The Healthcare Recruitment Specialists

The dos and don’ts of following up after a job interview

There’s nothing worse than constantly refreshing your email after a job interview, eagerly awaiting the good news. While it can be frustrating waiting to hear back from your potential employer, it is important not to harass them for an answer – it might even ruin your chances of securing the role! In this blog, we discuss the key do’s and don’ts of following up after a job interview. 

✓Do: 

  1. Give it some time 

Try to refrain from sending a follow-up email immediately after leaving the interview, because (just like texting an ex) this will come across needy and desperate. Your interviewee will likely be interviewing multiple candidates for the position so don’t expect a job offer the next working day! We advise waiting at least a week before sending a a follow-up message, when the dust is more likely to have settled. 

2. Choose your words wisely 

When sending a post-interview email, make sure to keep it short and sweet. You can use the below structure as a rough guide: 

  • Clear subject line – e.g. ‘[your name] – RE: interview for [job role] Thursday 3PM’ 
  • Address them by the name they’ve signed off previous interviews (if unsure use ‘Mr/Mrs/Ms’ + surname). 
  • Main body – thank them for their time, reiterate your interest in the role and politely explain that any updates on the progress of your application would be greatly appreciated. 
  • Round off with a “Looking forward to hearing from you”.

3. Consider alternative methods of communication 

If you and your prospective employer have previously been chatting via LinkedIn or WhatsApp then it’s best not to open another channel of communication (i.e. don’t send a follow-up email when you’ve been communicating via LinkedIn – stick to the same platform). 

Ⓧ Don’t: 

1.Discuss anything negative

Stuttered during your interview? Forgot to knock before going in? Accidentally interrupt your potential employer? Whatever imperfections may have come across in the interview, it is paramount that you do not bring them up again in your follow-up. Instead, remind the interviewer of your relevant experience and your passion for the role. 

2. Mention salary 

Whether or not salary expectations have come up in conversation yet, try to avoid talking about money in the crucial stages between the interview and making the final cut. Not only will you appear like money is the only motivator for your interest in the position, but could even cost you the role if you suggest a salary which is out of range. Wait until you’re in person and discussing your contract for this one!

3. Don’t act overly keen 

While it’s crucial to demonstrate your passion for the position at hand, constantly bugging your recruiter/employer for job updates is frankly annoying. As mentioned earlier, your follow-up message should be coherent, concise and polite. Chasing your interviewer, on the other hand, might come across as overly keen and sometimes aggressive if the wrong tone is used. Patience is a virtue, as they say!

We hope you found this blog useful – Amaré Health wishes you all the best of luck in your job hunt. 

Still looking for a healthcare role? Get in touch with our specialist consultants via [email protected] to learn more about our current opportunities.