Written by Debra Manente
IN TOUCH: Following up
after a job interview can be less stressful when you know some basic rules
We’ve all heard it time and time again, after you leave an
interview, you need to follow up. Whether it’s with a phone call, email, or
handwritten letter, following up can make or break your chance of getting a job
offer.
But what if you don’t feel comfortable following up? What
if you’re a recent college graduate new to this experience, or a seasoned
professional who’s re-entering the job market unsure of modern follow-up
protocol? Whatever your circumstance, here’s some insight into the do’s and
don’ts of following up to help you battle those butterflies.
DO send a thank
you letter. You should always send a thank you letter after an interview.
Many recruiters or hiring managers have come to expect this. Consider how you
have been communicating with the recruiter, and use his most preferred
communications method. Send a
thank you note to everyone who interviewed you, not just the recruiter who took
the lead. Before leaving an interview, get every interviewer’s business card so
you have their contact information.
DO be prompt.
If the recruiter tells you he hopes to have a decision made by the end of the
day, or the next day, time is of the essence, and you should follow up as soon
as you can. Send your email as soon as you get home or are in front of a
computer. If you know you have time to send a thank you note the old-fashioned
way through snail mail, take the time to hand write it and mail it no more than
48 hours after your interview. The benefit of sending the thank you note via
post mail is that you can stand out from other applicants who are sending
emails. Never send a thank you note via text messaging or through social media
outlets. According to MSN
Careers, 90% of people polled said sending a text thank you or following up
via social media was inappropriate. What the employer wants to see is that the
candidate knows proper business etiquette, and text messages and social media
avenues are too casual and suggest a lack of professionalism.
DON’T be afraid to
call. The last question you ask in an interview should be, “When do you see
yourself making a decision?” or “When can I follow up with you?” It’s OK to ask
this question -- the recruiter wants you to. This way, you give yourself an
advantage because you create an opportunity to call the recruiter and remind
him why you are so fantastic, ask for the next interview, or ultimately, ask
for the job. If the recruiter says, “Yes, call me in four days,” then make sure
you call in four days. By giving you the green light to call, he is telling you
he WANTS you to follow up. Don’t be intimidated by this step since many times
it is used to determine who has the courage to do what they say they are going
to do and who has the follow-up skills needed to get the job done.
DON’T be overly persistent. What if you call and the recruiter or
hiring manager doesn’t answer? Leave a brief message and your phone number. Talk
slowly and repeat your number. Calling back once shows you follow
through. Calling twice shows initiative and desire. However, anything after is
overkill. If you're looking for a position, you need to be proactive, but if
you don’t hear back after a week that is your sign to move on. But don’t be discouraged. Be proud of
yourself for making it this far in the application process, and remember that
every interview is a great experience. Mark down your experience and results
from this interview process, and use it to improve your chance of success with
you next interview.
In short, the post-interview follow-up is an
opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and remind the recruiter
or hiring manager what you can bring to the table. Following up after the
interview gives you the chance to continue the conversation after the interview
is over, or get the closure you need in the interview process. Ultimately, you
have to use your best judgment and hope for great news. Keep these guidelines
in mind and be confident! Stay tuned for more advice on thank you letter
etiquette in an upcoming post.
