job interview follow up

You just had a job interview, and now you are dead tired. Now, don’t fall into bed yet! The job interview follow up is almost as important as the interview itself!

You are still making a first impression. Make it impressive!

Sending a job interview thank you note

The content of this follow up can be very simple. It’s just important that you do it, not so much which form it takes. Do what comes naturally.

A short email saying:

Dear Mr. [Name of the HR employee – you did get his business card, did you?]

Thanks for the interesting and open conversation we had today. I appreciated you clarifying my questions about [you did ask questions, right?].

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

That’s enough.

Don’t take this example literally, craft your own letter!

Follow up after the job interview to show you care

Why the trouble?

The company knows you are looking for even more job opportunities elsewhere.

(For example, using these job search websites)

You want to make them feel like they have made a great impression on you, the applicant. Yes, the first impressions go both ways.

Email, Call or Letter?

What format you use for your job interview follow up notice depends on how the interview process went in the past. But an easy rule of thumb is:

1. If you used email for most of your communication, write a thank you email. Include everyone involved in the communication, but adress the email to the main HR contact.
2. If you got invited using snail mail, than writing a real letter might distinguish you from normal applicants. Think about the time it takes for snail mail to be delivered, though. Perhaps it’s better to call personally…
3. A phone call: if you got to know someone personally in the job interview, it’s very likely that they handed you their business card. Use it, you have their permission to contact them. When you do call, be polite (of course) but also use the opportunity to give them feedback about the interview process. You can also throw in some questions.

Finding the right balance – don’t sound too eager

Job interviews are a battle of wills. You cannot sell yourself easily, either. Else, your perceived value drops.

This lesson applies to dating as well as to job interviews.

When you do your job interview follow up, don’t sound too happy or even relieved. You don’t want to communicate that the job opportunity that this enterprise gives you is your last chance.

Else, you will have a hard time when it comes to negotiating your pay rate.