We spend so much time and energy preparing for the job
interview that we can easily forget that what happens
afterward can have just as strong an impact on your
application as what you say during it. Indeed, the way you
carry out your follow-up plans says a great deal to the
employer about how serious you are about the job opening
and how enthusiastic you feel about working for his or her
company.
The first thing to do right after the interview is to send
a quick note thanking the interviewer for his or her time.
This not only demonstrates your courtesy, but it also goes
a long way toward making sure that the interviewer
remembers you and keeps you in mind during the selection
process. The note can be sent either via snail mail or
email, whichever you feel is most appropriate. If the
company is very formal, then opt for a hard copy letter or
note on nice paper, perhaps handwritten. If the company is
less formal, an email will usually suffice. Always remember
to make the content of the note professional and
respectful; address the interview as "Mr." or "Ms." and
sign off using "Sincerely."
But sending the post-interview thank-you note is only one
of the ways that you can ensure you stay fresh in the
interviewer's mind long after the conversation is over. Let
a few days pass, then call up and ask to speak to the
interview over the phone. Keep it brief but still make a
point to run over a summary of all the salient points you
mentioned during your face-to-face interview. Emphasize the
value you stand to add to the company, your top attributes,
your best skills, and your unique characteristics.
But remember—this follow-up phone call can do more
damage than good if you're not prepared. Make sure you
continue the positive impression from the interview and
prepare accordingly. Remind yourself of the talking points
from your interview, and make sure you don't confuse this
employer with another employer at another company. If it
helps you, write out an outline of areas to be covered and
use this to guide your conversation. You can also take
notes on what the employer says to you.
Be prepared for any outcome. In the best case, the employer
may even tell you that you've been offered the job. If this
is what happens during your phone call, make sure you ask
all the relevant questions about the position: salary,
benefits, start date, and so on. It's important not to
accept just yet. Thank the employer but ask to think it
over for a day or two to make sure it is the right decision
for both you and the company.
If the employer doesn't offer you the job, don't keep him
on the phone hoping to convince him. Rather, stick to your
main points, and keep it brief. The follow-up phone call
should last no more than about five minutes. You've already
made your case, and the point here is merely to reiterate
and remind the employer of all your best qualities.
Dragging it on too long may only irritate him. So state
your points clearly, be cordial and friendly, and then
thank him for his time at the end.
If you follow this plan you will be sure to maintain a
positive impression in the employer's mind even days after
the interview!
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Ken Anczerewicz is an author and publisher devoted to
providing time & money saving resources designed to help
students of all ages achieve their financial goals. Learn
how to create your own income stream by clicking here now:
http://www.resourceriver.com
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