Follow-Up/Thank you Notes

One of the most important things people forget to do is send a formal thank-you after a job interview. In the past, it was customary to send a handwritten note of thanks to each person on the interview committee immediately following the interview. Although handwritten notes are still acceptable, most thank-you notes are now sent via email as it is best to get your message to decision makers quickly.

When you take the time to send a thank you note, you are doing a couple of things that matter. First, you are reminding the interviewer who you are and why you want to work for them. Second, you’re standing out from the crowd. A previous student interviewed at a company and sent them a thank-you note a day or two later after the interview. The next day, she received a letter in the mail stating she was not selected for the position. She was disappointed, but determined to move on. A couple of days later, she received a phone call from the company she interviewed with. A bit perplexed, she said “I received the letter in the mail stating I wasn’t being hired”. The person on the phone explained, we received the thank you note and changed our minds. We want you to come and work for us. Anyone who is thoughtful enough to send a note needs to work at our company.” She was thrilled and thankful for the idea to send the note.

A thank-you note does not have to be long or detailed. TheMuse offers advice and sample templates to help you craft the perfect message.

Once you have sent a note of thanks, it is time to play the waiting game. How long should you wait before following-up? Many employers will tell you persistence pays off, but you don’t want to be a nuisance either. Zip Recruiter (2021) offers the following tips for following-up after an interview:

• Write a thank-you note - this is your last chance to leave a good impression

• Check-In - a short note after some time has passed will reiterate your interest in the position

• Stay in touch - even if you are not offered the job, use the interview as an opportunity to expand your network

Conclusion

We have discussed various aspects of interviewing and how your communication during a job interview can either help you get a job or hurt you in the job search process. You now have a better understanding of the types of interviews as well as the questions you may be asked. You also know how to develop your personal pitch, answer various interview questions focusing on your skills, strengths, and accomplishments, how to negotiate, and how to proceed after the interview.

With the current state of the economy, many companies need people. However, it may take longer to land a job than you think. Be patient and evaluate each interview. What can you improve upon? Can you follow up with anyone? Practice your personal pitch so you're ready for an interview or networking opportunity. Conduct a virtual interview and have friends or family ask common interview questions. Develop talking points with stories, examples, and successes. Keep networking and reaching out to everyone you know, as they will help you secure a new job role or position. You will be successful; but it takes dedication and perseverance.