Include These in Your Post Interview Follow-Up Note

If you are lucky enough to score an interview with a hiring manager, the interview doesn't actually end when you walk out of the room The things you do after the interview, such as sending a follow-up note to the interviewer, all contribute to the hiring manager's impression of you. Make a strong impression by following these tips when you craft your post-interview note.

You must reiterate your interest in the job, or your follow-up note won't be very effective. The best way to do this is to repeat some of the statements the hiring manager made during your conversation. If the hiring manager mentioned the job involves a great deal of supervisory responsibilities, for example, your follow-up note should explain that you are especially interested in the job because you have a track record of supervising employees and motivating them to produce high-level work.

Your post-interview note should summarize why your skills and professional experience make you the perfect fit for the job. Be careful not to rewrite your entire resume here; you just want to write a few sentences that summarize your qualifications. Make sure the skills you list are the most important ones for the job. If the hiring manager spent a lot of time talking about the importance of organizational skills or attention to detail, focus on these qualifications in your follow-up note.

Some hiring managers ask applicants to complete sample projects as part of the hiring process. If you were asked to complete this type of project, attach the finished product to your follow-up note. Make it easy for the hiring manager to view the file by saving it in a format that is compatible with most computers and operating systems. PDF format is one of the best options, as it can be read by people using PCs or Macintosh computers. Proofread your sample project carefully before attaching it to your follow-up note.

If you forgot to tell the hiring manager something you think would help you get the job, include the information in your follow-up note. You might want to mention that you recently completed a training course in Microsoft Word or that you are currently a candidate for a professional certification in your field. If you include extra information, make sure it directly relates to the job. If it doesn't, use the space for information that can actually help you get hired.

Close your follow-up note by thanking the hiring manager for his or her time. Reiterate your interest in the job so it is clear you are serious about the opportunity. Take a few minutes to proofread your note and fix any typos or grammatical errors.

Writing to a hiring manager after an interview can help you make a favorable impression, but only if you do it the right way. Make sure your follow-up note reiterates your interest in the job, shows a clear link between your qualifications and the job description, and is free of errors that might make a bad impression on the interviewer.

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