How to Follow Up After the Interview

A job interview marks the single most important face time you have with another human being in your professional life. The time you have with your future boss is critical when your manager ascertains what kind of human being you are at the office. You may have a knock-out interview, but when you follow up afterward, your class really shows.

Jessica Stillman of The Seattle Times relates the tone of a thank-you letter sent after the job interview is one key to a good follow up. An emailed letter is much more effective than a handwritten note in contemporary society because the speed of an email is more important than a traditional letter. Sending an email also shows a potential employer you know how to use this basic yet essential office tool. Traditional mail can get lost in the mail room, but an email goes directly into a manager's inbox.

Your thank-you note has three main parts. Explain why you are writing the note, tell your future boss you really want the job and relate why you are the perfect candidate. First, say thank you for having you during the job interview. A small percentage of candidates who send in applications, resumes and cover letters even got the precious phone call that says "Come in for the interview." Tell your potential boss you would love to have an opportunity to show the company what you are made of in this particular position. Then, in one sentence, succinctly explain why you are the perfect candidate for the job. The sentence can be something akin to, "I have the skills, attitude and drive necessary to fulfill this position above and beyond what the company expects of me."

Stillman believes time is of the essence when it comes to acting after the job interview. Send the email later that same day. The reason is the interviewer connects your speed, efficiency and timeliness to the face that appeared in the office earlier in the day. Quick, efficient and direct communication is vital to many office relationships to ensure everyone does his or her job properly. The thank-you email is one aspect of such communication.

One thing to avoid is calling on the phone too quickly. Most of the time, a human resources executive tells you how long the process takes. If the person said one week, you will hear back in one week. Sending an email followed by a phone call may seem like a bit much. If you have not heard back by the recommended time frame, then call a maximum of two times before moving on to another potential job interview.

There is no set pattern of behavior for the time after a job interview. Sometimes, a thank you card may seem appropriate if you have emotional connections to the office or to the position. Maybe someone told you to call. Sometimes, you should follow your instincts, in addition to having a professional attitude, when it comes to post-interview actions.

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