Getting selected for a job after an interview is one of the best feelings ever. During which you may have several questions. The best way to solve those queries is to ask for an update from the recruiter.
However, that is not so easy. You can’t contact the recruiter any time you want. You must follow some protocols so the recruiter doesn’t feel bombarded with your questions.
While asking a recruiter for an update, you must ensure that you only stick to questions regarding your job and recruitment process. Do not try to pry out any other information, as that will go against you.
You can ask for updates regarding the next phases of the interview process, check if your request has been granted, or ask about any documents you may have to carry. Asking the recruiter for updates is the best way to get the correct information regarding your recruitment process. And you are sure to get accurate answers.
Why May You Need to Ask The Recruiter For Updates?
Most recruiters will tell you everything about the job interview process immediately. However, recruiters are also very busy people.
The HR team screens multiple candidates throughout the day for various positions across the company. So there may be times when they are delayed and have been unable to update you.
In other cases, you may receive an auto-generated email saying, “You will hear from us soon” or “We will get back to you soon.” But nothing happens, and no one calls.
In such cases, you can ask the recruiter for an update after waiting for a suitable amount of time. You may then reach out asking for an update.
For example, your recruiter may have told you that you will hear from them after three to four days. But you did not. So once the four days are over, you can ask the recruiter for an update, stating why you called.
Why is it Important to Get an Update From a Recruiter?
Sometimes, you must ask for an update from the recruiter, especially if it’s your dream job. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reinstate your interest in the position. They might not have contacted you because they could be considering someone else for the position.
In such cases, asking for an update will make them go through your CV and interview again, and they might decide to give you another chance. If they do not hear from you, they could assume you are no longer interested and move ahead with someone else. Hence, asking for an update is perfectly alright if you are interested.
If Asking The Recruiter For an Update Help You in Any Way?
Yes, asking the recruiter for an update after a reasonable period has passed can help you in several ways.
- It helps dissipate your curiosity and anxiety. You know for sure whether you made it to the next stages of the hiring process or landed the job, depending on the stage of the hiring process you were in.
- Asking for an update is also like following up. If you can express your interest at this point, it will remind the recruiter about all the good aspects of the interview and your strong points.
- You know whether you have any chance of making it into the company. Even if your recruiters inform you that you are not in the running anymore, it will leave you free to pursue other openings in other companies and move ahead rather than waiting and hoping.
How Long Should You Wait Before Asking For an Update?
Suppose your recruiter had mentioned a given number of business days, after which they were supposed to contact you but didn’t. In that case, you can contact them after those days are over.
On the other hand, if they hadn’t mentioned any time frame within which they were supposed to get back, it won’t be right to contact them immediately for an update as you might come across as too desperate.
Since recruiters sometimes forget to call back or send a follow-up email, reaching out to them after a reasonable amount of time has elapsed is alright.
But since some recruiters only get in touch if you have made it to the next round or landed the job, you can reach out to know exactly where you stand. Then you can move ahead with your job hunting.
Steps to Ask a Recruiter For an Update Over Email
If you are thinking about emailing the recruiter for an update, this is how you go about it.
1. Subject Line
Do not leave the subject line blank. Remember that these emails are mostly directed to the HR teams of the company, and they have to sort through innumerable emails throughout the day. Your subject should clearly state what the email is about, or it may land in the trash.
2. Keep it Short
Keep your email short. Refrain from going into unnecessary details about your job position, as they will know who you are if the company is meticulous with the records.
Just state why you are contacting them, how much time has passed, and why you would like an update. Just mention the interview date or the last date you contacted the company.
3. Be Polite And Professional
Please do not say anything in the email about why the recruiters were late getting back to you or that you have been waiting for them. Simply state the reason why you are following up in your email with the customary thank you.
4. Reinstate Your Interest
It’s a good time to reinstate your interest in working for the company. You can sound interested without sounding too desperate. You can say that you are reaching out because you are excited about the position, so an update would be helpful.
How to Ask a Recruiter For an Update Over Email?
You may reach out to the recruiter over the phone. But you can email for an update if you are unsure when to call or if your call would go unanswered. Here is an example.
Subject: Seeking update about a job interview for Digital Marketing Executive
Hello Samantha,
Hope you are well.
I appeared for an interview on 25.04.2023 for the position of Digital Marketing Executive at (name of the company). You were my point of contact from HR. Hence I am reaching out to you.
My interviewer told me that I would be notified about the next stage of the interview process. However, so far, I have not heard anything.
Could you kindly give me an update? I was told there was another round of interviews I would have to go through if I made it past the first round. I am excited about this position; the update would help me prepare.
I hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks and regards,
(Your name and contact details)
What if Your Recruiter Does Not Reply to Your Email?
Once you have sent the email seeking an update about your hiring process, wait at least three working days for an answer. Since a recruiter goes through innumerable emails throughout the day, it could take a while for them to get back to you.
After waiting five more working days, you can send another email, following up with the previous email. If they still do not reply after a few days, try reaching them over the phone or head to the office for an update.
Refrain from trying to contact your recruiter over social media platforms. Only use formal channels of communication like using the company email or website. If you call them, call over the office number, and only if someone tells you to reach them over their personal number should you do so.
However, refrain from sending multiple emails or berating your recruiter in any way for not answering. That would be highly unprofessional, and you may be blocked and refrained from ever applying to the company again.
The same goes if you hear from the recruiters with a negative answer. They may tell you that you did not make it to the next interview round or were not selected. Be courteous and thank them for the opportunity of appearing for the interview, stating that it was a learning process for you.
Should You Ask For an Update Even If You Have Another Job Offer?
That depends entirely on you. You can skip following up if you already have another lucrative job offer and are eager to join this other company. However, if you aren’t sure about your other offers, you must keep yourself in the running, and asking for an update is the way to go.
However, it is better not to state in your follow-up email that you have other offers because it may seem like you are trying to get leverage. That might not go down well with some recruiters. Hence, keep these details to yourself and only ask about the relevant information related to your recruitment.
Conclusion
Waiting for a response from your recruiters can be difficult. Negative thoughts might creep up, and you feel stressed out. In such a scenario, try to Be patient with your response. Follow-up only after a reasonable time has elapsed.
That way, the recruiters will know you have a good reason to ask for an update, and most will fill you in with the required details immediately. Take the delay in your stride and, in the meantime, prepare yourself to perform better in the next phases of the recruitment period or for your job.
