Strategic and Patient Follow-up

The interview is over, but the selection process is not. Properly following up after the interview is as important as the interview itself.

It requires strategy, patience and professionalism to keep your candidacy active without being annoying.

Connect on LinkedIn (If it's appropriate and you asked).

If during the goodbye you asked if you could connect on LinkedIn and the interviewer agreed, you can send a personalized invitation. If you didn't ask or the person seemed reluctant, it's best to refrain.

Using LinkedIn to connect can keep you on their radar for this or future opportunities, but always respect the situation.

Respect the deadlines indicated by the interviewer.

It is critical to respect the timelines the interviewer told you at the end of the interview.

If they told you they will make a decision in two weeks, don't contact them before then.

Following up too early can make you appear impatient or that you didn't listen to their directions.

How to Follow Up Without Being Pushy (Short, Professional Email)

If the deadline has passed and you haven't heard from them, or if they didn't give you a specific deadline and a reasonable amount of time has passed (e.g., one week), you can follow up.

The best way is usually a short, professional and polite email.

Briefly reiterate your interest in the position and politely ask if there are any updates on the process.

Avoid insistent phone calls unless you have been specifically instructed to call.

The goal is to remind them of your interest, not to pressure.

What to do if they don't respond (The reality of some companies, don't take it personally).

Unfortunately, some companies don't communicate the outcome to all of the candidates that are discarded. It's a bad practice, but it does happen.

If you've followed up politely (e.g. email after the deadline) and don't get a response, it's best not to push too hard.

Sending multiple emails or calling repeatedly can damage your image. Don't take it personally.

There can be many internal reasons why the process is delayed or not communicated (internal changes, priorities, etc.).

Assume that, if they are interested, they will contact you. In the meantime, keep looking for other opportunities.

Some companies use corporate portals to update status; if you were told to use that avenue, check it out.

Ask for feedback if you receive a rejection (Optional and tactful)

If you are told that you have not been selected, you may consider asking for feedback, although it is not always provided.

Make it very polite and optional in your thank you response for the n