How To Follow Up After A Job Interview In Malaysia
By following up after a job interview, you’ll remind the hiring manager that you’re qualified and should be given serious consideration for the job position.
By Kimberly Chang on 2024-04-09 at 3:02 AM
Updated on 2024-10-04 at 3:28 AM
The Best Way To Follow Up After A Job Interview In Malaysia
Did you know that sending a thank-you email after the interview could give you an edge over the competition and reiterate your continued interest in the role?
Walking out of a job interview is often a mix of relief and excitement. You’ve prepared for weeks, presented your best self, and now, all that’s left is to wait. But is waiting really the best strategy? In Malaysia’s competitive job market, following up after an interview could be the one step that sets you apart from other candidates.
Why Following Up After a Job Interview in Malaysia Matters
As soon as you’ve changed out of your interview attire, you begin texting and calling your family and friends about how you think it went, and how excited you are to finally have a shot at being part of your dream company.
Fingers crossed, they like you and you’ll receive the offer letter this time next week. The waiting is going to be a torture, but it’s all in the employer’s hands now.
Not so fast.
In 2024 alone, Malaysia's employment landscape stands at a critical juncture, as the projected unemployment rate of 3.52% marks an unfortunate return to pre-pandemic levels. Surprisingly, only 1 in 10 candidates send a follow-up email after an interview, missing out on a valuable opportunity to reinforce their interest in the role.
By following up after a job interview, you’ll remind the hiring manager that you’re qualified and should be given serious consideration.
Want to stay ahead of the competition? A well-timed follow-up can be the gentle nudge that keeps you top of mind and increases your chances of landing that dream job.
How to Write an Effective Post-Interview Thank You Email
When to Follow Up After a Job Interview in Malaysia
Timing is crucial when sending a post-interview thank you email. If you send it too soon, you might come across as overly eager; too late, and you might lose the opportunity to stay memorable.
Ideally, send your email within 24 hours of the interview unless instructed otherwise.
The Art of Crafting the Perfect Post-Interview Thank You Email
There’s a fine line between demonstrating your enthusiasm and being perceived as overly persistent.
A follow-up email needs to be short, polite, and personal. Avoid being overly generic and take the opportunity to highlight specific points from the interview that show your enthusiasm for the role. Here's what you should include in the email:
- A note of gratitude for the interview opportunity
- A mention of why you're excited about the role and the company
- A reminder of your relevant qualifications and skills
- A polite inquiry about the next steps in the hiring process
Example:
"Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to your team, especially after learning more about [specific topic from the interview]. My skills in [related qualification] align well with the goals of your department, and I look forward to hearing about the next steps in the process.
Best regards,
[Your Name]"
Professionalism and Brevity
Proofread your emails before you send them. Be mindful of people’s names, spelling those incorrectly can knock you out of contention.
The hiring manager will not be able to hear you or picture your facial expressions, it’s up to you to decide what type of message and tone of voice would be most appropriate in this context.
Mention anything you wish you had said at the job interview, but didn’t get the chance to. This is also a good place to clarify what you intended to say if you misspoke or answered a question poorly earlier.
When and How to Follow Up If You Don’t Hear Back From the Interviewer
If you don’t hear back within a week of sending your thank-you email, it’s appropriate to send a polite follow-up. This shows continued interest without appearing impatient.
Be concise and professional when inquiring about the status of your application. If you don’t receive a response after two attempts, it may be time to focus on other opportunities.
What to Do If You Receive Feedback or an Offer
If you're offered the job, congratulations! Respond promptly to express your appreciation and enthusiasm for the role. If needed, ask for a few days to consider the offer before making a decision.
Handling Rejection Gracefully
Rejection can feel disheartening, but it’s important to take it in stride. Requesting feedback from the interviewer can help you understand what to improve for future opportunities. It shows professionalism and a willingness to grow.
Example Feedback Request:
"Thank you for informing me of your decision. I would appreciate any feedback you could provide regarding my interview performance. Your insights will help me improve for future opportunities."
How to Handle Ghosting from Employers After an Interview
Phone calls go unanswered, emails not acknowledged, texts not replied?
Ghosting—when an employer stops responding after an interview—is unfortunately becoming more common. If you’ve followed up and still hear nothing, it’s best to move on. While frustrating, don’t take it personally. Continue your job search with other potential employers.
The Value of Networking After a Job Interview
Even if you don’t get the job, keep the door open for future opportunities. Connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn and express your interest in future roles. Networking can expand your opportunities and lead to unexpected job prospects.
Looking to build your network and learn from industry leaders in your field? Join our Employer Branding Community and engage with like-minded professionals who are shaping the future of work in Malaysia!
Conclusion: Set Yourself Apart by Following Up After a Job Interview
Landing your dream job requires more than just acing the interview—it’s about what you do after you walk out of the room. The steps you take following the interview, such as sending a thoughtful follow-up, show that you’re not only interested in the position but also proactive and committed. It’s this level of professionalism that often distinguishes successful candidates from the rest.
By taking the time to follow up, you’re reinforcing your qualifications and demonstrating resilience, a trait that employers value highly. Each follow-up is an opportunity to learn from the experience, improve your approach, and stand out in a crowded field of applicants. In many cases, this simple yet impactful step can influence the hiring team’s decision or even reignite their consideration of your candidacy.
Remember, it’s the candidates who stay engaged and persistent that often leave a lasting impression. So, make your follow-up count—it could be the key to unlocking your next career opportunity!
Ready to put your follow-up skills to the test? Visit Hiredly and check out the top companies currently hiring in Malaysia!
By Kimberly Chang on 2024-04-09 at 3:02 AM