Staying in Touch After Your Job Interview

It's very easy to spend a lot of energy and time in preparation for an interview and then forget that what you do after the interview can have just as great an impact on your chances to get hired as what you say during it. How you handle the post interview process will say a great deal to the employer about how enthusiastic you feel about the company as well as how serious you are about the position to be filled.

The first thing to do right after the interview is to send a quick note thanking the interviewer for his or her time. This not only demonstrates your courtesy, but it also goes a long way toward making sure that the interviewer remembers you and keeps you in mind during the selection process. The note can be sent either via snail mail or email, whichever you feel is most appropriate. If the company seems very formal, then opt for a note on good paper, maybe handwritten or a hard copy letter. An email will usually suffice if the company is less formal. Always remember to make the content of the note professional and respectful; address the interview as "Mr." or "Ms." and end using "Sincerely."

But sending the post-interview thank-you note is only one of the ways that you can ensure you stay fresh in the interviewer's mind long after the conversation is over. Let a few days pass, then call up and ask to speak to the interview over the phone. Keep it brief but still make a point to run over a summary of all the salient points you mentioned during your face-to-face interview. Emphasize your top attributes, the value you will add to the company, and your unique characteristics.

But rememberthis follow-up phone call can do more damage than good if you're not prepared. Make sure you continue the positive impression from the interview and prepare accordingly. Remind yourself of the talking points from your interview, and make sure you don't confuse this employer with another employer at another company. If it helps you, write out an outline of areas to be covered and use this to guide your conversation. You can also take notes on what the employer says to you.

Be prepared for any outcome. In the best case, the employer may even tell you that you've been offered the job. If this is what happens during your phone call, make sure you ask all the relevant questions about the position: salary, benefits, start date, and so on. Don't accept just yet. Thank the interviewer and ask for a few days to consider the offer to make sure it's the right move for both you and the company.

If the employer doesn't offer you the job, don't keep him on the phone hoping to convince him. Rather, stick to your main points, and keep it brief. The follow-up phone call should last no more than about five minutes. Since you've already stated your case, the object here is to remind the employer of your best qualities. Dragging it on too long may only irritate him. So state your points clearly, be cordial and friendly, and then thank him for his time at the end.

If you stick with this system you will be sure and keep a favorable impression in the interviewer's mind even after the interview!