DISCUSSIONS

How often is it appropriate to follow up on a GREAT interview?

Anonymous Image

Anonymous

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

How often is it appropriate to follow up on a GREAT interview?

I applied for a 100% remote AP Manager position that could pay 20-30k more than I make now. They called me, and I had a short 20-30 minute interview with one of their HR people, who then pushed me through to a 2nd interview with the managers two days later. I had a GREAT 1 hr 45-minute interview with them. When I asked, I was told that I was only 1 of 3 candidates they were interviewing. I interviewed with three separate people at the time (the contract/temp person who currently has the role, the Accounting Manager, and then their Director of Finance-that one took 45 min.)

This was on Wednesday 07/03, and I was told that they were expected to choose someone for the role by Friday 07/12. I was on vacation from 07/10-07/15 but was checking my personal emails and text messages multiple times daily so as not to miss any messages. They did not reach out. I sent a follow up email on the morning 07/16 just reiterating my interest in the job and some of my matching qualifications that we had discussed and stated that I recalled they were trying to make a decision by the prior Friday and that I would be happy to answer any additional question that they may have.

It is now 07/22 and I have still not heard anything. Any other time, I would have chalked it up to lost, but the interview really went SO well, and each of them even mentioned how I was like minded in what they were doing and wanting to accomplish (NONE of them have been there for more than a year themselves due to some restructuring).

My question is, is it appropriate to send another follow up and be more specific on if they had made a decision or if they had a new timeline for me to hear something? I don't wanna be a pest, but I also don't wanna miss out on a really good opportunity for myself.

One of my close friends and mentors told me that it was 2 months before she heard something on the last job that she got (and she loves it). I just kind of feel like, with only 3 candidates they were interested in, how hard would it be to go ahead and shoot me a short email either saying they were "gonna go another direction", or even to state that they were "still reviewing the candidates and would be making a decision soon". ??

Update as of later in the day 07/22:

I did sent a short email yesterday afternoon to them and within 5 minutes the Director of Finance replied,

"Thanks (my name) –

Appreciate you reaching out! Just because of scheduling issues, we haven’t made a final decision yet. I expect we’ll let you know this week. Again, was a pleasure to meet and will let you know this week.

-(his first name)"

So, I feel a bit hopeful again. Since there were only 3 of us I gonna hope this means I am still in the running :)

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Like

20 comments

Share

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

20 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    Assuming you sent thank you emails to each person after the interviews (in which you restated your excitement for the role & how your experience aligns to it) and then sent the second communication on 7.16, it's enough. They know where to find you. I've had interviews go super well and then radio silence only to be contacted a month or two later saying the role is on hold or they're rethinking their needs. Move on. What's meant for you will not pass you by.

  2. Anonymous

    No, the 7/16 email was the first follow up I had made, though it was sent to all of them.

  3. Anonymous

    I think following up every week is appropriate unless you hear otherwise.

    Congratulations on the great progress.

  4. Anonymous

    Thank you, yes, I think I will send another follow up, I just gotta find the right wording for it so I don't come across as frustrated.

  5. Anonymous

    Keep it short and sweet.

    "Just wanted to check on the teams progress on moving forward with the Directir of Blah position. I want to reiterate my interest in the position. Thank you for your time. Xxx"

  6. Joyce Gioia

    I would send a handwritten note.

  7. Anonymous

    I appreciate that, unfortunately, a hand written note is not practical in this case as they are all in different offices across the east coast, and I have no way of knowing any addresses. But thank you for the Congratulations as wel :)

  8. Joyce Gioia

    And congratulations!

  9. Anonymous

    So, I did send another follow up email this morning and the Director of Finance wrote me back in about 5 minutes and stated, "Appreciate you reaching out! Just because of scheduling issues, we haven’t made a final decision yet. I expect we’ll let you know this week. Again, was a pleasure to meet and will let you know this week."

    So, I guess I still have a shot, makes me feel a little bit better :)

  10. Anonymous

    Awesome news. Definitely sounds like you are in the final group. I'm sending you good vibes.

  11. GirlBossanova934974

    So they're 2 weeks late in the process and failed to notify anyone? The candidate had to write them. I would be looking elsewhere but if you wish to work there, please understand that this is the way these people work. Deadlines are missed. Decisions get postponed. If you can work with this, that is OK but if you can't,,,,,,,,,,,,,hmm.

