Sometimes it's not what you do but what you don't do that can result in a missed opportunity. Just because you aced the interview doesn't mean you can sit back and wait to get the job. Here's how to take action at what can be a critical time in your job search: after the interview.
1. Establish next steps. You can ask your interviewer when they will be contacting you or you can reverse it and ask if you can contact her in a few days to see where you stand. Either way, make sure you have a course of action set before you leave the interview.
2. Always send a follow-up. Whether it's a handwritten note or carefully worded email, you should always send a follow-up to both the person with whom you interviewed and the person who set up the interview. This is your chance to reinforce your interest in the position and the reasons why you are the right one for the job.
What to include:
* Your name, the position for which you interviewed, and the date the interview took place.
* A restatement of your interest and your strengths. You can also add anything that you didn't have a chance to mention in the interview or elaborate on something that was discussed. You might want to include a related article that you feel might be of interest to the recipient or one that touches on a topic you covered in your meeting.
* A request to be contacted regardless of whether you are chosen for the position.
* A thank you for the reader's time.
* Specific action statement. Once again you need to state that you will call and also let those you met with know that you are available to come in for a second interview.
3. Make that call. It's not always easy, but it is essential that you follow through on your follow-up. Make sure you call on the day you established in your interview. If the answer is the dreaded "no decision yet," then you need to find out when you should check in and continue to do so on a weekly basis or whatever timeline you deem appropriate.
4. Be patient, not passive. While you want to make sure you are staying top of mind with your prospective employer, it is also important to understand that decision-makers do not move according to your ideal time frame.
No comments:
Post a Comment