Your work is not done once you finish the interview. You can't sit back and
wait for the job offer, so consider these key rules and strategies for
following-up your job interviews.
- Ask when the employer expects to make the hiring decision.
- Be proactive and consider follow-up a strategic part of your job search
process. Follow-up can give you just the edge you need to get the job offer
over others who interviewed for the position.
- Use these follow-up techniques to continue to show your enthusiasm and
desire for the position, but don't make it seem as though you are desperate.
- Obtain the correct titles and names of all the people who interviewed you.
(Ideally, do get each person's business card.)
- Write individual thank you notes (see a sample) or letters to each person who interviewed you
-- within two business days. Each letter can be essentially the same, but try
to vary each a bit in case recipients compare notes. Don't ever fail to send a
thank you -- even if you are sure the job is not for you. And do write thank
you notes after every interview.
- Don't worry so much about hand-written versus typed thank you letters, but
don't make a mistake by sending it through the wrong medium; make sure you
know the best method of reaching the employer, whether by regular mail, email,
or fax.
- In your thank you letter, do show appreciation for the employer's interest
in you and do remind the employer about why you are the perfect person for the
position; this is your time to sell yourself.
Evaluate your interview performance – what questions may have thrown you? What answers seemed to resonate most with your audience? How can you best prepare for the next round with this employer, as well as future interviews in general? Our Interview Debrief Template can help you organize your thoughts while fresh. Use this tool to continue the practice and to debrief with your coach.
Sample
thank you letter
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