How to Follow Up With a Recruiter

Speaking with a recruiter—often called a phone screen—is usually the first step in the interview process. During a phone screen, a recruiter will set up a time to talk to you, either by phone or video, in order to hear more about your background and your career goals via the common question, "Why are you looking for a new job?" It's also an opportunity for them to share more about the position they're recruiting for and their company's culture.

Following up with a recruiter after your initial conversation shows you are serious about the role, have a vested interest in continuing the interview process, and value the recruiter's time. In this article, we'll go over some of the best practices when it comes to following up with a recruiter so you can make a good impression.

How to follow up with a recruiter

The interview process still has a good deal of formality about it, and that includes the way you communicate around interviews. But consider it a chance to remain visible.

After speaking with a recruiter, it's recommended that you send them a thank you note within 24 hours. The method of contact you initially used with your recruiter should influence the method you choose to follow up. For example, if you've been emailing then you should email your thank you, and if you've been using LinkedIn to message one another, then you should follow up there. Recruiters often handle hiring for multiple roles and speak with numerous candidates per role, so it's helpful to keep your communication to one thread rather than starting a new one—or moving to a different platform.

In your note, you'll want to thank them for taking the time to speak with you, express your interest in the job, and state your availability for next steps, such as the hiring manager interview. 

Learn more: How to Follow Up on a Job Application

Initial follow-up email to a recruiter

When drafting your message, consider responding to the chain of communication you've already established via email or LinkedIn so you keep the conversation going. In the body of your email make sure to include the following:

1. Say hello and address the recruiter by their name.

2. Include a detail you discussed during your previous conversation.

3. Mention your excitement about the position.

4. Remind them about your availability for next steps.

5. Keep your email brief and close out the message with gratitude.

6. Make sure to proofread your email.

Initial follow-up email sample

Let's take a look at what this looks like in practice.

Hi Briana,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the exciting UX designer position at Company X. I really enjoyed hearing about the potential creative projects this role would contribute to, and remain interested in the position.

Given my experience working on multi-platform campaigns, similar to the kind Company X regularly produces, I believe I'd be a strong fit and would bring some big ideas to the team. Please let me know about the next steps.

Thank you,

Jarvis Tate

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Second follow-up email to a recruiter

During a phone screen, it's helpful to ask about the hiring team's timeline for next steps, so you can adjust your second follow-up accordingly. Generally, if you haven't heard back from the recruiter, you should wait five business weeks or a full week before following up a second time. (However, if you were told it would take longer to hear back then wait until that window has passed before reaching out a second time.)

For your second follow-up email, you'll follow a similar map to the one we outlined above, but this time you'll emphasize the next steps by inquiring about when you can expect to hear about the next stage of the interview.

Second follow-up email sample

The second follow-up email should be much briefer than the first, and serve as a kind of polite "nudge" to learn about the interview timeline. Use the example below to guide your own message:

Hi Briana,

I'm reaching out once more to follow up about the UX designer position at Company X. I so enjoyed speaking with you last week and look forward to hearing about the next steps in the interview process. Please let me know if there's anything else I can provide in the meantime.

Thank you,

Jarvis Tate

3 reasons why you should follow up with a recruiter  

Following up with your recruiter keeps the lines of communication open and serves to convey three important things:

1. It can help you stand out. 

Recruiters field a lot of candidates for a lot of roles. Following up can remind them that you are present and engaged. They’ll also see you’re serious about working for their company or organization.

2. It demonstrates your interest in the role.

Following up lets your recruiter know that you're truly interested in the position and want to continue participating in the interview process. This signals that you may be a good candidate to continue considering.

3. You can express your gratitude.

Even if you don't end up being the best fit for the role you've interviewed about, your conduct may make a lasting impression. When you're polite, express gratitude, and remain professional, you may be able to reach out to that recruiter in the future about new opportunities or remain on their radar as new roles open up.

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