The Beginning of the End

Just not the end of the beginning

Think about all the time and effort you put into preparing for a job interview. If you expect your interview to be successful, it should be considerable. Now the bad news: you probably could be putting in as much time and effort into the interview follow up as you do the preparation.

What’s more, the interview follow up should begin before the interview actually ends. Before you leave from the interview, make certain that you get some level of commitment from the interviewer as to what the next steps are and approximately when they should be taking place. This is one instance when it doesn’t pay to be shy about asking. “Call me next week.” “If you don’t hear from me by the end of the month, call me.”

And, if the interviewer doesn’t proffer a next step, it’s up to you to suggest one. “May I call you next week?” This is perfectly acceptable.

The ball’s in your court

Regardless of that timetable, it’s never too early to respond with a personal thank you. It’s preferable to initiate the follow up within 24 hours of the end of the interview. Emails are fine, but to stand out, a short hand-written note will almost certainly get you noticed. Everyone emails these days, but that hard-copy note is sure to stand out, be noticed and appreciated.

Hard copy or digital, your thank you note should be as personalized as possible. (Was there something from your interview that stands out? Children. Mutual hobbies or schools? Anything that reinforces a connection in your interview will do.) Also, reiterate your interest in the job and the company as well as any particular aspect or event in your work history. It never hurts to say it again.

Is it really worth it? You bet. Many recruiters note that only a mere five percent of all interviewers get any kind of thank you. This would be a great time to stand out and join that five percent.

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