Career communication skills for the recruitment process

Following up after an application or interview

Whilst you may be advised as to whether your application has been successful, the reality in many cases is that you may not hear from the organisation or alternatively, it may take some time for you to have an outcome to your application.  So, what are some guidelines for when and how to follow up if a period has elapsed and you have not had any contact from the hiring organisation?

A suggested timeframe for your follow up might consider a couple of aspects:

  • If a timeframe is established within the interview, you can follow up after that period of time has elapsed.
  • If no timeframe is communicated, a reasonable period such as 2-3 weeks would be reasonable.

Email or phone would be preferable and a suggested approach could be:

  • Application sent

    Dear x,

    I hope you're well. I’m writing to follow up on my application for the [Job Title] role submitted on [Date]. I remain very interested in the opportunity to contribute to [Name of organisation] and am keen to bring my [briefly mention relevant skill/experience]. I understand you're likely busy, but I would appreciate any updates on the recruitment process.

  • After interview stage

    Dear x…

    ‘Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the x position. I remain very interested in the opportunity to contribute to x (organisation).

    I would just like to follow up as any updates on the recruitment process and whether there may be more information that you require from me at this stage. …’

Negotiating after a job offer

Congratulations! If an organisation is making an offer you’ve no doubt made a positive impression during the hiring process. However, you may wish to negotiate aspects to your offer. This is a normal part of the process with some degree of flexibility to most components of an offer by an employer. These components might include salary, start date, flexibility in your hours and/or remote working, leave and other aspects. Being confident in your approach and aware of the value you bring will be key in successfully negotiating for what you want.

Timing your negotiations is critical and really needs to occur prior to signing any contract. Typically, a verbal offer is made first, followed up by the written offer.  Your ‘window’ for negotiating ideally will be 2–5 business days of receiving an offer.

  • Do your research first. Look at industry salary trends – Seek, Michael Page and graduate salary websites. Recognise though that in some instances graduate program salary offers may be fixed and will not always be negotiable.
  • Stay enthusiastic about the opportunity and reiterate this early in any communication.
  • Be specific about what you want: i.e. 4 day working week, leave inclusive of x date to x date for a prebooked holiday, a salary base of $X plus superannuation of $x
  • Anticipate that you may not necessarily achieve what you are looking for but plan for this and reflect upon what you are prepared to accept as bottom line or ‘give up’ in favour of other offer components.