Best Practices for Google Interview Follow-up: Key Steps

You nailed the interview at Google, but now comes the part that’s almost as nerve-racking: the follow-up. Did they like you? Will they call? Relax, we’ve got this.

By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to handle the post-interview wait with as much finesse as you handled those tricky interview questions.

Quick Takeaways:

  • Send your follow-up email 48 to 72 hours after the interview to show eagerness without appearing pushy.
  • Craft a personalized LinkedIn connection request a week post-interview, focusing on professional relationships, not job status.
  • Use the waiting time for constructive reflection and professional development, keeping your job search active and agile.

What’s the Best Timing for Your Follow-Up Email?

After acing your Google interview, you’re probably bubbling with anticipation and eagerness to reach out. Hold that thought! There’s a fine line between showing your enthusiasm and coming off as pushy. So, when should you hit the send button on that follow-up email?

The sweet spot is typically within 48 to 72 hours after your interview. Why this timeframe? It’s prompt enough to show that you’re serious about the opportunity, but it also gives your interviewer some breathing room to process their thoughts and discuss your fit with the team. Remember, patience is a virtue, and in this case, it signals professionalism and respect for the interviewer’s own schedule.

How Can You Craft a Follow-Up Email That Stands Out?

Thank you and interest: Start with a sincere ‘thank you’ to the interviewer for their time. Be genuine – it goes a long way. Expressing enthusiasm for the role can also reinforce your interest. For instance, “I’m truly excited about the prospect of bringing my skills in data analysis to a pioneering team like Google’s.”

Personal touch: Recall a moment from the interview that was particularly engaging or relevant, “I appreciated our discussion on machine learning innovations – it’s an area I’m passionate about and eager to contribute to at Google.”

Value proposition: Highlight how you can add value to the team, but keep it concise. You might say, “Given my track record in optimizing ad campaign performance, I’m confident I can bring valuable insights to the Marketing team at Google.”

Professional closing: “I look forward to the possibility of working together, and I’m here for any further questions you might have.” This leaves the door open for ongoing communication without overstepping.

Should You Connect with Your Interviewer on LinkedIn?

Now, what about LinkedIn? Should you send a connection request to your interviewer? Absolutely, but timing and approach are key. Wait at least a week after your interview, which shows that you’re interested in building a network, not just angling for a job.

Do’s: – Personalize your invitation. Mention a topic or a shared interest from the interview. – Be respectful. If they don’t accept your request, don’t take it personally or send repeated invites.

Don’ts: – Don’t be pushy or use the connection request to ask about your interview status. – Avoid making your message about the job – focus on sparking a professional relationship.

Adding your interviewer on LinkedIn can be seen as a proactive step in nurturing a professional connection. However, tread lightly and ensure your approach is courteous and professional. Remember, the primary goal is to establish a meaningful network, whether or not you land the job at Google.

What Can You Do If You Don’t Hear Back After the Follow-Up?

Alright, let’s say you’ve done the hard part—you’ve sent your post-interview thank-you notes and even shot off a polite follow-up. But, the silence on the other end is deafening. So, what’s next?

Firstly, patience is a virtue, but it has an expiration date when it comes to job applications. If you haven’t heard back within two weeks after your follow-up, it might be time to gently nudge again. Yet, always be courteous—remember that the hiring process often has more gears and cogs turning behind the scenes than you might imagine.

Consider sending another brief email to express your continued interest and inquire if there’s any more information you can provide. If there’s still no response after this effort, you might need to read the writing on the wall and begin looking elsewhere.

Here’s a pro tip: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Go ahead and pursue other opportunities in tandem. It’s not just a great way to keep your options open; it also keeps the ball in your court, which can be incredibly empowering.

If it’s been over a month with radio silence post-follow-up, it could be time to chalk it up to experience. Do this with your chin up! Keep your relationship with the company positive and don’t burn bridges. You never know when your paths might cross again.

How Can You Use This Time to Reflect on Your Interview Performance?

The waiting period can be a gold mine for self-improvement if you use it wisely. Rather than ruminating on the “what ifs,” transform the wait into a time for growth. Reflection is a powerful tool to enhance your future performance.

  • Revisit your notes: Go back to any notes you took before or after the interview. Can you spot areas that might need reinforcement or topics where you felt less confident?

  • Mock interviews: Consider doing more mock interviews, focusing specifically on questions that tripped you up. You can even record yourself to observe your body language and tone.

  • Feedback loop: If you had any informal chats with employees or mentors about the interview, reach out for their frank feedback. Sometimes, an outsider’s perspective can offer valuable insights into how you come across in professional settings.

  • Stay proactive: Engage in activities that build your skills and knowledge. Attend workshops, webinars, or courses that can add another feather to your cap.

Now, here’s the part that most job-seekers overlook – the power of networking post-interview. It’s not uncommon advice to network before landing an interview, but few realize the benefits of doing so afterward. Reaching out to industry peers or joining professional groups can lead to unexpected insights into the company you’ve applied to or even result in new job leads.

Keep your post-interview reflection constructive, not critical. You want to build on this experience, not tear yourself down. Remember, every interview is a step forward, not just in your job search but in your lifelong journey of professional development.

By incorporating these actions, you’re not just waiting—you’re gearing up for the next big opportunity. Keep refining your skills, and when the next interview comes knocking, you’ll be ready to swing the door wide open with confidence.

Don’t forget – interviewing is a two-way street. While you’re being evaluated, you’re also evaluating the potential employer. If they’re not responsive, it could be a red flag about the company’s culture. The key is to remain proactive, positive, and ready for whatever comes your way. Keep honing your craft and something good will come down the pipeline, just make sure you’re ready to seize it when it does!

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Alex

Alex is the founder of GoTechCareer, a platform dedicated to empowering job seekers with valuable insights and advice for advancing in the tech industry. With years of experience transitioning between tech roles, Alex shares in-depth knowledge and personal learnings aimed at helping others secure their ideal position in the tech sector.