Post-interview follow through

Take the plunge

It's all in the details:

• Get in contact as soon as you can. Hiring decisions are often made very quickly after interviews.
• Writing is generally easier and more acceptable than a phone call. Email and fax are immediate and put no pressure on the employer to respond.
• Address your note to the interviewer. If you're using email and don't have a personal address, make your subject line for the attention of the individual you want it to go to.
• Keep it short and to the point. Primarily, you are thanking them and confirming you're keen to do the job. You could even jog their memory about why you're right for the position by including a summary of your strengths.
• If there was something you didn't emphasise enough in the interview, now's your final chance to do so, but keep it brief.

The after-effects

If you don't get offered the job, never mind. The fact that you bothered to get in touch can have positive results later. Peter Gallon, Senior Partner at Two One, a public relations company in Salisbury, says it's unusual but welcome for him to hear back from candidates after an interview. 'Only twice have candidates written to thank me - both women, incidentally. It left a lasting and favourable impression. One was unsuccessful at the time but when a new opportunity came up, I contacted her again and she was offered the job. I really believe it's a simple courtesy, in an increasingly discourteous world, that pays off.'

If you've established a dialogue with an employer, it's easier to ask for feedback if you weren't offered the job. Most are happy to provide some pointers about why they didn't pick you. That's extremely valuable information which should help you perform better next time as well as being an effective, positive way of showing you're keen to be considered for a similar post in future.

So, next time you come out of an interview, help your application and prospects along - follow through.

More

Bad interviews don’t have to mean bad vibes

  Related Links

• The lowdown on Psychometric testing
• How to make your interview memorable
• 25 ways to find your dream job
• Pole position
• Work & Money Home

  Most viewed

• Work out a budget
• How to be a good manager
• Work Life balance
• Quizzes
• Test your emotional intelligence