What to Say When Following Up Two Weeks After Interviews

Following up could help you land the job.
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It's considered proper etiquette to follow up with a hiring manager after an interview, and while it's typically recommended that you do so within 24 hours, sometimes that just isn't possible. Perhaps the hiring manager told you she needed two weeks to make a decision, or maybe you've just been waiting for her to call you. Regardless of the circumstances, it's better to follow up two weeks after your interview than to skip on following up entirely, and you should know what to say before contacting the interviewer.

Methods

    Thanks to modern technology, you're far from limited when it comes to the communication method you choose to follow up through. Send an email, make a phone call or write a short note to express your thanks and reaffirm your interest in the position. According to a 2012 survey conducted by Accountemps, 87 percent of polled employers preferred email follow ups, 81 percent preferred phone calls and 38 percent preferred to receive a handwritten note -- multiple responses were allowed. The least preferred methods revealed by the survey were social media and text message, so it's probably best to avoid either of those outlets.

Preparation

    If you took notes during the interview, have them handy to use as a reference while you write your follow-up message or call the interviewer. A copy of your resume is also helpful to have on hand. If you're calling the hiring manager, go to a quiet place free of distractions so you can clearly hear each other during the conversation and you're less likely to get sidetracked while talking to her. Practicing with your spouse or a friend can also help calm your nerves before calling, as well as help you master what you plan to say.

What to Say

    Begin your follow-up with a brief "thank you" to the interviewer, and tell her you enjoyed meeting her during your interview. Since it has been two weeks, you might not be on the fore-front of her mind and you might need to refresh her memory and tell her who you are. Tell her that you're following up and would like to know if the position is still available, and if so, that you're still highly interested in the job. Briefly recap your values and the assets you feel you can bring to the company. If you're sending an email or letter, reaffirm your gratitude at the end and sign off professionally. If you're speaking to her on the phone, politely thank her again before you hang up.

Tips and Considerations

    If it's at all possible for you to follow up sooner than two weeks after your interview, do so. When calling to follow up, smile as you speak -- it will be reflected in your voice and the hiring manager will pick up on the friendliness and warmth in your tone. Keep your follow up short and simple, and try not to ramble on. When sending a note or email, have someone proofread it first to ensure it's free of spelling mistakes, typos or grammatical errors.

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