Time to follow up?

Question:

I had a great job interview last week. They said they’d probably make a decision by yesterday, but I haven't heard anything yet. Should I follow up?

Answer:

It’s probably a bit early to follow up now. Give them another couple of days; if you don’t hear by then, it’s time to follow up.

There are lots of reasons you might be kept waiting that don’t have anything to do with you. Sometimes someone who’s critical to the decision-making process becomes sick, or leaves on vacation. Often there are other people to interview and schedules to accommodate. Sometimes the budget is cut. This job opening may just not be high on their priority list.

Still, you don’t want to wait unnecessarily. So soon it will be time to email them, asking if their timeline has changed, and reiterating your interest in the job and the company.

If that doesn’t get any response, give them another week or so, and try again. Remind them what a great match you are for the job opening. Consider sending a solution, or at least the beginning of one, to a problem of theirs that you discussed with the interviewer. Show that you’ve been thinking about the company, and the many ways you can contribute to their success.

Don’t contact them just to check the status of your application. Everyone else is doing that, and you want to stand out from the crowd. Send a link to an article that will interest the interviewer, either professionally or personally. Or include a recommendation for a book or podcast.

If you don’t hear back from the second email, assume the job is filled, and let it go. Possibly they’ll just take their time getting back to you; probably they filled the job. No one likes to deliver bad news, so many employers just ghost the unsuccessful candidates.

Whatever else you do while you’re waiting, continue to look for jobs! You should always have multiple leads you’re following. Don’t sit around and wait for any particular one to come through. You could end up waiting a really long time, when your efforts could instead be put into other, maybe even better, opportunities!