
You know you nailed yesterday’s interview with that construction firm working on the new entertainment complex going up downtown. Your recent certifications really stood out and your past experience makes you an ideal candidate. Plus, you and the hiring manager bonded over your mutual love of golf, and were laughing and joking by the end of the meeting.
However, it’s been a few days and you haven’t heard a word. No voice mails, no emails, and now you’re starting to worry. What did you forget?
The Follow-Up.
A well-timed follow-up note, phone call or email can help you stay on the top of the applicant pile. It reminds the hiring manager of your interest in the position, without seeming desperate for employment. It also allows you to check in on the position, as well as offer any additional information you may have forgotten in the original interview.
Follow-ups are both an art and a science. They should be brief and optimistic, conversational yet professional. There are many different ways to follow up after an interview; how and when you do it is almost as important as the interview itself.
Who should you follow up with after an interview?
Whether one-on-one or group style, you need to connect with anyone and everyone involved in your interview. Send a brief thank you note or email to each person you met within 24 hours to show that you respect and appreciate their time. It also shows that you are the type of construction worker who follows through on your job duties and will treat others on the crew with respect.
How should you follow up after an interview?
If the interview is with a more traditional company, go with a handwritten note. However, if you have access to the hiring manager’s email address, then that can sometimes be an efficient and effective choice. If you’re still unsure, use the last medium of communication, meaning that if the job site manager has been contacting you by phone, the best way to follow up is also by phone. A handwritten note shows the most thought, while a phone call is the most direct line of communication.
When should you follow up after an interview?
There are several key timeframes for following up after an interview. First, and most importantly, deliver your thank you message within 24 hours. After that, once a week to check in on the hiring process is completely acceptable. Before you leave the interview, ask them for a timeframe; if you know they’ll make a decision in a week, you can time your follow-ups more effectively.
What should you say in your follow up?
Repeat these words: Thank, Remind, Ask.
Thank the participants for their time and, remind them, briefly, why you are qualified for the job and excited for the opportunity. End the note by asking about the next steps in the hiring process or for clarification on the job description. You can even ask for specific details about the project you’ll be working on.
Also, a follow-up is a great way to recover if you feel that your first impression might have missed the bulls-eye. You can provide them with additional resources that really describe your skills or even have your references write recommendation notes. Be sure to reiterate your strengths. Do you have an associate’s degree or additional certifications? Are you trained in specific safety measures? Have you been a team lead? Consider highlighting the abilities that make you stand out, the ones that position you as a top-notch employee.
The follow-up intimidates many job seekers. At CCS Construction Staffing, we are focused on helping our candidates feel at ease during the job hunt. Whether you’re looking for full-time, part-time, temporary or contract work, we are right there with you for every step of the hiring process. Email one of our elite recruiters today and let’s get you on the path to your ideal career.