How do you politely ask an interview result?

The Art of the Follow-Up: Politely Inquiring About Interview Results

The interview is over. You’ve shaken hands, thanked the interviewer, and left feeling optimistic (or at least, not entirely defeated). Now comes the often-awkward waiting game. How do you politely inquire about the results without seeming pushy or desperate? The key is to strike a balance between expressing your continued interest and respecting the hiring process.

Simply asking “Did I get the job?” is rarely the best approach. A more effective strategy focuses on expressing your gratitude and eagerness to learn, subtly implying your interest in the outcome without directly demanding an answer.

Here’s a sample email you can adapt:

Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title]

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me on [Date] about the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the role, and our conversation further solidified my interest in this opportunity.

I’m eager to learn from my interview experience and any feedback you could offer on my performance would be incredibly helpful as I continue to develop my interview and professional skills. This would be invaluable as I continue my job search.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I wish you all the best in completing your hiring process.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Why this approach works:

• It’s gracious: It reiterates your appreciation for their time and the interview itself.
• It’s proactive: It shows initiative and a genuine desire for self-improvement. This is a quality employers value.
• It’s indirect: It doesn’t directly demand a “yes” or “no” regarding the job offer. Instead, it focuses on the learning opportunity.
• It’s respectful: It acknowledges the hiring process takes time and avoids putting undue pressure on the interviewer.
• It leaves the door open: Even if you don’t get the job, the request for feedback keeps the communication channel open and demonstrates your professionalism.

Important Considerations:

• Timing: Wait at least a week after the interview before sending a follow-up. Give the interviewers sufficient time to complete their process.
• Brevity: Keep your email concise and to the point.
• Professionalism: Maintain a professional tone throughout your email.
• One follow-up: Generally, one follow-up email is sufficient. Repeated emails can be perceived as overly persistent.

Remember, the interview process isn’t always about securing the job; it’s also about learning and growing. Approaching a follow-up with this mindset will help you navigate the waiting period with grace and professionalism, maximizing the value you derive from the experience regardless of the outcome.