Is it okay to ask about the status of an interview?

The Art of the Post-Interview Follow-Up: When and How to Ask About Status

The interview is over. You’ve shaken hands, thanked the interviewer, and left feeling cautiously optimistic. But the silence that follows can be agonizing. So, is it okay to ask about the status of your interview? Absolutely. In fact, a thoughtful follow-up is not just acceptable, it’s often expected and can significantly improve your chances.

The key lies in striking the right balance between demonstrating enthusiasm and avoiding appearing overly pushy or demanding. Bombarding the hiring manager with emails isn’t the answer; a strategic, well-timed inquiry is.

Instead of immediately firing off a message, consider the following:

Understanding the Hiring Timeline: During the interview, subtly try to gauge the hiring timeline. Listen carefully for clues dropped by the interviewer, such as, “We’re hoping to fill this position by [date]” or “The next steps in the process are…” This information provides a valuable framework for your follow-up.

The Perfect Timing: Waiting a few days – typically 2-3 business days – after the interview is a reasonable timeframe to send a thank-you note reiterating your interest and subtly inquiring about the next steps. This thank-you note should be separate from your status inquiry. Focus on expressing gratitude for their time and highlighting relevant skills or experiences.

After that initial thank-you, allow a week or more to pass before following up directly about the status. If a specific timeframe was given during the interview (e.g., “We’ll be in touch within a week”), adhere to that timeframe. If no timeframe was provided, a week to ten days is usually appropriate.

Crafting the Inquiry: Your follow-up email should be concise, professional, and polite. Avoid demanding language or expressing frustration. Here’s a sample:

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

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me on [Date] about the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed learning more about the role and [Company Name].

I understand you’re likely busy, but I wanted to politely inquire about the timeline for the next steps in the hiring process. Please let me know if there’s anything further I can provide to assist in your decision.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

What to Avoid:

• Multiple follow-ups: One or two well-placed inquiries are sufficient. Excessive follow-ups can be detrimental.
• Negative or demanding language: Maintain a positive and professional tone throughout your communication.
• Ignoring the initial thank-you: Always send a thank-you note immediately following the interview before sending a status inquiry.

In conclusion, following up after an interview is a crucial step in the job search process. By demonstrating genuine interest, respecting the hiring manager’s time, and crafting a well-written inquiry, you can significantly increase your chances of landing the job while showcasing your professionalism and initiative. Remember, proactive communication speaks volumes.