It is essential to thank your interviewer and follow up like a professional if you want to further your career. Following up with a thank you letter reminds the interviewer of your interest in the organization and the position; and provides an opportunity to add pertinent information that was not covered in the interview.
Importance
Find out why these subjects are important to your career, and see the proof in our statistical research.
The majority of job seekers today need only attach their Résumé and hit the “apply now” button to apply for positions of interest. It is quick, easy and fast and then you move on to the next prospect. Be aware that many prospective interviewers also do this, when screening for suitable applicants. Interestingly, once the application is sent, the reality is that a large majority of applicants receive very little (if any) feedback regarding their application.
It is common for many job seekers to decry this lack of response, citing the internet, or today’s society or some other excuse for this. There can be a variety of reasons for not being contacted by the advertiser, including not receiving the application in the first place, being inundated by applications, not being courteous of your time and effort or being just too busy….
Our advice to you regardless of any of the above is to FOLLOW UP all of your applications! If you have spent the correct amount of time and effort in customising your application and being careful to address the requirements of the role, why wouldn’t you take it one step further and follow up?
The reasons for follow up are many and include:
** Ensure that the application has been received, and also, that it has been received by the appropriate person (how possible is it that “cyberspace” has claimed another victim?) In the event that your application has not been viewed by the correct person, you will have another (better) chance of ensuring that it does get to the right destination.
** Display your enthusiasm and interest – all prospective employers want to believe that you want THEIR JOB, rather than any other. Your interest and confidence could put you in their thoughts as a more attractive prospect for them. Be aware that if the advertiser feels they are just one of many applications you’ve made, you may well ruin your chances.
** Provide further information, if the advertiser needs it. Ensure that you have covered their requirements adequately – being able to answer something not evident on your résumé could alter their perception of you from a “maybe” to a definite “interview”.
** Make a verbal connection with the advertiser – this can be crucial to your application. For all you know, the advertiser may be screening their applications at the moment you call and your voice and enthusiasm may just put you into the “to interview” basket.
** Opportunity to display your “sales” skills – particularly relevant for those positions that have an element of sales, take the opportunity to sell yourself. Many people in the position of advertising and screening for prospective employees may well be inexperienced in the selection processes. It is not uncommon for a candidate to make a follow up call to benefit by having an interview booked, due to the lack of expertise of the advertiser (or their innate kindness to the fellow beings).
** Practice your telephone skills – by being pro-active and valuing yourself and the time you have taken to prepare your application. This assists with your self confidence (many job seekers have a difficult time with maintaining their confidence, in the face of many refusals).
** Find out why your application isn’t being taken a step further – if you truly believe that you were perfect for the position, that you have the attitude, skills and experience to make a success of the role, try to ascertain as to why they don’t feel the same. This can be invaluable for you in preparing your next application.
You may find selected positions advising you that “only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted” or with a similar message. We still maintain it good practice to follow these up as some of the above reasons could well be applicable and move your application into the interview area.
Why
Not only is this a thank you, but it also gives you the chance to provide the interviewer with any details you may have forgotten.
Statistics
Make a good impression on your interviewer by writing a brief letter of thanks for seeing you. This will put ou one up on most, if not all the other candidates.
What To Do
Looking for a job or planning a career requires groundwork and careful preparation. The more you know about how to do it, the greater the probability of your success. A comprehensive list of Tips and Tools has been put together to help you no matter what stage of the job search process you are at. There is no use being told what to do, you need the tools to do it, giving you the confidence to identify and secure your perfect job.
Tips (Theory)
How you leave the interview is almost as important as how you enter. You must leave a positive lasting impression. Always maintain a professional manner.
Thank interviewers.
Request business card/s.
Write a handwritten thank you note addressed to lead interviewer.
Follow-up with a phone call if you committed to do it.
Tools (Practice)
It is always a good idea to write to the employer or recruitment consultant thanking them for the itnerview and reaffirming your interest in the position.
Here is an excellent Thank You & Followup Tool to help you with this next step.
Caution
The thank you letter is the most neglected part of the interview follow-up process. Don't forget to write it!
Information
We are continually on the lookout for useful information for the jobseekers. In order to better serve you, we now post relevant articles, news items, events and service providers that may be of interest to you.
Further Research
The following career-related articles have been carefully selected to assist you in the job search decision-making process.
Here is a comprehensive article about Following Up All Job Leads
Links
View samples of post-interview thank you letters
http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_thank-you_letters.html
Read articles on following up after an interview
http://interview.monster.com/articles/notes/
Service Providers
Here are a list of service providers to assist you with your job search and employment opportunities.
Quintessential Careers
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