This post was originally posted on Planner Bee.

Job interviews can be nerve-racking, but how you follow up can make all the difference in your chances of landing the job. Following up after an interview shows interest, professionalism, and enthusiasm – but there’s a fine line between being proactive and being pushy. Here are the essential dos and don’ts to take note of when following up after a job interview.

Why follow up after a job interview?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s clarify why following up is important. In today’s competitive job market, employers meet with numerous candidates for a single role. A well-timed and thoughtful follow-up can help you stand out and reaffirm your enthusiasm for the position. It also shows your attention to detail and professional courtesy, qualities that employers appreciate.

In addition, it gives you an opportunity to reiterate why you are the best candidate for the role. A follow-up can also help ensure that your application remains on the interviewer’s radar.

The dos of following up

1. Send a thank you email

One of the most important steps after an interview is to send a thank you email. This should be done within 24 hours after the interview. It’s a simple gesture that goes a long way in expressing your gratitude for the opportunity. In your thank you note, you can:

• Express appreciation: Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration.
• Reaffirm your interest: Restate your excitement about the role and how you can contribute to the company.
• Mention key discussion points: Highlight any important moments or specific topics discussed from the interview that stood out or resonated with you.
• Be concise: Aim for a few paragraphs at most, be clear and to the point without overwhelming the reader.
• Use professional language: use proper grammar, punctuation and a professional greeting. While it’s good to be personable, avoid overly casual language or slang.

Example: “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with your team and contribute to specific project or company goal. Our discussion about specific topic made me even more enthusiastic about joining your company.”

2. Be patient

While it’s natural to feel anxious after an interview, it’s important to give the employer time to complete their hiring process. If the interviewer mentioned a specific timeline, respect it. For example, if they said they’d get back to you in a week, wait until that time has passed before following up again.

3. Send a follow-up email if you’ve had no response

If you haven’t heard back after the expected timeline, it’s appropriate to send a polite follow-up email. Wait at least one week after the initial thank you email before doing this. When following up:

• Stay polite and professional: Avoid any sense of entitlement or frustration.
• Keep it brief: Mention that you’re still interested in the role and ask about the status of the hiring process.

Example: “I wanted to follow up to see if there are any updates regarding the job title position. I remain very interested in the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you.”

4. Tailor your follow-up to the company culture

Before following up, consider the company’s culture. For example, a more formal organisation might expect a professional tone, while a startup might appreciate a more casual, personable approach. Research the company’s communication style to ensure your follow-up aligns with their culture.

5. Keep the lines of communication open

Even if you don’t get the job, maintaining a positive relationship with the employer can benefit you in the future. Send a follow-up email thanking them again for their consideration, and express interest in being considered for future opportunities. Networking in this way leaves the door open for future roles.

6. Consider alternative follow-up methods

While emails are standard, you can also consider other methods if they are appropriate. For instance, you can send your interviewer a brief message on LinkedIn and connect with him or her. This helps to expand your professional connections as well.

Read more: 10 Most Common Interview Questions and How To Nail Them

The don’ts of following up

1. Don’t follow up too soon

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is following up too soon. Sending multiple emails within a short time frame can come across as impatient or even desperate. It can irritate the hiring manager and diminish your chances of being considered.

Respect the timeline given during the interview and give the employer space to make their decision. Hiring processes take time, and excessive communication may annoy decision makers.

A good rule of thumb is to send one thank you email and one follow-up email after the interview. Beyond that, let the employer reach out to you.

2. Don’t call or show up unannounced

While it might be tempting to pick up the phone or show up at the office to ask about your application status, this can be seen as intrusive and unprofessional. Most companies have clear processes for contacting candidates, and going outside those channels can work against you.

3. Don’t be overly casual

Even if you feel the interview went really well, it’s important to maintain a professional tone in your follow-up communication. Avoid using slang, emojis, or overly informal language in your emails, as this can come across as unprofessional.

4. Don’t be vague

Being unclear about your intentions can lead to misunderstandings. Clearly state why you are following up, whether it’s to express appreciation or to ask about next steps.

Avoid sending generic messages to your interviewers. Try to tailor your communication to reflect your unique conversation with each interviewer and show genuine interest.

5. Don’t forget to proofread

A follow-up email, just like your CV and cover letter, represents your attention to detail. Spelling errors or grammar mistakes can make a poor impression. Always take a few extra minutes to proofread your message before hitting send. Try reading aloud to catch awkward phrasing or mistakes that might have slipped through unnoticed.

6. Don’t bring up salary or benefits too soon

While it’s essential to know about compensation, bringing it up immediately after an interview can be off-putting. Allow the employer to initiate discussions about salary and benefits before bringing it up yourself. It is also recommended to emphasise how you can contribute to their goals before discussing compensation.

7. Don’t ignore red flags

If something felt off during your interview, don’t ignore those feelings in your follow-up. Trust your instincts. If you felt uncomfortable or sensed that the company culture might not align with your values, take time to reflect before proceeding. If doubts linger, consider whether this is the right opportunity for you before continuing with follow-ups.

Read more: 5 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Accepting a Job

What if you don’t hear back?

It’s disappointing not to hear back after an interview, but it is part and parcel of a job hunting process. If a company doesn’t respond after your thank you and follow-up emails, it’s best to move on gracefully. Sometimes, companies are busy, or the hiring process can be delayed for reasons beyond your control. Instead of dwelling on it, focus on other job opportunities and continue to prepare for future interviews.

Take this time to reflect on your interview experience and identify areas for improvement. Consider practising responses to questions you found challenging or refining your approach to highlight your strengths more effectively. By focusing on preparing for the next opportunity, you’ll be better equipped to succeed when it comes.

In cases where you feel it’s appropriate, you can send one final email after several weeks to politely close the conversation:

Example: “I wanted to touch base one final time regarding the job title position. I understand the hiring process can take time, but I wanted to reiterate my continued interest in the role. Thank you again for considering me, and I hope to have the opportunity to work with you in the future.”

Read more: 21 Questions To Ask at Your Job Interview

By following the above dos and avoiding the common don’ts, you can leave a positive and lasting impression on potential employers, increasing your chances of landing the job.

Always remember that professionalism and respect for the employer’s timeline are key, and regardless of the outcome, maintaining a courteous and thoughtful approach can open doors for future opportunities.