How to Follow Up After a Screening Interview: Dos and Don'ts

Learn the best practices for following up after a screening interview to maintain professionalism and increase your chances of success.

After going through the initial screening interview for your desired job, you might be wondering about the next steps. Is it too pushy to follow up? When is the right time to reach out? And what should you say? It's normal to feel uncertain, but following up after an interview is a critical part of the job-seeking process. It can show your enthusiasm for the job and demonstrate your strong communication skills. However, there's a fine line between being persistent and being annoying, so it's essential to follow up in a way that is polite, professional, and effective. Here are some dos and don'ts to guide you after a screening interview.

Do: Send a Thank You Note

You should send a thank-you note within 24 hours of your screening interview. This simple gesture shows that you appreciate the interviewer's time and that you are genuinely interested in the position. Keep the message brief and focus on expressing gratitude, reiterating your interest, and referencing something specific from the interview that excited you about the job.

Don't: Overlook the Details

Make sure to personalize your thank-you note. Use the interviewer's name, and double-check the spelling of their name and their title. Misspelling a name or using an incorrect title can come off as careless and doesn't leave a good impression.

Do: Request a Timeline

During the interview, ask about the next steps and when you can expect to hear back. This information is invaluable as it gives you a timeline to follow up. If you didn't get a chance to ask during the interview, you could include a polite request for this information in your thank-you note.

Don't: Follow Up Too Early or Too Often

If you were given a timeline for when decisions would be made or when you would hear back, respect that timeline. Following up too soon can seem impatient and disrespectful of the process that the employer has. Additionally, following up too frequently can be irritating and may be seen as desperation rather than enthusiasm.

Do: Be Professional and Positive

When you follow up, maintain a professional tone. Even if you're anxious about the outcome, avoid sounding desperate or negative. Instead, frame your communication positively, focusing on your excitement about the possibility of joining their team.

Don't: Burn Bridges

If you receive a rejection, respond gracefully. Thank the person for their time and consideration, and express that you'd be open to future opportunities. Responding negatively could burn a bridge that might have led to a potential job in the future.

Do: Use Multiple Channels if Necessary

While email is the most common follow-up method, you might also consider following up with a LinkedIn message if you haven't received a response and if it seems appropriate. Just make sure your message is professional and not too casual.

Don't: Ignore Contact Preferences

If the company or interviewer has specified a preferred method of communication for follow-ups, stick to it. Ignoring their preferences can come off as disrespectful and could hinder your chances of being considered for the position.

Do: Keep It Brief and Focused

Your follow-up message should be concise. Get straight to the point by thanking them once more, reiterating your interest in the position, and asking for any updates regarding your application status.

Don't: Rehash Your Resume

Avoid recounting your entire resume or qualifications in the follow-up message. They already know your background from your application and interview, and restating all this information can be redundant and tiresome to read.

Do: Be Prepared to Move On

While you should definitely follow up after your interview, you should also be prepared to move on if you don't get the job. Keep your job search active, and don't put all your hopes on one opportunity, as this can lead to unnecessary disappointment.

Don't: Let Silence Discourage You

Sometimes, despite following up, you won't receive any response. While this can be discouraging, don't let it stop you from continuing your job search with enthusiasm. Focus on future opportunities and what you can control.

In conclusion, following up after a screening interview is an essential step that demonstrates your interest in the position and helps keep you in theemployer's mind. However, it's important to do so in a manner that is respectful, professional, and mindful of the interviewer's time and processes. By adhering to these dos and don'ts, you'll ensure that your follow-up is effective and leaves a positive impression, which can be just as important as the interview itself.