Post-Interview Cheat Sheet
How to Follow Up for the Job
The interview is an important step in the process of landing a job. However, it’s not the last step to take before you receive an offer of employment. Following up after you meet your potential employer is just as important as the interview itself, and how and when you follow up can change the outcome of your search. No matter how well or poor you think your interview went, these three follow-up techniques can increase your chances of a second interview or a job offer. Use all three after each interview you have.
Write a Thank You Note. Within a day or two of your interview, make sure to send a thank you note to each of the people you met. If you asked in your interview which format each interviewer prefers to receive mail through, send your thank you in that way. Some prefer an e-mail, which is the quickest and easiest way to send a timely thank you. Others prefer a hand-written note sent by regular mail. You can also write your thank you note and leave it at the reception desk before you drive off after your interview.
Regardless of how you send your thank you, make sure it’s free of misspelled names, incorrect grammar, or misstated facts. If you forget a name or don’t know how to spell one, call and double check before sending your thank you note. Thank the interviewer for their time and for considering you for the position, and briefly emphasize why you’re the right candidate for the job. If you’re thanking more than one person for the same interview, vary your wording so each thank you is unique.
Call the Interviewer. If during the interview your potential employer mentioned when they expect to make their decision for the open position, wait for a few days before you call. If you don’t hear from them first, give them a call to check on the status of your interview. If they were unsure of when a decision would be made, be sure to make your first call within 10 days of the interview. It’s okay to make a second follow-up phone call a few days after your first one, but don’t make more than two per week because you can become an annoyance to the employer.
When you call your potential employer, ask to speak directly to the person you interviewed with. Let them know that you’re still interested in the position, and ask if it’s been filled or if they’re still making a decision. If they’re still considering you, it’s okay to ask when they expect to make their decision. Remember to thank them again for their time.
Share Your Availability. At the end of your interview, let the employer know when you’re available. Give them an e-mail address or phone number you can access regularly, and let them know you will be anticipating to hear from them. They may try to contact you to ask additional questions or offer you a job, so be sure you have time to answer the phone or reply to an e-mail.
Many employers request second interviews from their top candidates, so be aware that you may need to attend another interview. You don’t want to miss out on a job opportunity by not being available. Also, keep a calendar on hand so you can easily schedule your interview without having to call back later.
Employers pay attention to how you follow up after an interview. What you do – or don’t do – can make the difference between receiving a job offer and being passed by. Writing a thank you note, making a phone call, and being available are three simple ways you can make a positive impression with employers and get one step closer to landing a job.
Making it in Tough Times
Associate Wins National Contest with Uplifting Story
Shelby Alexander and her family were going through some tough times. They were living on welfare and had been staying in a homeless shelter for seven months.
Things were looking bleak for Shelby until she met Greta Holzkamp, a recruiting assistant at the West Tualatin Express Employment Professionals office, through a job program. “I talked to her, then went to the Express office and filled out the application,” Shelby said. “The next day they had an interview lined up for me, and by the next week I was working.”
Shelby credits Express with helping her land on her feet. “Because of Express I was able to move out of the homeless shelter, with my babies, into our own apartment. Now, I’m able to pay our bills and take care of my children.”
Recently, Shelby detailed her moving story in a video and submitted it into Express’s first ever video testimonial contest. Express associates from across the country created short videos describing their experiences working through Express and her video was selected as a finalist. The top 10 entries were then awarded a Nintendo® Wii game system. “The Wii is going to be a present for my nine-year-old,” she said.
After a month of nationwide voting, Shelby took first place and received $1,000 – capturing 28% of the votes in the contest. And, the prize couldn’t have come at a better time. “I used the money for Christmas gifts for my children and paid off bills that were behind,” she said. “It helped so much.”
“I really recommend coming to Express,” Shelby said as she choked back tears. “It’s helped change my life.”
As she continues to work though Express, Shelby is able to provide for her family and hasn’t had to worry about going back to the shelter.
Visit the Express Employment Professionals page on Facebook to view more video testimonials from other associates. And, to find positions that fit your skills and interests, visit your local Express Employment Professionals office, or talk to your staffing consultant today.
Job Genius is a publication of Express Services, Inc. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved.