Short answer: You bet!
But…there’s an art to it.
First of all, you always, always, always should tell the hiring manager near the end of your interview that you would like to be hired for the position.
Simply state, perhaps while you’re shaking hands goodbye, something along the lines of the following:
“Ms. Smith, I’m very interested in working for your company and I feel my skills and this position are a great fit. I’d like to work for you and I hope you’ll hire me for the position.”
You also, near the end of your time with the hiring manager, ask what the “next steps” are. You can even ask just that: “What are the next steps?”
The hiring manager will then tell you that she has several more people to interview and/or that the company will be choosing finalists for second interviews in a week, etc.
You then may say, “Is it OK, then, if I follow up with you in a week [or two weeks, if the hiring manager says it will take that long to interview more candidates] or so to see where you stand?”
Most hiring managers will say sure!
Then, in a week or so, call the hiring manager. Let her know you’re still interested in the position and ask if she needs any more information from you. If the hiring manager isn’t in, leave a voice mail message.
(All of this assumes, of course, that you have sent a thank you letter either by e-mail or regular mail. And you did, didn’t you!?
If she doesn’t contact you, don’t worry. Simply alternate contacting the hiring manager once a week (no more) via e-mail, phone, e-mail, etc. until either you’re called in for a second (third?) interview, you’re hired, or you’re told someone else got the job.
When you e-mail, offer something of value to the hiring manager. Send a link to an applicable news article (“Thought you might find this of interest.”) Or, better yet, send a sample of your work, etc.
The point is to be professionally proactive.
If you’d like more tips on how to follow up with employers in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, contact Arrow Staffing. We can give you great tips on the ins and outs of the job interview process and we’d look forward to helping you succeed in your career. Contact us today!