After the Interview
Even when the interview is over, you can still make an impression. The fact that you were singled out for an interview means the interviewer considers you a serious candidate for the position. This is why it is important to follow up after every job interview, whether it is an in-person or phone interview or a second interview.
By following up, you are acknowledging and showing appreciating for the interviewer taking time out of their busy day to speak with you. You will also be reminding the interviewer that you are qualified and strong contender for the job and that you should be given serious consideration. Below are some ways you can improve your hiring chances through following up.
Personalized Thank You Note
Always send a personalized thank you letter or email the same day as the interview. Be genuine and write the note from scratch as a catch-all template may seem artificial.
A personal thank you note will show your sincere interest and give you one last opportunity to promote yourself for the job. Here is a general format to help you:
- Express gratitude for the interviewer taking the time to meet with you and sharing information about the position and the company.
- Mention something specific that was brought up in the meeting. Use it to demonstrate why you would be a good fit for the job and/or why you are interested in the job.
- Remind them of your specific qualifications and personality traits that make you the best candidate for this position.
- Restate your interest.
- Let them know you look forward to hearing from them and to contact you if they have any further questions.
Remember to proofread your follow-up responses before sending them. A grammatical or spelling error will look bad and could take you out of the running. Be especially aware of people’s names as they will notice if you spell them incorrectly.
Follow Up Phone Call
If you haven’t heard back from your prospective employer within a week, give them a follow-up call. This is another way you can convey your interest in and your qualifications for the job.
If the position requires a lot of phone time, giving them a call is an added bonus. It will give you the opportunity to show you have the strong communication skills needed for the job. Here are some tips on what to say:
- Begin by stating who you are and using your full name.
- Say when you met with them and the position you interviewed for.
- Tell them thank you for considering you for the job.
- Inquire about the status of the position that you interviewed for.
- Ask if there is anything specific you can speak to to quell any concerns about your ability to be successful in the role.
- Reiterate your qualifications at a high-level or mention any key points you forgot to mention during the interview.
- Request feedback on the hiring timeline for this role and when you can anticipate hearing from them again.
If you are nervous or think you might forget what to say, make a list of points you want to bring up.
In the competitive job market of today, it is important to follow up effectively after an interview. It will set you apart from many other candidates. However, failing to do so might cause you to lose out of the position to someone else. Make sure to impress interviewers and secure the job by following these guidelines.
For additional tips on hot to prepare for an interview read Prepare for a Successful Interview With These Eight Tips – Part 1: Before the Interview and Prepare for a Successful Interview with These Eight Tips – Part II: During the Interview.