UXL Blog

By Margaret Smith, UXL
SPEAKER | CAREER COACH | CERTIFIED INSIGHTS DISCOVERY PRACTITIONER

I’ve written and spoken a lot about the tactics for interview preparation and performance that will give you a competitive edge. But there are things you can do after the interview that might up your chances of getting that “We would like to offer you the position” phone call.

These 10 tips for interview follow-up from careerbuilder.com are great reminders of the little steps that can generate huge results:

1. Show that You Are Still Interested:

As I often remind workshop attendees and my coaching clients, you have got to ask for the job at the end of the interview. Make a statement such as, “I would really like to contribute to this company and I hope you select me.” And don’t forget to gather a clear idea of what will happen next in the hiring process. Will there be another interview? When should you expect a call back?

2. Set the Stage for Further Contact:

Don’t let your silence as days pass be interpreted as indifference. Before leaving the interview, find out what the employer prefers in terms of checking in.

3. Be Punctual:

If you’ve made any promises, such as forwarding a list of references, make sure you do it in a timely manner to demonstrate your seriousness and professionalism.

4. Know When to Sit Tight:

If the interviewer requests that you follow up by phone in a week, respect this request. Calling or emailing any sooner could come off as pushy and disrespectful.

5. Send a Thank You Note:

A positive, thoughtful way to remain in an employer’s mind is to send a handwritten thank you note after the interview. I’ve even heard some professionals suggest that bringing a card to fill out in the lobby post-interview to drop at the front desk is a quick and original touch.

6. Send Each Interviewer a Personalized, Powerful Follow-up Letter:

In this letter, include specific references to each person you met and tie your accomplishments directly to the company’s stated challenges, suggests Ford L. Myers, career coach and author of “Get the Job You Want, Even When No One’s Hiring”.

7. Address one of the Company’s Needs:

Companies are interested in hiring people who will not only adopt their tried-and-true business tactics, but who will also answer some of their pressing business challenges. Consider creating a proposal on how you would address one of the company’s weaknesses or areas of possible expansion.

8. Keep Thinking and Learning about the Company:

Don’t stop researching the company and its field just because the interview is over. Continuing to learn gives you something substantial to contribute to any follow-up conversations and demonstrates your interest in the opening.

9. Leverage Outside Resources:

Networking should never stop. “If you have contacts and connections with anyone who might influence the hiring decision, or who actually knows the interviewer, ask her to put a good word in for you,” Myers says.

10. Accept Rejection with Grace:

Never burn bridges when facing the message, “We regret to inform you that we’ve decided to go with another candidate.” Keep your response positive and even consider sending a thank-you email or letter thanking the employer for the opportunity and the follow-through.

Do you have questions about developing your career, business, or landing the job of your dreams? Would your career benefit from informed advice about finding more customers and building a network that gives back? Contact UXL Today to transform the future of your business or career through guided professional coaching.

Tags: Career Coach Advice, How to Interview, Interview Follow-up, Job Hunt Advice, Things to Do After the Interview, What to Do After the Interview