Interview Follow Up

So now you've had your interview and you nailed it. You really want this job, right? Then don't ignore the important next steps! You've made it this far and there are critical pieces of the puzzle still left to put in place: The follow up.

During your interview you got your interviewers name(s), title(s) and maybe an email address. You took notes on each of your conversations and you wrote down key aspects of the individual conversations you had. Now it's time to send each person that interviewed you a personalized note reminding them why you are the person for the job. In that note, include:

• The key areas of your skill set that speak to the job you've interviewed for (re-establish why you're perfect for the job)
• One or two personal "take-aways" from each person you met with (shows that you were paying attention and had an interest in what they were saying)
• Remind them when you're ready to start (showing them that you're serious about making the move)
• Thank them for their time (shows that you respect their time and understand the importance of this process)

If you've met with multiple people then you absolutely should send a note to each one individually - and don't send the same note!! It shows lack of thought and interest. The more work ethic and interest you show during the entire interview and follow-up process the more your potential employer will realize what a resourceful person you are, making it that much more likely that you're the one for the job.

Email or snail mail? Well, that's up to you. Depending on the company or type of job you're interviewing for a personalized hand-written thank you note might be the best option. On the other hand, a more business-casual environment might do well with an email outlining the points above. If you are interviewing in a formal environment send a well-written, well-formatted typed letter, signed and mailed to each of your interviewers.

Here's a link to a sample thank you letter: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/thankyouletters/a/blthank.htm

After you've sent your thank-you notes/letters don't forget to follow up. If you've made it this far then chances are you'll be getting a call from them! But, in the case where haven't heard anything in 1 or 2 weeks, feel free to follow up via mail or email. I would not recommend a phone call in this case, unless you have a number for the recruiting or HR person that set up the interviews. The hiring managers that interviewed you do not want to take your call. I know how that sounds - but it's true! Don't bother them with a phone call, it's the fastest way to be taken out of the running.

Throughout the entire job search process be consistent, be persistent and don't give up. Your future job is out there waiting for you. Go get it!

Questions or Comments? Please post them here or email josh@resumeguy.com.