How to Follow Up on No Response After an Interview

Why employers do not send a response after an interview 

A hiring manager may tell you on the day of the interview that they will be calling you the next week just to give you a general timeframe. However, many things can happen to change their response time. 

Here are some of the reasons why a company might not send a response after an interview:

  • The human resources department may get the updated calendar regarding the submittal of applicants’ job status announcements.
  • The managers themselves might still be in the process of interviewing candidates.
  • The positions may be held until later times due to a change in openings.
  • The position may be suddenly canceled or closed.
  • The supervisor may have left for travel without notice.
  • The supervisor may have left their position and the staff is being restructured.

Regardless of the reason, do not get easily discouraged. Because circumstances can change at any time, you should use direct methods of communication to contact the hiring manager if necessary. Reminding them about your interest is important and it can also show the initiative that you are the right fit for the position. 

Related: How to Make a Good Impression After Your Interview

How to follow up when there is no response after an interview 

Following up with an employer is an important step after interviewing because it shows how interested you are in the position you applied for. It also shows initiative on your part, and your motivation will come across as enthusiasm for the opportunity. 

Here are the ways you can communicate with an employer when you’re waiting for a response after an interview:

1. First, send an email after a few days or approximately one week 

Emailing is a great method of communication. It can help you gather your thoughts so you can use the right words. However, since you applied for the job and are ready to get working, do not delay in writing. If you think the time is reasonable, try asking when you can expect to receive a decision from the hiring manager. 

The subject line in the email should be concise and include your name. Begin by addressing the hiring manager by name. Then write a brief message to ask about the hiring process.

Email Example:

Subject: Following up on 10/12/2019 Job Interview – Greg Howard 

Hi Dr. Montgomery,

Thank you for interviewing me at the Glue Life Sciences Association last week. It was great to see that there were so many opportunities and positions available at the company. I learned a lot about what Glue does, and I already could see myself working as a junior lab technician in the biochemistry department. Do you have an update on the status of applicants in the consideration process? 

Thank you,
Greg Howard

In the first stages of the job interview process, emailing is a useful tool in solving matters smoothly. It is very convenient for both parties in terms of giving each other time to respond.

Related: Follow-Up Email Examples For After the Interview

2.  Call the company’s human resources department

As with all communications, there can be a misunderstanding. If you have completed step one of the process of successfully sending an email at your most appropriate time, but still have not received a reply, it is time to move on to step two. If you waited for a few days after emailing, you can contact the company’s human resources department to ask them a simple question.

Phone Call Example:

‘Hello! This is Joe Becky. I sent an email to Dr. Meredith last week in regards to my job application status, but have yet not received a response. Would you happen to know if Dr. Meredith is still interviewing applicants this week or considering applications?’

In a phone conversation like this, it may be helpful to mention whom you sent the email to so that the human resources representative can check the status faster. If they ask which position you have interviewed for, be prepared to explain that too.

In times when an email does not accomplish a task, human interaction is fundamental. Reaching out to them by phone can remind them of your continued interest and hopefully get a clarified answer that same day or soon after.