After you have done all the hard work preparing your resume, applying for the job, researching the company thoroughly and then completing a fantastically good interview, don’t just leave it and hope for the best! Give yourself the best chance of being shortlisted for second interview – and potentially secure the role, by following up effectively on your interview.
Here are some do’s and don’ts when following up on an interview:
DO:
- Be proactive and implement a follow-up procedure in your job search strategy
- At the end of an interview ask when a hiring decision will be made and what the process will be, that way you know what to expect and when you are likely to hear news on the progress of your application.
- Obtain correct titles and names of all the people who interviewed you (business cards if possible) so you can contact them
- Write individual thank you emails within 1-2 working days after all interviews.
- In the thank you email, state something that you liked about the company (this will show interest and that you have done some further research)
- Remind the employer why you are the best for the job and anything you forgotten to mention in the interview
- Proofread your thank you letters before sending them
- Call the contact within 7 to 10 days to follow up on the hiring process (unless they have specifically mentioned that the process will take longer than this i.e. they say they are interviewing for another 2 weeks).
DON’T:
- Have any errors/spelling mistakes in your thank you email
- Make it seem as though you are desperate – this can happen when you go overboard and annoy or bother the employer by continued calls and e mails
- Burn any bridges if you don’t get the job offer – you never know who will know who down the track.
If you are unsuccessful, make sure you ask for feedback. If you haven’t secured this role, the feedback could help you improve your interview skills for future applications and the feedback may even help you secure the job of your dreams. Following up on interviews may seem unnecessary and a little unusual, but think of it this way – if an employer is considering hundreds of applicants and interviewing 5-10 potentials it’s even more important that you stay front of mind. Performing well at interview is still very important, but a polite follow up email thanking them for their time, and conveying your enthusiasm for the role will ensure that you are one step ahead from the rest of the competition!
