You made it to the job interview and you think it went pretty well, but what happens now? In today’s job market, it is definitely not enough to just show up for your interview and hope for the best. If you want to land the job, you’re going to need to master the art of the follow-up. In fact, many employers wait to see just how many applicants will take that initiative to follow-up and if you fail to do so, you may just get passed over for the job you really want.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know to have the perfect follow-up after your interview is over.
Step One: You Need a Timeline – Before you leave your interview, you’ll need to find out how long the process is expected to take. Don’t worry about coming off as pushy. Simply ask if the company has a timeline for this particular position.
Step Two: The Immediate Follow-Up – When you get home from your interview, it is best to immediately write the person you interviewed with. Thank them for their time, express your enthusiasm for the position and let them know that if they need additional information, you are more than happy to provide it. Remember to stay professional – you don’t want to come off as needy or pushy, but you can let your enthusiasm for the position shine through.
Want to really stand out from the crowd? Take the time to handwrite a thank-you note and mail it the next day after your interview. Purchase some nice cardstock and envelopes for these personal letters. They’ll go a long way towards helping you!
Step Three: The Next Follow-Up – You’ll need to wait around 10-14 days for most positions to do the next follow-up. Set a reminder so you won’t forget! In this follow-up, you’re going to want to briefly re-introduce yourself and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position.
Step Four: Know When to Walk Away – If you don’t hear anything after your second follow-up, it’s time to move on to the next position. Any more contact beyond these steps is going to be superfluous and won’t help you land the job. Most companies let their applicants know when a position is filled, but some don’t. Remember, don’t take it personally! Simply move on to the next prospect.
With the right approach, your follow-ups will show that you are a professional, top-of-the-line candidate that would benefit any organization. It may take a little extra time, but it will help you increase your chances of getting the job you really want.
Want more help finding the right job? The pros at SoloPoint Solutions are here to help!