Once out of the interview room, many applicants assume their work is done.
Not so.
If you don’t follow up on your meeting, you run the risk of seeming indifferent or, even worse, uninterested in the company that interviewed you.
Many employers have said they are surprised at how few job candidates stay in touch after the interview. Those who do, of course, stand out.
By taking the following approaches, you can place yourself back into the thoughts of your interviewer and boost your chances of being selected.
Thank the interviewer. A proper thank you is certainly in order for every company representative who took time out to discuss your interest in joining their team. The note should be brief (no point-by-point recounting of the entire interview necessary), sincere (avoid gushing sentiments), appropriate for a work environment (don’t use any nicknames or jokes), and timely (write it immediately after the meeting).
Pass along more of your best work. This is an alternative to the simple thank you note and would be appropriate according to the nature of the interview. Say you discussed a course you took last winter. Send along a copy of your diploma. Or, maybe the interviewer showed particular interest in a project you mentioned you finished in your first year. Print out a copy and ship it off. Add a simple note detailing why you’re sending the information along: “As we discussed my XYZ project in our interview, I thought you may be interested in reading a copy. I look forward to hearing your impressions….” You’ll really prove you’re keen on the job.
Pick up the phone. Most jobhunters interpret a lack of response from the potential employer as lack of interest, but that’s not always the case. The hiring process at many organizations is long, detailed, and simply not accomplished overnight. Ringing up to check on the status of your application if you haven’t heard back within the time specified during the interview or within a reasonable time frame keeps your name fresh in the memory of those who hire. Frame your conversation as a polite enquiry rather than a demand. Try to be as humble and patient as possible during that call. Smile when you speak to convey friendliness over the phone.
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