resource:interviewfollow-up

As the Interview Ends

Shake the recruiter's hand and reiterate your interest in the position. Ask what the next step in the process will be, and if you can call back in a few days to check on the status of your application. If they say that they will contact you, ask politely when you can expect the call.

When You Get Home

Write a thank you note. Within 24 hours of your interview, send a handwritten note to thank the interviewer for his/her time. While e-mail is easy and convenient, nothing is as powerful as a handwritten note.

Keep a supply of stationary on hand. Use a paper or note card in a conservative design. This can be as simple as a pack from Wal-mart or as fancy as custom paper engraved with your name.

Be sincere, polite, and specific. Imagine what you would say to the interviewer if you were speaking face to face. Be sure to include:

• Appreciation for the interviewer's time
• Continued interest and enthusiasm for the position
• Answers to unresolved questions or issues
• Something that shows you listened to and remembered the conversation, such as a key point you feel was meaningful

Practice on a sheet of scratch paper before you write on the stationary, just in case you decide to change some of your word choices.

Keep it short and simple. It is a note, not a novel. Three to four sentences is enough.

Keep it legible. A handwritten note is personal and shows that you spent time and effort, but don't waste the opportunity by writing something the interviewer can't read.

Mail it!

Check On Your Application

If you volunteered to contact the recruiter, do so! If he/she gave you a date on which you would be contacted, wait until that date has passed, then call to politely inquire about the status of the job opening.