Asking if you got a job can be nerve-racking, but there are a few things you can do to make it easier.The most important part of properly asking for updates after you submit an application or go through an interview is doing so in a timely manner and choosing your words very carefully.By paying attention to these two aspects, you maintain a respectful relationship with the company and give the hiring manager another positive example of your attitude and what you would bring to the job.
Step 1: At your interview, ask about the next steps.
The hiring manager will ask if you have any questions at the end of the interview.It's a good time to ask more about the company or job, but you should also ask what happens next.If you can expect to hear from the company whether you got the job or not, ask the hiring manager how long the post-interview process might take.If you have questions, you can ask the hiring manager what the best way is to contact them.
Step 2: Don't ask if you got the job right away.
If you get the job, you might want to ask the hiring manager if you got it.Don't do this.It makes you look desperate, which can be a turn off for the hiring manager.The hiring manager might not be able to give you an answer right away.They might need to discuss all of the candidates with a larger group of people if they have more candidates to interview.
Step 3: After your interview, send a thank you note.
This isn't related to asking if you got the job, but it will keep you on your toes.In your note, remind the hiring manager of who you are, what you interviewed for, and something that excited you about the company or position.You can say thank you to Jim for interviewing for the assistant manager position at Jim's Bakery.Don't ask for an update about the position in this note, just use it to thank the manager for interviewing you.
Step 4: It's time for your follow up email.
Give the hiring manager or recruiters some time to review the interviews they did.They might need to speak to other people in the HR department, and are often prevented from discussing the opening until they have been given the green light to hire someone.Before you write a follow up email, give them a week to deal with those issues.Wait a few days after the hiring manager gives you an actual date to make a decision.The dates they give are usually optimistic.
Step 5: Tell the hiring manager who you are.
You should include your name, the position you applied for, and the date of your interview in your email.If you can remind the hiring manager who you are, they are more likely to respond.It's possible to say something like, "dear Jim, I hope things are going well."I was wondering if you could provide me with an update on the assistant manager position I interviewed for on May 5, 2017; I look forward to hearing from you.
Step 6: If you have had other offers, let the hiring manager know.
Chances are you are in the middle of a job search, interviewing for a new position.Let the hiring manager know if you received another offer while waiting for your first choice.This increases the likelihood that you will hear back.I hope you are doing well, Emily.I wanted to check on the status of the position I was interviewing for.I received an offer from another company, but I am still interested in joining ABC consulting.Can you give me an update on the position?Thank you for your time.
Step 7: Limit your check-ins.
If the hiring manager encourages you to check in until you get an answer, it can be tempting to do so.You should limit yourself to no more than three check-ins.You should move on to the other positions if you don't get an answer by then.You can still get the job if you don't hear after three check-ins.It means that the timeline is longer than you thought, and you don't want to waste time on it when you could be working on other leads.