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How to Stay In Touch After the Interview

By Kenneth Anczerewicz

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 30Mar2008 Word count: 577 Viewed: 271 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

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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