After the Interview: Staying In Touch

It can be very easy to forget about what you should do after your interview when you spend so much time in preparation for it. Your follow-up plans will communicate to the employer how enthusiastic you are about the position as well as how serious you are about the job opening.

The first thing to do right after the interview is to send a quick note thanking the interviewer for his or her time. This not only demonstrates your courtesy, but it also goes a long way toward making sure that the interviewer remembers you and keeps you in mind during the selection process. The note can be sent either via snail mail or email, whichever you feel is most appropriate. If the company is very formal, then opt for a hard copy letter or note on nice paper, perhaps handwritten. If the company is less formal, an email will usually suffice. Always remember to make the content of the note professional and respectful; address the interview as "Mr." or "Ms." and end using "Sincerely."

But sending the post-interview thank-you note is only one of the ways that you can ensure you stay fresh in the interviewer's mind long after the conversation is over. Let a few days pass, then call up and ask to speak to the interview over the phone. Keep it brief but still make a point to run over a summary of all the salient points you mentioned during your face-to-face interview. Emphasize the value you stand to add to the company, your top attributes, your best skills, and your unique characteristics.

But remember—this follow-up phone call can do more damage than good if you're not prepared. Make sure you continue the positive impression from the interview and prepare accordingly. Remind yourself of the talking points from your interview, and make sure you don't confuse this employer with another employer at another company. If it helps you, write out an outline of areas to be covered and use this to guide your conversation. You can also take notes on what the employer says to you.

Be prepared for any outcome. In a best case scenario, you may be offered the position. If this is what happens during your phone call, make sure you ask all the relevant questions about the position: salary, benefits, start date, and so on. Don't accept just yet. Thank the interviewer and ask for a few days to consider the offer to make sure it's the right move for both you and the company.

If the employer doesn't offer you the job, don't keep him on the phone hoping to convince him. Rather, stick to your main points, and keep it brief. The follow-up phone call should last no more than about five minutes. Since you've already stated your case, the object here is to remind the employer of your best qualities. Dragging it on too long may only irritate him. So state your points clearly, be cordial and friendly, and then thank him for his time at the end.

If you follow this plan you will be sure to maintain a positive impression in the employer's mind even days after the interview!

Article Source: http://www.rightbiz.com

Ken Anczerewicz is an author and publisher devoted to helping students of all ages achieve their financial goals. Learn how to create your own income stream by clicking here now: www.resourceriver.com

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