I am frequently asked about post-interview etiquette… what is too much, what is too little, what is an appropriate number of follow ups, etc. I have put together a few tips on best practices for after the interview, in the hopes of closing the loop on what can sometimes feel like a long, drawn out process.
1) Before you even leave the interview, genuinely express your interest and ask about next steps. This will give you the information you need to develop your follow up approach, and make your efforts less of a guessing game. Also, jot down whom you met with, or better yet get business cards if possible. If all else fails, utilize LinkedIn as a resource for the correct spelling of the names of the interviewees.
2) Give some thought to how it went. Were you able to quickly establish a rapport with the interviewees? Do you feel like your responses were in line with their needs? Overall, was it a good interview that gave you a strong advantage over other candidates?
3) Send a thoughtful thank you note right away. You’d be surprised at how many people don’t do this, so by doing so you’ll really stand out! Email is fast, but nothing beats a good old fashioned hand written card. If time is of the essence, of course, email is perfectly suitable. Thank each interviewee for taking time out of their day to meet with you, even if it’s a phone interview. Some things to include in your thank you note are:
- Reiterate your interest in the role
- Summarize why you’re a great fit, touch on relevant qualifications
- Express your appreciation of being considered
- Anything that you forgot to say in the interview, but wish you had said
- Perhaps mention an improvement you can make based on your experience
And don’t forget to proofread! An error could be detrimental to your chances.
4) Depending on the role, following up is key as it’s a way of showing you’re really interested in the position. However, be considerate that hiring for this role is only one aspect of the hiring manager’s job. Unfortunately, you may not hear back from them for a number of reasons, but you don’t want to become a bother. My suggestion is one follow up via email after two weeks if you haven’t heard anything. Remind them you’re still interested, and reiterate how your expertise pertains to this role.
Navigating the interview process can be tricky, and everyone is different, so I hope these tips are helpful in developing the right approach. And don’t forget, even if you feel you knocked their socks off in the interview; do not discontinue your search until you walk in the door on your first day of employment!
Posted by Sondra Heffernan, Marketing 
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