Congratulations on completing your remote job interview! While the most challenging part may be over, some work still needs to be done to take you over the finish line.

Following up after a remote job interview is as important as the interview itself. It shows your enthusiasm and interest in the position, which can set you apart from other candidates, so this is a crucial step in the process.

To help you navigate this process, here are best practices and advice on following up after a remote job interview.

Send a Thank-You Note

One of the most important things you can do after a remote job interview is to send a thank-you note to the interviewer.

The note can be an email or a video, but it should be sent within 24-48 hours after the interview. The thank-you note should express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.

Be sure to personalize the note by mentioning specific details from the interview. For example, if the interviewer mentioned a project or initiative the company is working on, you could mention how excited you are to contribute. This shows you were engaged and paying attention to what was said during the interview.

Follow Up on Action Items

During the interview, the interviewer may have mentioned that they would follow up with you on a particular item, such as a reference check or a second interview.

If they didn’t note any action items, you could ask at the end of the interview what the next steps are.

Following up on any action items within the timeframe discussed during the interview is essential. This shows that you are proactive and responsible, and it also keeps you top of mind for the interviewer.

Be Patient

After the interview, it can be tempting to follow up with the interviewer immediately to find out if you got the job. However, it’s essential to be patient and give the interviewer time to decide.

Depending on the company and the position, it could take a few days or weeks.

If the interviewer gave you a specific timeline for when you could expect to hear back, be sure to follow that timeline.

If they didn’t give you a timeline, you could follow up after a week or two to express your continued interest in the position and ask for any updates.

Keep Networking

While you wait to hear back from the interviewer, it’s important to keep networking and exploring other job opportunities. This gives you a backup plan in case you’re unsuccessful.

Connect with people in your industry on LinkedIn, attend networking events (virtual or in-person), and continue to apply for other jobs that interest you.

You never know when a new opportunity may arise, and it’s good to have a Plan B.

Address Any Concerns or Questions

Send a polite email to the interviewer or hiring manager, thanking them for their time and expressing that you have some follow-up questions or areas you should have addressed in the interview. This will ensure the hiring manager fully understands what you can bring to the company.

Be Professional and Polite

Maintaining a professional and polite demeanor throughout the follow-up process is essential. This means avoiding aggressive or pushy behavior, which could harm your chances of being selected for the position.

Remember that the hiring process can take time, and delays or unforeseen circumstances can impact the timeline. Be patient and professional, and respect the interviewer’s time and priorities.

Don’t Give Up

Finally, it’s important to remember that the job search process can be long and challenging. Take the opportunity to learn from the experience and refine your approach. Even if you don’t get the job you interviewed for, don’t give up hope.

Consider asking the interviewer for feedback on your interview to identify areas for improvement. Use this feedback to refine your approach for future interviews, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks or rejection.

Following these best practices and staying focused on your goals can increase your chances of success in the job search process. Good luck!