You submitted a resume that obviously got the recruiter’s attention because you were invited to interview for the position. Next, you purchased a snazzy suit designed to impress and rehearsed your answers to any potential questions that you could think of. Lastly, you felt like you aced that interview, but you haven’t gotten the call you were expecting.
What did you do wrong?
Follow-Up
Following up after an interview is just as important as preparing for it. The problem that many people face is that they aren’t sure how to follow up after a job interview.
In many jobs, you are just one of numerous applicants. Out of those numbers often comes several interviews. The people that remain in the forefront of recruiters’ minds are the ones that follow up afterwards. The right method of following up can give you an edge over the competition, but the wrong way can move your application to the bottom of the pile.
Be Professional
There is a fine line between being professional and acting like a stalker. You want to make sure you don’t get the two mixed up. You know the saying, “out of sight, out of mind,” so take the time to send a polite thank-you note a few days out of the interview. This serves as a way to help the recruiter remember you as he or she continues with other interviews.
On the other hand, too many messages can make you seem desperate or even worse. Don’t keep calling, sending emails or text messages weeks after your interview. This gives the wrong image and may keep you from getting a job that you would have been selected for.
What to Say
So, what do you say in a follow-up note? Thank the recruiter for taking time to meet with you. Let them know you enjoyed meeting them and learning more about the company. Tell them to let you know if they need any more information or a second interview. You can end your note by telling them you will give them a call in a week or two to check in. This is a subtle announcement that you will be following up to prepare them for it. Just make sure you wait at least a week and only make one phone call.
You may wonder if it is okay to send a follow-up message in an email instead of a traditional note. That depends on the type of business and how traditional or modern it is. Many people still appreciate the time and effort it takes to hand-write a traditional note and mail it. Others are just fine with an email. If in doubt, always err on the side of the handwritten note.
About the Author: Joyce Morse is an author who writes on a variety of topics, including HR and small business.
You must be logged in to post a comment.