After a Job Interview
The interview has ended, you made it home, and now it's
all over, right? Wrong, Effective follow-up actions can make
a big different in getting a job offer over more qualified
applicants.
What to Do as Soon as You Get Home
Following up can make the difference between being
unemployed or underemployed and getting the job you want
fast. When you get home from the interview, do the
following:
- Make notes on the interview. While it is fresh in
your mind, jot down key points. A week later, you may
not remember something essential.
- Schedule your follow-up. If you agreed to call back
next Monday between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., you are
likely to forget unless you put it on your schedule.
- Send your thank-you note. Send the note the very
same day if possible. Send an email thank-you that day,
and follow this with a thank-you note through regular
mail.
- Call when you said you would! When you call when you
said you would, you create the impression of being
organized and wanting the job. If you do have a specific
question, ask it at this time. If a job opening exists
and you do want it, say that you want it and explain
why. If no job opening exists, say you enjoyed the visit
and would like to stay in touch during your job search.
If interviewers referred you to others, let them know
how these contacts went. Ask them what they suggest your
next step should be. This would also be a good time to
ask, if you have not done so before, for the names of
anyone else with whom you might speak about a position
for a person with your skills and experience. Then, if
course, follow up with any new referrals.
- Schedule more follow-up. Set a time to talk with
this person again. And, of course, send the interviewer
another thank-you note or email.
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