Why do I need to ask about my job application status after an interview?
There are a few common reasons to ask about your job application after an interview, including:To show appreciation
The hiring process can be time consuming for both employers and candidates. Contacting an employer to ask about a job application status is a great opportunity to communicate your appreciation for the time the employer has spent reading applications, conducting interviews and getting to know you as a candidate. This acknowledgment of appreciation may help display your empathy, consideration and professionalism. Related: Interview Techniques To Ace Your Next InterviewTo display interest
Employers may be aware of the tendency for candidates to apply for many positions at once. Calling or emailing an employer after an interview to ask about your application status can help show employers you are still interested in pursuing the position and are excited about the opportunity. Many employers want to hire candidates that show consistent interest in the positions for which they are applying, as this interest can be an indicator of potential long-term job satisfaction.To remind employers
Owning or managing a business often involves handling several responsibilities at once, which sometimes may lead to employers delaying or forgetting activities. Communicating with an employer that you recently interviewed with can help remind them of your conversation, which may enable them to arrive at a decision more quickly. Related: Top Phone Interview Questions to Ask Your InterviewerWhen do I ask about my job application status after an interview?
At the end of an interview, it is common to ask about possible next stages within the hiring process and when you can expect to hear a decision. This shows you are still interested in the position after interviewing and are ready to take initiative to begin the job. If the employer answers this question by providing a date by which they plan to update you, and you do not hear from the employer on the date they provided, it may be useful to ask about your job application status the following day. If you did not ask the employer about their decision timeline during the interview and they did not offer a date by which they planned to follow up with you, consider waiting one to two weeks after your interview before reaching out. This gives the employer time to consider your applications and the other candidates.Tips for asking about your job application status
Here are some tips that may help you when asking about your job application status:- Be courteous and efficient: Employers can often only dedicate a certain amount of time to talking with potential employees during hiring processes. When interacting with potential employers, be succinct and courteous of their time.
- Be direct with your request: Whether communicating verbally or in writing, be straightforward about why you're reaching out and what information you're seeking. This allows you to keep your request brief while demonstrating your communication skills.
- Embrace confidence and positivity: It may help to communicate your interest while also maintaining that you are offering your valuable skills, abilities and experience to an organization. If you accept employment with an organization, it is a mutually beneficial exchange of value.
- Communicate alternative methods of communication: Employers may have different ways they prefer to communicate with candidates. Including your phone number within emails and your email address in any voicemails allows employers to choose their preferred method and ensures they always have some way to contact you easily about updates.
- Limit the number of check-ins: It may be best to limit the number of times that you ask employers about your job application status after an interview, as this demonstrates respect for the hiring manager's time and expertise. One email or phone call is often enough to reiterate your enthusiasm for the position.