Business English - Following Up Professionally After an Interview

Activity 1: Let's Get Started! (Warm-up)

Think about this: After you send a thank-you note, what if you don't hear from the company for a while? Is it okay to contact them again? What would you say if you did?

Activity 2: New Words (Vocabulary)

Here are some new English words. These words will help us talk about what to do after a job interview if you don't hear back.

Follow Up (verb/noun): To contact someone again after you have already talked to them, like after an interview.

Example: It is okay to follow up with an email if you don't hear back from them.

Update (noun): New information or news about what is happening, for example, with the job decision.

Example: You can send a short email to politely ask for an update on the job.

Timeline (noun): The plan for when things are expected to happen, especially when they might make a hiring decision.

Example: In your thank-you note, you can ask about the hiring timeline.

Polite (adjective): Having good manners and being respectful in your words and actions when you communicate.

Example: Always be polite and respectful when you follow up with a company about a job.

Patient (adjective): Able to wait calmly for news or a decision without getting upset, annoyed, or sending too many messages.

Example: It is important to be patient while waiting to hear back after an interview and a follow-up.

Keen (adjective): Showing that you are still very interested, enthusiastic, and excited about the job opportunity.

Example: When you follow up with the company, show that you are still keen on the position.

Activity 3 (Reading)

Let's read about David. He had a job interview last week and is wondering what to do next.

David had a job interview last week at a nice company. He sent a thank-you note by email right away on the same day. During the interview, the manager mentioned a general hiring timeline and said they would probably make a decision in about one week. Now, a little more than a week has passed, and David hasn't heard anything back. He decides it's okay to follow up with them.

He wants to ask for an update on their decision, but he knows he must be very polite and professional. He decides to write a short and friendly email. In the email, he will remind the interviewer about their conversation and the job he applied for. He will also say that he is still very keen on the job and the company because he thinks it's a great opportunity. He doesn't want to sound demanding, so he will simply ask if there's any news on their hiring process or if they need any more information from him. David knows it is also important to be patient. He understands that companies are often busy with many applications. He hopes his polite follow-up email will show he is still interested and professional. After sending the email, he will continue his job search while he waits for their reply.

Think about the story:

Why did David decide to follow up with the company? (Hint: think about the timeline).
How did David plan to be polite in his follow-up email when asking for an update?
What did David want to show by saying he was still keen on the job, and why is it important to be patient after following up?

Activity 4: Role Play

Read this dialogue with a partner. One person is Sarah (who is wondering about following up after an interview), and the other is Tom (her friend who has some advice).

Sarah: Tom, I had that job interview ten days ago. I sent a thank-you note the same day, but I haven't heard anything back from them yet.

Tom: It's okay to follow up after some time has passed, Sarah. Don't worry too much about bothering them if you do it right.

Sarah: Really? I wasn't sure if I should. How long should I usually wait before I send a message?

Tom: Well, if they gave you a timeline for their decision, maybe wait a few days past that date. If they didn't give a date, then about a week or maybe two weeks after your thank-you note is usually fine.

Sarah: Okay. What should I say when I follow up? Should I just ask them directly if I got the job or not?

Tom: It's usually better to politely ask for an update on their decision process or the status of the position. And always, always be very polite in your message.

Sarah: So, just a short and polite email asking for any news about the job? That sounds okay.

Tom: Yes, that's perfect. It's also a good idea to say again that you are still very keen on the role. It shows your continued interest and enthusiasm.

Sarah: That sounds like good advice. It's just so hard to be patient when you really want the job and are waiting for news!

Tom: I know that feeling! But being patient and professional in your communication is very important. Good luck with your follow up email!

After reading, discuss: What is one polite way to start an email when you want to follow up with a company to ask for an update about a job application?

Activity 5: Let's Practice

Objective: Practice using the new vocabulary about following up after an interview.

Scenario: Maria (the learner) is asking her older brother, Alex, for advice about what to do after her job interview because she hasn't heard back yet.

Alex: Hi Maria, how are you feeling after your interview last week? Have you heard anything from the company?

Maria: I think the interview went well, but no, I haven't heard anything yet. Is it okay to with them to ask what's happening?

Alex: Yes, definitely, especially if it's been a while. Did they tell you about their hiring , like when they thought they would make a decision?

Maria: They said they would probably decide in about a week. It's been a little longer than that now. I just want to get an on what's going on.

Alex: You should send a short email then. Just make sure your message is very and friendly, not demanding at all.

Maria: Okay, I will be very careful with my words. I also want them to know I still really want the job. How can I show I'm still about the opportunity?

Alex: You can definitely say that in your email – that you remain very interested. And remember, after you send your follow-up email, try to be while you wait for their answer; these things can take time.

Try to fill in the blanks with appropriate words or phrases from this lesson!