals, and we will tailor our services to suit your requirements.

Our recruitment experts specialise in the Pharmaceuticals and Science industries, as well as Engineering, production and supply chain. We work with local, national and multi-national organisations and we can help to connect you with the right options for you. Contact us to make an appointment with a member of our expert team today.

Michael O'Connor

Recruitment Manager – Galway Office

Michael worked for over 10 years in the industrial engineering environment before starting in recruitment with BDO in 2006 on their engineering desk. He joined IRC in 2008 as a technical engineering consultant before moving into account management and becoming principle account manager in IRC. Michael has worked with some of the largest engineering companies within the mid west region and has had sole management responsibility for one of the largest temporary staffing accounts with one of the bigger multinationals based in Ireland during his time with IRC.

Michael joined Careerwise in April 2016 with the responsibility of growing the business out of the new Galway office with a primary focus on the West, North-West and Midland regions. Michael has extensive experience and knowledge in the technical, engineering and commercial sectors.

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