beyond.com bug
Keywords:

Article title or keywords
Category:

Select an article category
Article Search Directory

Is a Follow-Up Call Better Than a Follow-Up E-mail?

Posted By: Jessica Holbrook In: Job Seeker - Interview
Is a Follow-Up Call Better Than a Follow-Up E-mail?

Being a part of a technology-driven society that regularly encourages electronic communication, it makes sense that a job seeker would feel justified in handling any part of a job application process in this manner. However, after a job interview, it’s important to note that the rules change a little bit.

It Depends

When it comes to choosing whether to follow up an interview with a phone call or an e-mail, it may be best to go with the phone call if you can. This may leave you feeling a bit confused after you’ve handled virtually every other part of the application process electronically (except for the interview itself). But there are inherent benefits for you in calling after the interview.

First, you have an opportunity to have a quick and open dialogue that could take hours or days to complete via e-mail. Second, you have an opportunity to add personality to your communication, which is more difficult via e-mail. And third, you increase your chances of learning how you fared in the interview sooner—as opposed to waiting for an e-mail that may not be returned for days.

However, chances are good that you may not receive a return call or be able to reach the hiring manager. In which case an e-mail is always appreciated as a way of saying thank you for your time. Personally, I still prefer to receive a hand written thank you note over a phone call or e-mail. Call me old-fashioned but a thank you note says you took the time and you appreciated that I took my time to meet with you.

Are There Exceptions to the Rule?

Of course, as with any other rule, there could be exceptions to the post-interview follow-up phone call. One is if you have already been advised to communicate via e-mail because, for example, the interviewer will be traveling and won’t be able to answer the phone.

The world of job interviewing can be a tough and sometimes confusing one, so don’t feel bad about things you don’t know. By taking time to educate yourself before you act, you will find that your application process will flow smoothly. I think the most important key to note here is – no matter how you choose to follow up, it is important that you do so!
 
What do you think?
Please complete the form below to submit a comment on this article. A valid email address is required to submit a comment though it will not be displayed on the site.

Comments
Posted by: Barbara
I am a firm believer that if you send a thank you note, it should most definitely be hand written vs email!
Posted by: Barbara
Good information - thank you!
Posted by: Innocent Muwadziripi
Wonderful
Posted by: Jory
Sounds great to me
Posted by: Zariel
That's way the best answer so far!
Posted by: Trish
At last, someone comes up with the "right" answer!
Posted by: Patrick Marsiglia
This is good to read up on points of interest that are critical and sometimes overlooked.  These articles of important information are helpful to me, as it has been quite some time since  interviewing.  Thanks!
Are you looking for an opportunity to get your ideas and articles published?
Post an Article
Beyond.com is a Registered Trademark of Beyond.com, Inc.
Beyond.com Career Network © 2001 - 2011 Beyond.com, Inc.