Following Up After a Second Interview: Best Practices and Tips

Introduction

After a second interview, the wait can be excruciating. You may have received positive feedback and been told you would hear back within a week. But what do you do if multiple weeks have passed and there is still no update? This article provides guidance on the best practices for following up, including when to reach out and how to craft a professional and courteous email. We will also share real-life scenarios and tips to help you navigate this challenging situation.

When to Follow Up

It is generally acceptable to follow up after a second interview if you have not heard back within a week of being told you would do so. However, it is important to be patient and give the hiring team some time to make their decisions. Waiting a bit longer before reaching out can sometimes yield better results.

If more than a week has passed, it is a good idea to reach out. You can start by telephoning the HR department to ask for an update. This is a low-stakes approach that may get you the information you need without putting too much pressure on the hiring team. However, be prepared for a disappointing response. For example, I once applied for a planning role with a company that supplies parts to the automotive industry. The interview went well, and I was informed an offer letter would be sent to me within a week. However, nothing came. Upon calling them, I was told the position had been filled, and they knew nothing of my application. It is possible that someone else was deemed more suitable for the role, or that your current manager wanted to keep you in your current position (the 'old boys network' at work).

How to Follow Up Professionally

When you decide to follow up, reach out to the department head who was involved in the second interview. This person is more likely to have up-to-date information about the hiring process. Here's how you can go about it:

Subject Line

Be clear and concise in your subject line. Mention that you are following up on your recent interview. For example:

Subject: Follow-Up: [Date of Second Interview]

Opening

Start by thanking the department head for the opportunity to interview for the position. This shows appreciation and professional courtesy:

Dear [Department Head's Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] at [Company Name]. I enjoyed the conversation and was impressed by the potential to contribute to the team.

Express Continued Interest

Reiterate your interest in the role and the company. This demonstrates that you are still very much interested and can be a valuable asset:

Given [Company Name]'s reputation in the industry and the opportunity to work on [specific project or aspect of the role], I remain very interested in the [Position] at [Company Name].

Inquire About Timeline

Politely ask if there is any update on the status of your application and when you can expect to hear back:

As you have shared [Date], I wanted to follow up and see if there has been any progress on [Position] at [Company Name]. Would it be possible to get an update on where we stand in the hiring process?

Closing

Thank them for their time and consideration. Offer to provide any additional information they may need:

I am excited about the potential of joining [Company Name] and would be more than happy to provide any additional information or support during the hiring process.

Thank you once again for your time, and I look forward to your guidance and any updates you may have.

Additional Tips

It is important to remember that delays are common in the hiring process. Employers and recruiters are often juggling multiple candidates and may be short on time. However, a polite follow-up can help keep you on their radar and convey your enthusiasm for the role.

Remember to keep your email brief and to the point. You want to be clear and concise without being overly pushy. If there have been delays, a polite follow-up can often help the hiring process along and keep you at the top of their list.

Conclusion

Following up after a second interview can be crucial, especially if you have not heard back within a reasonable timeframe. By being patient, professional, and courteous, you can increase your chances of getting an update or even a second glance. Stay positive and persistent, and you may be one step closer to landing your dream job.