  12. Stephanie Ingle

    Sometimes when this happens, they have made an offer to someone else, but they are hoping to have you as the next best choice (there is nothing wrong with coming in second or even third!) in case that person doesn’t accept. So I would say that until you receive an offer or rejection letter, you are still in the running. Someone below suggested reaching out once a week and that seems reasonable. This keeps your name and availability on their mind. If you do get another offer elsewhere and it is attractive but you still want that original job you haven’t been offered yet, you can use that situation to pressure their decision - but I would never do that unless you have another offer you really will accept if they don’t come thru.

  13. Anonymous

    Don't think the worst. It is vacation season and clearly you were also away so send one more email.

    Let them know that you have returned from your time away fully energized about the role that they have open. Let them know another company has also approached you to speak to you about a similar role but that you don't want to open up that discussion if they are going to move forward with you but, if they are not you hope they will close the loop so that you can consider other things. Ask for response by the end of the week and in the email please cc the HM and the recruiter and be clear that you are not trying to pressure them into a decision but you want to know if you are still in the mix at all. Then if you get no response let it go. If they come back you can renew your interest based upon what they tell you. If they come back and reject you saying they went with someone else, tell them how much you appreciated the time they spent considering you and that you remain interested in them should another role open up.

  14. Anonymous

    I did sent a short email yesterday afternoon to them and within 5 minutes the Director of Finance replied,

    "Thanks (my name) –

    Appreciate you reaching out! Just because of scheduling issues, we haven’t made a final decision yet. I expect we’ll let you know this week. Again, was a pleasure to meet and will let you know this week.

    -(his first name)"

    So, I feel a bit hopeful again. Since there were only 3 of us I gonna hope this means I am still in the running :)

  15. Anonymous

    This Friday, July 26, follow up again. Then back off. If they cannot reach out or acknowledge your emails, do you really want to work there? We lost out on a great candidate because the org I work for had the wrong hiring info and had to re-post it. Being state, it took weeks to get it back online. Thus, that put a bad impression on the candidate and they backed out of our offer. All that to say, if the internal workings can't get it together, I'd take great pause wanting to go work there. Give it one more go, then if you don't hear back, move on. I bet you will hear something but maybe take a step back and focus on something else. It's odd, but when we do that, miracles happen.

  16. Anonymous

    I agree, follow up again, if you need to. Maybe wait till Tuesday of the next week. I just got offered a job where I was told that I’d have an answer last Friday, Monday at the latest. I stopped thinking about it because I was getting other interviews anyway! So, Monday came and went and I didn’t follow up . I got the offer on Tuesday night! My point is, you never know what companies are doing to prepare for your hire. They might also be extremely busy and have other pressing matters to take care of with their business. You don’t know. If it’s a position you feel really good about, and you have waited this long, it doesn’t hurt you to wait a little longer still. Your follow up is awesome, and now you get the chance to show your virtue of patience . Don’t call them on Friday, whatever you do! Wait till after the weekend and after the busy Monday afterwards.

  17. Anonymous

    I had a position that was supposed to be posted months ago. Job didn't get posted until last month. Already had an excellent candidate lined up. Still took weeks to get everything through and will be late August before the new employee starts. Despite the best efforts of mice and women, the wheels of HR move slowly.

  18. Anonymous

    That’s great, that you went with your gut and followed up a second time! You did it in a way that was very respectful and unassuming, which is also very good. In fact, I think that your ability to follow up and follow through might just give YOU the edge! I’m sure they appreciate that you are detail-oriented and have your act together. Good luck! It’s 7/24 and probably a long week for you, waiting for this, but know that you are likely their first choice now! Tell us when you get the job!

  19. suzanne strickland

    I agree! I actually think that this person is getting the job! But, yeah, I forget that whoever was chosen has to officially accept before the other candidates are notified (assuming they are).

  20. Anonymous

    I've had a couple of my more experienced friends/mentors say the same thing...that they think I'm getting the job :) Of course, they could just be trying to ease my anxiousness about it! LOL! Hopefully I will hear something by the end of the day today.

Browse recent posts

jljl3ph
Plan construction projects with the Concrete Calculator, a practical online tool for estimating material quantities, calculating concrete requirements, managing costs, and simplifying building work.
Hiii everyone!
I'm. Current looking for remote jobs
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
See more
Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members