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How to Follow-Up after a Job Interview

After you complete the job interview, you will probably be so relieved that you’ll want to take a big rest break.  This certainly is a good time to pause and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.  However, don’t take too long of a breather, because there is more work to be done.  There are several action steps you should take after each interview.  

These steps include:

Step One:   Send a Thank You Note
Step Two:   Review Your Interview Performance
Step Three: Harness the Power of Your References
Step Four:   Place a Follow Up Phone Call

Each of these steps is important to further promote your candidacy for the position and to build on your interview skill set for the future.  This month, I review each of these action points and the specifics of how to complete them. 

This week, let’s focus on step one. 

Step One:  The Thank You Note

Always send a thank you note after a job interview.  This is absolutely essential. 

The thank you letter a prime opportunity to reiterate your top qualifications for the position and reinforce the message you delivered in the interview itself.  It also demonstrates to the hiring manager that you are organized and have excellent follow-through skills.

Below I provide some tips on how to structure the content and how to deliver your note. 

Content

The note does not have to be lengthy by any means.  Actually, the simpler and more concise it is, the greater impact it will have. 

Use bullet points to highlight your top selling points and to restate the qualifications you presented in the interview.  The use of bullets makes the note highly reader-friendly. 

To make it easier to write each thank you note, create a stock template for yourself that you can use over and over.  Use your template to create a customized letter after each interview.

Delivery

Send your note within twenty-four hours of the interview.  To aid in a speedy delivery, I suggest you send the letter via email rather than postal mail. 

Yes, it is true that sending your letter on nice paper through the regular U.S. mail can be a classy touch.  However, I believe the speed of email works more to your advantage. 

The hiring manager will most likely be meeting with other candidates in the days after your interview.  Having your thank you note arrive right away sets you apart from other candidates and keeps you in top of mind awareness. 

Take time to celebrate your success after each interview.  However, before you pat yourself on the back for a job well done, be sure to send your thank you note right away. 

In the next edition of my blog, which will be published next Monday, I’ll share tips on step number two.

To learn more about career development tele-classes for professional women, please visit my website www.MaretMcCoy.com for updated class information!

Until next week - Here’s to your continued success,
Maret