How to ask if you got the job

Congratulations! You wrapped up a promising interview! Now, you want to know how to ask if you got the job you’re so excited about. Is it too pushy to ask if you got the job? Will that put them off? Or, could it show initiative, interest and action? 

Job Interview in Office

At Masiello Employment Services, we know that job searches can be stressful. The high intensity process can be fraught with hoops to jump through and communications to nail. Often, first impressions make or break your possibility of an offer.

Our expert staffing managers love working with qualified job seekers to approach the application and interview process with ease and confidence from 35 years of making successful matches. Read our blog from 2020 on what to do and what not to do, while waiting to hear back after an interview. 

Welcome to the team 

The Good News

Happily, in most cases you don’t have to sit home waiting to hear from the hiring personnel. Using professional language, it is completely ok to inquire about the status of your interview and it often helps to show your commitment.

Your personal Masiello Staffing Manager will work with you to compose individual follow-up communications from start to finish. Together, we will tailor follow-ups and help you to make sure everything gets to the right desk. With our guidance, you can relax and know you’re in good hands!

Let’s dig into great ways to demonstrate your desire for the job, nudge your future employer into sharing the good news and calm your butterflies.

Take Initiative 

How long do you have to wait before you can ask if you got the job? An ideal time to start is during the interview itself. When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any further questions?” you can be ready with: “What are the next steps in [their company’s] hiring process?”  This will set you up with a timeline of when you can expect to hear from them rather than leaving you guessing.   

Patience is a Virtue

If the hiring personnel did provide you with a specific date to anticipate their communication and you haven’t yet heard from them, it’s best practice to wait until 1-2 business days after their planned communication to reach out. 

If they did not give you a timeline, it’s appropriate to wait 1-2 weeks after the interview before following up. The interview process can be very involved if they have a number of applicants to coordinate schedules with, so not hearing back right away does not indicate you didn’t get the position. 

How to Ask if You Got the Job

Compose a professional email and take the time to draft it with sincerity. Emailing gives you the time to plan ahead and present your case smoothly. If you do not get a reply after a few more days, a second follow-up email is recommended prior to calling. 

When reaching out, remind them who you are. Thank them for their time and consideration. State that you are still interested in the position and politely inquire as to the status of the hiring process. It’s important to be concise. Don’t forget to let them know how to reach you. Here is more information and templates to help you write your best inquiry. 

Before You Call

Take a moment to collect your thoughts, even write them down. Be in a quiet location. Consider that you may get a voicemail, so have a well thought out plan with your most relevant details and questions.

Thank You Letter

Thank You Letters Never Go Out of Style

Reaching out after the interview can showcase your professionalism. A simple thank you letter or email sharing that you were grateful for their time demonstrates what a thoughtful team member you can be. You may even mention that you can’t wait to become part of their business. 

A Quick Query

Send out a light inquiry as to the status of the interview process, not in a demanding or annoying way, but rather just to stay in their minds as a sincere and qualified applicant. This is a way to stay connected without actually asking if you got the job. Instead, you can ask if they have a preferred follow-up process. 

Present a New Idea

Remind the interviewer of a conversation you shared during the interview. Explain that you have had a chance to give it further consideration and have some new ideas. Present one, or multiple, helpful concepts that can aid the company’s goals or show you have done subsequent research. This shows you are motivated and a good listener. 

Shaking Hands at Job Interview

Three’s a Crowd

When it comes to job offers, companies will take initiative if their ideal applicant is being poached by the competition. Signaling that you have other offers can speed up the timeline on your preferred application. With professionalism, simply share that you have another offer but would still like to know their decision. 

Use Your Resources

Let the experienced staffing managers at Masiello coach you through this whole process so you can feel more confident and stress less. Utilizing our knowledge and networks can make the difference between securing the job of your dreams and settling for what falls down the ladder into your lap. We can provide you with information on every next step you need to make your career goals into your reality. Contact us now to get started!