Here's how you can effectively follow up with networking contacts after an interview.
Navigating the post-interview phase with finesse can make a significant difference in your job search. After an interview, you might find yourself in a delicate dance of maintaining professionalism while showing keen interest in the position. It's crucial to follow up with networking contacts, not only to express gratitude but to keep the lines of communication open. This article offers guidance on how to effectively touch base with those contacts, ensuring you remain at the forefront of their minds without overstepping boundaries.
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Benjamin B.Graduate Assistant at Sacred Heart University1 Reply
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Jamie StewartSuper connector helping entrepreneurs, coaches & professionals to build your network to achieve your goals. Expert…
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Jason ColbeyHere to be “the” People Person | Chief Energy Officer | Master of Ceremonies | Event Host | Passionate about helping…
The timing of your follow-up is critical. Wait too long, and you risk being forgotten; do it too soon, and you may seem overeager. A good rule of thumb is to send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. This swift response demonstrates your enthusiasm and professionalism. It also keeps your conversation fresh in the interviewer's mind, which can be beneficial if they are making quick hiring decisions.
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Start by sending a thank you note to the individuals you connected with and provide a takeaway from each conversation. Everyone has a specific aspect to play, whether they are currently employed, considering a new role, or looking for opportunities coming out of college. If one person is from the local area, reach out to them to connect further and get more insights from their day-to-day responsibilities. Usually, this happens during lunch breaks or organized times after work. If you find an exciting idea or a commonality in the conversation, inquire if any roles may open soon or if the company might be developing a specialization aligning with your background. This gives your connection an idea of what you might be considering.
Your follow-up message should be carefully crafted to reflect your interest in the role and your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. Personalize each message by referencing specific points discussed during the interview and reiterate how your skills align with the company's needs. This shows that you were attentive and engaged, reinforcing the positive impression you've already made.
While it's important to convey enthusiasm, maintaining a professional tone is key. Avoid overly casual language or emojis that might undermine the serious nature of your interest in the position. Instead, use a courteous and respectful tone that reflects the professional nature of your interaction. This balance will help you come across as sincere without crossing into informality.
In your follow-up, aim to provide additional value. If during the interview a particular problem or project was discussed, briefly suggest a solution or idea that you didn't mention before. This not only shows initiative but also demonstrates your ability to contribute to the team and think critically about the role you're applying for.
If appropriate, you can request feedback on your interview performance. This signals that you're open to growth and improvement, which are attractive qualities in a potential employee. However, phrase your request politely and make it clear that you respect their time and decision-making process, whether or not they choose to provide feedback.
Finally, keep the relationship alive by staying engaged. If you come across an article or event relevant to the industry or their business, share it with them. This shows that you are not only interested in the job but also in the field as a whole. It's a subtle way to keep your name in their mind without directly referencing your job application.
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Remaining engaged after your interview is the only way to keep the momentum of your initial meeting going. Don’t drop off! Here’s where you’ll need to put in the work to stay front of mind. Use social media and LinkedIn to like, share and engage with content. This is a very easy way of having your name constantly in front of mind without being overbearing or somewhat obsessive. Subliminally plant the seed that you are committed to their business or brand, and this will ensure they remember you, and see and admire your commitment.
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We find that it's great to touch base within 24hrs of meeting someone new. Be selective as to who you want to follow up with, whether it is someone who resonated with you and or genuine. We highly recommend connecting with people via Linkedin at events to keep them on top of your list. A quick message via linkedin is often effective, a request to meet in person or via zoom is a great step to getting to know someone better.
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