What You Should Never Say in a Follow-Up Email After an Interview

What You Should Never Say in a Follow-Up Email After an InterviewWhat You Should Never Say in a Follow-Up Email After an InterviewWaiting is one of the most torturous parts of the job hunt.You apply and then you wait. If youre lucky, you get a phone screening- and then you wait some mora. Next? The interview. Followed by even more waiting.Its frustrating. And, when youre eager to check in and get an idea of what happens next, youll likely send a follow-up emailto the recruiter or hiring manager.Thats perfectly acceptable (in fact, doing so can demonstrate your interest and level of engagement in the process). But, with that said, you do need to be careful about exactly what you say in that check-in note of yours.Here are four things you should never say in a follow-up email after an interview.1. If I dont get this job, I dont know what Ill doYouve been compulsively refreshing your inbox for ages, and those long periods of not hearing anything are enough to make anyone crazy. However, emotional threats like this one wont do you any favors. On the contrary, they only make you seem desperate- and perhaps even a little unstable.Yes, you want that job. But, you still need to avoid unterstellung types of phrases that place even more of a burden on that employer. You can be enthusiastic about the opportunity without making it the thing thats solely responsible for your happiness and well-being.Say This Instead Im still very interested in your company and this position, and am looking forward to any next steps.2. This job would be so good for me, becauseThis is a trap thats easy to fall into. You want to talk about all of the ways that new role would positively impact your life.Heres the brutal truth prospective employers dont care. It might seem selfish or cold-hearted, but they want to know about how youll add value to their company- as opposed to how they can benefit you.Resist the urge to rant and rave about all of the reasons that job would improve your life, and place the majority of your emphasis on what you bring to the table (and how that contributes to any company goals).Say This Instead Im looking forward to discussing this role more, as well as how my extensive marketing experience can help Company XYZ gain increased recognition in the industry.3. I need to hear back from you byThe waiting is driving you insane, and you just want any sort of estimate of when that cruel form of torture will be over. In your lowest points, its tempting to institute your own deadline for that hiring manager.If you do have an offer from another company on the table, its copacetic to let the other employer know and ask when they might have a decision on their end so you can weigh your options. But, the operative word there is ask- you dont want to dole out rude demands.If you dont have another offer and are simply aiming to figure out how much longer youre going to need to wait? Dont bother implementing your own end date- it only comes across as rude. Your e better off asking if they already have a hiring timeline in place.Say This Instead Im wondering if you have a timeline in place for when youre aiming to make your decision?4. Why is this taking so long?You have plenty of grievances to air about how painfully long this process is- and, you absolutely can get those off your chest to your friends or family members.When it comes to your correspondence with that potential employer, however, you dont want to let any complaints slip out- regardless of how frustrated youre becoming.Remain upbeat and positive. Good things take time, and you need to be willing to wait for them. Doing so proves that youre highly invested in that company and open position and arent going to lose your cool as soon as the road gets a little rocky.Say This Instead I know the hiring process can take time, and Im eager to use any next steps to prove my value to your organization.Follow-up emails can be tricky to draft during your job search. You need to play it co ol, even when your insides are screaming, Just tell me whether or not I have the job, you inconsiderate monstersFortunately, you can craft a message thats polite and professional. Stay far away from these four phrases, and youre sure to set the right tone with your follow-up email.