Interview Tips

Interview Follow-ups

A "thank you" letter is nice, but it won't get you the job.

So, you aced the interview. Really knocked their socks off! Now what? Don't just sit by the phone or let your stellar impression fall flat with a stale "thank you" letter. If you want to create a lasting impression, follow up in a way that shows your potential new boss you really mean business.

"Even if you didn't think the interview was so hot, not all is lost," says Brien Thompson, Director of Creative Services, Marketing and Fashion. "A thoughtful follow up can help salvage your resume from the shredder bin and place you back on the list of top contenders."

Take notes during or immediately after the interview
Ever look back on an interview and wonder if you fell into the black hole? It seemed to go well, but you can't remember a thing you talked about. Interviews can be stressful, and in the process it's easy to become fixated on what you want to say instead of listening closely to what your potential new boss says.

Think like a reporter and whip out the note pad. Taking notes during the interview not only helps you remember the important information about the position or issues the company is addressing, it shows the interviewer that you value what he/she has to say.

If taking notes during the interview feels awkward or if you get to the end and realize your pen didn't move an inch, take time to debrief immediately after you leave the office. Whatever method works, keeping track of interview specifics will help you follow up in a way that's most relevant and impactful.

Write a "value booster" letter
Within two days (max), follow up with an "added value" letter. Rather than writing a formulaic letter or e-mail listing your qualifications and how they're ideally suited for the position, give them something that shows you really get it.

Here's how: Flag your notes on company, department or industry issues your interviewer mentioned, then follow up on it. Yes, that's it. Whether it's a link to a news article about the topic, a book or hand-delivered hard copies of work samples, a little extra credit goes a long way.

Whatever you choose, make it good. Show them you listened and that you're a thinker who takes action - a "game changer."

Snail mail or e-mail?
In most cases, either or both are fine. The classic follow up is a typed letter on stationary or a card with a hand-written note, but this all depends on the interviewer's style. Is the office a formal or informal setting? If the boss' in-box is cluttered with unopened mail or if you're vying for a job at an eco- company, e-mail may be the best way to go. Yet e-mail has the risk of getting lost in the shuffle. An unopened email may be blocked or sent to junk mail.

Some employers may be more likely to read and hold onto a card or letter. Generally speaking, fax is sloppy and outdated. Unless you're under a tight turnaround and other options are not a possibility, give the fax a rest. If in doubt, don't be afraid to ask what he or she prefers.

When working with a recruiter
After each employment interview your recruiter arranges, call to let him or her know how the meeting went. Your comments can be used to your advantage when a recruiter does a follow up with the employer and can pave the way to a second or final interview. By following up, you could also get some great advice on your interview skills based the client's feedback or hear any opinions mentioned after the interview in follow ups.

Be persistent
Follow up with your boss-to-be once a week with a new added value note. Google News, Yahoo! News and industry specific blogs are great resources for free news and RSS feeds. Search the headlines for relevant news your contact might find useful, or send updated portfolio samples to keep the creative sparks flying.

It's OK to keep following up until you land the job or they tell you the position has been filled - and expected if you're applying for a position that values sales skills. Persistence pays off. At the very least, you'll know where you stand.