After a job interview, especially a behavioral one, it's common to play the waiting game. However, proactive follow-up practices can not only demonstrate your interest in the position but also reinforce your suitability for the role. Behavioral interviews, where employers assess your past behavior in professional situations to predict your future performance, present unique opportunities for post-interview follow-up that can set you apart from other candidates.
Before we delve into the follow-up process, it's crucial to understand what makes behavioral interviews distinctive. Behavioral interview questions often begin with, "Tell me about a time when..." and require you to share specific examples from your past work experiences. The interviewer is looking for evidence of particular competencies such as decision-making, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills.
Reflecting on these questions post-interview can provide you valuable insights into your performance and what the hiring team is looking for, which can be utilized in your follow-up correspondence.
Following up after an interview serves multiple purposes:
It's important to follow a few etiquette rules when touching base after your behavioral interview:
When crafting your follow-up message, consider the following structure:
Here is a simple template to guide your own post-behavioral interview follow-up:
Dear Interviewer's Name,
Thank you for taking the time to discuss the Position Name with me yesterday. Our conversation about Topic/Competency really resonated with me and reinforced my belief that my Skill/Experience aligns well with the goals of your team.
Following our conversation about A Past Experience You Discussed, it further occurred to me that my experience with Related Experience or Skill could also contribute to Specific Project or Challenge at the Company.
I am truly excited about the opportunity to bring my Skills/Qualities to Company Name and am looking forward to the possibility of contributing to your team. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you require any additional information or clarification on my end.
Thank you again, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards, Your Name
Following these steps will not only show that you have strong professional etiquette but also keep you in consideration for the position you desire. Keep in mind that each company's hiring process differs, so be prepared to adapt your follow-up strategy accordingly. Keep positive, remain patient, and continue to demonstrate your value as a prospective employee. Your follow-up efforts after a behavioral interview might just be the detail that tilts the scales in your favor.
Yes, following up after a behavioral interview is highly recommended. It allows you to express gratitude, reiterate your interest in the position, and highlight your fit for the role.
The best way to follow up after a behavioral interview is by sending a thank-you note within 24 hours, being professional and concise in your message, personalizing it to reference specific interview details, and avoiding being overly persistent.
Ideally, you should send a follow-up within 24 hours after the behavioral interview. This shows promptness and interest in the position.
Your follow-up message should include a greeting addressing the interviewer by name, a thank you for the opportunity, a personal touch referencing a specific conversation detail, a value proposition restating your fit for the role, and a closing statement of appreciation and eagerness to hear back.
It is recommended to send one follow-up email after the initial thank you note. If necessary, you can send one additional email a week later. Avoid excessive follow-ups to maintain a professional demeanor.
For further assistance and guidance on following up after behavioral interviews, here are some valuable external resources: