How to Follow Up Effectively After a Sports Interview

Getting an interview is a really positive step toward achieving your goal of a job in the sports industry, but it is not the final step. Having an effective follow up plan is essential to staying top of mind throughout the interview process, and showing the hiring mangers your interest and maturity.   

Let's walk through the actions you can take.

Start with a Handwritten Card

After your interview, send a handwritten card to every single person you interviewed with.

Why is this important, well, the obvious is that it pushes you out there as someone willing to go the extra mile in communication, add a personal touch, connect on a deeper level. BUT the other great part is that it serves as a reminder of your existence about three days after your interview.  

Think about it, you have the interview, write up the card right then, put it in the mail, and chances are in three days the people that interviewed you will read and think about you.  

You will be top of mind.  

Your card is an active reminder to them that basically says, “don’t forget about me!” 

If your future employer is having team meetings reviewing candidates and they get a unique and personal card from you, that is your first and most important follow up. It sparks further investigation and conversation. 

After Five Business Days, Pick up the Phone

Let’s say even after your send a handwritten card as part of your follow up plan, it’s been 5 business days and you haven’t heard anything from a person.

Time to pick up the phone.   

Communication skills are lacking in many of today’s applicants. Fact, not opinion.  

When you are able to pick up the phone and call, that shows confidence and a real desire for this role – signs employers love.  

Now, you are probably telling yourself, I don’t want to be a pest, I’ll just sit back and wait.  

NO. No, no, no, no, no. 

You have to be aggressive in this competitive market. You have to make it clear you want this job, it’s important to you, and you believe you are the perfect match. 

Pick up the phone!  

What Do You Say? 

Have a script ready, it’ll make you less likely to panic and stumble.

“Hi [Mrs. Interviewee]. This is Brian Clapp, I interviewed with you last week for the [insert position] opening. During the last week I’ve been reading more and more about [insert company] and my interest in joining the team is greater than ever. Has a decision been made on the open position?” 

Ending with a yes/no question is imperative because it forces the person you are speaking with to take the conversation in a direction you can be prepared for. 

You are steering the conversation!

Here’s how this works – if they say “No, we have not yet decided” celebrate in your mind because you still have a chance, and then ask: 

• Do you need additional information from me for my consideration? 
• What is the time frame for filling the position? 

If the position has been filled: 

You can be sad/frustrated/angry later, for now, focus on ending the conversation on a high note and leave the hiring manager with a positive impression of you. You may very well be applying to other opportunities with their company in the future. 

Like this:

Thank you for your time and consideration. I will continue to check your website/job board for future opportunities. If the chosen candidate does not work out or another position opens that I might be a good fit for, please keep me in mind. 

Bonus Tip on Following Up After a Job Interview

Don’t call more than twice in a week.

Send your handwritten card, follow up via phone after five business days and then you have to wait a bit. Don’t keep calling, you’ll quickly go from “confidently interested” to really annoying, disqualifying behavior.

Looking for more interview guidance? Step up your game with our exclusive online course, Interviewing for Jobs and Internships in the Sports Industry.