You Had a Great Interview; Now What?

After devoting time and energy to hunting for a new position, there's no better feeling than knowing you nailed a job interview. Don't let that confident feeling wane if you don't hear back right away. Instead of waiting for the hiring manager or someone from human resources to contact you, take matters into your own hands by beginning the follow-up process as soon as possible.

Compose a Thank-You Letter

The very first thing you should do after a successful job interview is compose a thank-you note to send to the interviewer. Avoid sending a generic thank-you note that doesn't reference anything you discussed during the meeting. Instead, refer to the interviewer by name, and highlight certain aspects of the interview while expressing your enthusiasm for the job. For example, you could say: "Thank you for meeting with me to discuss how my extensive sales and marketing experience can help your company increase its bottom line. I'm excited about the possibility of joining your team and look forward to hearing from you soon." Keep the note short, no longer than one paragraph.

It's important to submit the thank-you note as soon as possible, as this makes a big impression and helps you stand out among other candidates. Consider keeping blank thank-you cards in your briefcase and writing a quick note after each interview to leave with the hiring manager's receptionist. Submitting a thank-you email directly to the interviewer is also acceptable. If other people participated in the job interview, obtain their contact information, and send them thank-you notes as well.

Select a Follow-Up Date

Choose a date to contact the interviewer and inquire about a possible follow-up interview or job offer. The time frame in which you decide to contact the interviewer after a job interview should be different for each employer. For example, if the interviewer told you he wants to fill the position by the end of the week, a reasonable time frame would be two days. If the interviewer plans to make a final decision within two weeks, contact him after a week and then again shortly before the date on which he plans to make his decision.

When following up, a brief phone call is best. Let the interviewer decide whether he wants to extend the conversation. When you call, simply state your name, remind the caller of your job interview date, and express your interest in the position. Then ask the interviewer if he has any further questions for you, and be ready to answer those questions in detail. Don't be shy about following up with employers, as this emphasizes your interest in the position and helps you decide how to move forward with your job search.

Even after a fantastic job interview, there's no guarantee you'll get the job. Follow up with the interviewer as soon as possible to reiterate your interest about the position. Continue to search for jobs, network and attend interviews until you receive a solid job offer.

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