The length of time before you hear back may vary depending on the company’s size and structure. In a large company for example, recruitment decision-making processes are often longer than in a start-up where the hierarchy is shorter.
With a large company, wait at least ten days to two weeks before following up. For a smaller structure or start-up, you can get in contact after a week has passed since your interview.
If, after following up, you have still heard nothing, send a new email the following week, then one per week the next 2 weeks.
We recommend email follow-up, as it is less intrusive for the recruiter and perhaps less intimidating for the candidate.
If you feel comfortable with calling back, please feel free to do so… and remember to prepare your message if you ‘land’ on the voicemail of your interlocutor!
If you choose email, make sure you write it carefully
Here are some sample phrases for your follow up email:
- Always start with a polite phrase "Dear Sir/Madam"
- Clearly express the reasons for following up “I am writing enquire about our exchange on the 8th of June.”
- Always start with a polite phrase: “Good morning, sir” or “Dear madam”
- Politely explain the reasons for your reminder “I would like to contact you today following our meeting on *the date*”
- Insist on your desire to obtain the position in order to positively respond to your interlocutor I reiterate with you my desire to / I would like to remind you of my particular interest in the role …”
If you choose telephone: Be convincing
- Always address the person by their first name if the person authorized you to use it during the first interview
- Start by clearly recalling your first and last name, then the details of the position.
- Adopt a positive attitude: “I am contacting you to find out if you have made a decision regarding my application”
- Stay polite
A final tip: remain mobilised.
Even if you are very interested in the post, stay alert and active on social networks. The recruiter will be able to see that you are still available in the market and that you have other options. This might push them to make a decision!