Searching for Jobs
C) Job Interviews: Interview Follow Up
You work is not done once the interview is over. Follow up can provide a great opportunity to restate your interest in the job and demonstrate your communication skills.
A few tips to remember at the end of your interview:
Ask for business cards of the person(s) who interviewed you so you have their full name and contact information.
Ask when you will hear back, and when they intend to hire. This will help with your follow up.
Once you have left the interview:
Send a thank you note to each person that interviewed you within two days. The same day is even more impressive!
If you do not hear anything within a week to ten days, it is appropriate to call for an update. Write down what you will say before you call so you won’t be nervous. If appropriate, remind them how you fit the needs of the position and that you would like to join their team.
ACTIVITY:
Create example interview thank you letters in various formats. You will be glad you invested the time now when it comes time for you to need a thank you letter.
In pairs, you will practice what to say in a follow up phone call.
STEPS:
Write three practice thank you letters.
1) With a word processor, formatted professionally. (See links below.)
2) Hand written (always a classy touch if done neatly).
3) As an Email message using proper net-iquette.
In your letter be sure to:
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Thank them for their time and interest in you.
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Remind them, with specifics, why you are the right person for the job.
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Proofread you letter, and have someone else proof it too if possible.
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If you want to tell them anything new, or add something that you forgot in the interview, this is a good time to do so.
In pairs, practice what you would say if you were to phone for an update.
Additional Resources
Example interview thank you letters
http://www.quintcareers.com/cover_letter_samples.html
Example Thank You Letters (includes email format)
http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/interview/after.htm
Interview Follow Up
http://www.iseek.org/sv/41460.jsp
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