Are You Making These Follow-Up Mistakes?

You just aced the best job interview of your life, and you're confident you got the job. Everyone was all smiles when you left the room. The job is practically yours. Then, you make a critical mistake during the interview follow-up, and your dreams are crushed. Don't let this happen to you. Consider these three mistakes that job seekers make after their interviews, any of which could tank your job prospects.

1. Don't Forget

Don't forget the interview follow-up after you walk out the door. Yes, you remained focused on interview preparation for an entire week, but after that's over, you must remember to get in touch with the employer to determine what happens next. The easiest way to start a follow-up is to sit in your car immediately after the interview, log into your email from your smartphone and send a quick letter to the interviewer. Mention one memorable aspect of the interview, thank the person for his time, and leave your contact information so someone can get back to you.

Failing to follow up at all may show a lack of concern on your part, and your interviewer may feel as if you really don't want the job after all.

2. Don't Wait Too Long

Don't wait too long to send an interview follow-up message. The immediacy of a quick email leaves a memorable impression, but that's not the only thing you should do. On your way home, purchase a thank-you card for every person who interviewed you. Fill out each card by hand with a few heartfelt passages, sign each one, and address each card to the appropriate person. Send the cards in the mail on the same day as your interview so they arrive in the next couple of days.

Know when you should call the person. One of your last things to ask in the interview is when you should hear something. If the person says three days, then you might call the person towards the end of the third business day after your interview. A phone call as an interview follow-up is a perfect way to get more information, but you must do so while respecting the boundaries of the recruiter.

3. Don't Standardize Your Message

Sending a standard message or a form letter is just as bad as refusing to tailor a resume to the job at hand. The most important aspect of the interview follow-up period is to personalize each correspondence, card or phone call to the person who interviewed you. Mention a viable connection you made with the person somewhere in your follow-up so that the interviewer remembers and recognizes you.

Job seekers must ace the interview follow-up just like any other aspect of trying to land a position. Leave a great impression by knowing when, how and why to follow up and by avoiding three key mistakes. You don't want to drop the ball this late in the game.

Photo courtesy of imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Nancy Anderson • Oct 15, 2016

@Marjorie thanks for your comment. When you go on an interview, always get their contact information right then and there. Ask for a business card or ask for a phone number for them. Most of them will be happy to give that to you. And don't let the recruiters go the work for you. Send your thank you card by mail. You have the interviewers name and the company address so it's easy to do. What I do is take some thank you cards with me and complete them while I am sitting in my car after the interview. That way everything is fresh in my mind. Maybe I was asked a question that I just couldn't answer at the time but, sitting in my car, the answer comes. I can include that in my thank you note. Then I mail it on my way home. That way it's done. Employers I have talked to are very appreciative of the thank you notes and it could make the difference between getting that call or not.

Marjorie M. • Oct 14, 2016

Interviewers most of the time do not provide their contact information and I have had a few recruiters discouraging thank you emails and sometimes refusing to deliver them.

Nancy Anderson • Sep 30, 2016

@Roberta thanks for your comment. It does seem that the process is a bit more impersonal, doesn't it? Companies as well as recruiters will do telephone interviews and even Skype interviews as a sort of weeding out process. This way they are not spending time scheduling interviews for someone who is not qualified or whom they deem as unsuitable for the position. In-person interviews will come after you pass through this first step. It's tough, though, I know, when you don't have any warning about a phone interview so you have to wing it. You just have to make sure to instill enthusiasm in your voice when you are on these types of interviews. Any interview is a chance for your next great adventure so, if they call at a bad time, don't answer and call them back when it's better for you. At least that way you have a fighting chance of getting through this step in the process and meeting the hiring manager face-to-face.

Roberta H. • Sep 29, 2016

Most are doing telephone interviews now & skype. I was told my voice lacked enthusiasm? Whatever happened to in person interviews?

Nancy Anderson • Sep 23, 2016

@Loretta thanks for your comment. Not sure I am understanding what you are saying. Are you saying that the hiring company sees your comment here on Beyond.com? Sounds like maybe you just had a bad interview. Those things happen. It's no one's fault really. Sometimes a candidate and hiring manager just do not click. There has to be some type of rapport - even in the interview - for the company to consider hiring you - no matter how much you wanted the job. Sounds like you need to move on from this company and search for other opportunities. All the best.

Loretta K. • Sep 22, 2016

I did all of the above and got a bad review for a job I really really wanted and now when I apply for this company they see this comment so it leads not to be hired

Are You Making These Follow-Up Mistakes?

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