How to to do Follow Up After Interview of an Application

By Pastor Abraham Ekebafe
District Superintendent, New Covenant District, Itire DCC, Lagos

After submitting an application or attending an interview, send a thank-you note or email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. This gesture demonstrates professionalism and can leave a positive impression.

Send a Thank-You Note:
After an interview, promptly send a thank-you note to each person who interviewed you. Express your appreciation for their time and reiterate your interest in the position. Use this opportunity to highlight specific points discussed during the interview and to reaffirm your qualifications.

Personalize Your Follow-Up:
Customize your follow-up message to each individual or company you are contacting. Avoid sending generic, mass emails. Refer to specific details from your conversation or interview to show that you were actively engaged and attentive.

Choose the Right Communication Method:
Depending on the situation, you can follow up through email, phone, or even a handwritten note. Email is generally the most common and convenient method, but a phone call or handwritten note can be more personal and impactful in certain circumstances.

Respect the Timeline:
Pay attention to any timelines or instructions provided during the application or interview process. If the employer indicated a specific timeframe for their decision-making process, it is generally advisable to wait until that period has passed before following up. However, if no specific timeframe was given, wait around one week before sending a follow-up message.

Be Professional and Courteous:
Maintain a professional tone in all your communications. Be polite, concise, and respectful. Avoid sounding pushy or impatient. Your goal is to express your continued interest and enthusiasm, not to pressure or demand an immediate response.

Highlight New Information or Updates:
If you have any latest information to share that could strengthen your candidacy or if you have achieved something relevant since your last communication (e.g., completed a relevant certification or won an industry award), mention it in your follow-up. This shows your commitment to professional development and adds value to your follow-up message.

Maintain Proper Timing:
Following up once is generally sufficient unless you receive a response or instruction to follow up again at a specific time. Excessive follow-ups can be seen as overly aggressive or annoying. Use your judgment to determine the appropriate timing and frequency of your follow-ups.

Use Subject Lines Effectively:
If you are sending a follow-up email, use a clear and specific subject line that indicates the purpose of your message. This makes it easier for the recipient to identify and prioritize your email.

Stay Organized:
Keep track of your follow-up communications in a spreadsheet or a dedicated folder in your email client. Note the dates, contacts, and any relevant details. This will help you stay organized and ensure you do not miss any important follow-ups.

Be Patient and Persistent:
Understand that the hiring process can take time, and employers may have their own internal processes and timelines. While it is important to follow up, also be patient and give the employer a reasonable amount of time to respond. If you do not hear back after a follow-up, continue your job search while remaining open to other opportunities.