By Danielle Ryskamp
Leave a great impression after an interview by offering a great follow-up.
Follow these tips after an interview to leave a great impression.
Your emotions may be running at a fever pitch after an interview. You may feel relief for having survived the interview itself, along with excitement and anxiety at the prospect of a new job, and wanting to know whether you've gotten it. By keeping in mind a few job interview follow-up tips, you'll be able to leave the company with a great impression of you and find out quickly whether you're hired.
Ending the Interview
A successful job interview follow-up begins at the end of your interview. When you leave, smile and thank the interviewer for his or her time and consideration. A firm handshake is also appropriate. If the interviewer doesn't mention when you'll hear from the company again, you can ask.
Also, ask if there is a way to contact the interviewer or the company if you have any further questions. Whether you have questions or not, this gesture will demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in working for the company, are willing to ask questions, learn, and work with your prospective co-workers to get questions answered, and are assertive when you need information.
Thank You Notes After the Interview
Sending thank-you notes after the interview demonstrates that you appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the company, and that you are genuinely interested in the job. They also give you a second chance to mention how much you look forward to working with the company.
Send thank-you notes to everyone who participated in your interview, including receptionists and anyone else who helped you. Although handwritten thank-you notes are the best idea, you may choose instead to send typed thank-you notes or emails if your handwriting is poor. Mail thank-you notes no more than 24 hours after your interview.
Seeking Confirmation
At the end of your interview, you may have learned when the employer expects to contact you again, or you may have asked if the interviewer did not volunteer this information. If you have not heard from the company after one or two days past this date, contact your interviewer or the human resources department for an update. Use the method the interviewer recommends, whether phone, email, or another method. Following up in this manner demonstrates that you are interested in the job, and willing to take proactive steps to get what you want. It also lets you know whether you should prepare to start this new job or cross the employer off your job search list.