Job seekers are eager to receive an interview, especially when out of work for quite some time or trying to acquire a first job out of school. Just because a job seeker is excited about an interview, it does not mean that he or she should do anything out of the ordinary when following up once an interview is complete.
The Dos
Make sure you follow up after an interview with an email. Thank the person(s) you met with and let them know you are still interested in the position. Make sure this email is sent within 24 hours, highlights why you are a good fit for the job and has your contact information in it.
Following a job interview, or even prior to the scheduled date, tell your references about it. It is professional courtesy to let them know ahead of time that a company might be contacting them to ask about you. This makes sure that they are not taken by surprise and have time to review your resume as well.
Be sure you have already reviewed updated your social media profiles at the beginning of your job search. Make sure they reflect your most recent work and do not have anything inappropriate posted on them.
Even with today’s advantage of the internet, it is best to still send a handwritten thank-you note to everyone you met during the interview. This shows a personal side to the interviewer and lets them know how serious you are about the position.
Call the interviewer to check in if you have not heard back from the company for a week or longer. This lets the interviewer know that you are still interested despite a lull in communication.
The Don’ts
Do not contact the interviewer multiple times. Even though it is safe to call after not hearing back for at least a week, do not make multiple phone calls or send multiple emails.
Do not ask your references to initiate contact with the interviewer. If the company likes you and wants to hire you, they will contact your references.
Do not ‘friend’ the interviewer following the interview on any social media sites. It is also not a good idea to post updates about the interview. This could lead the company to believe that you share too much information publicly, which could move them away from you.
In regards to the follow-up email; do not send it without having it proofread by a trusted friend or family member for grammar or spelling errors. Also, do not wait past the 24-hour period to send the email either.
Visit the resource center at Halpin Personnel today for more information about job searches and interviews.