When the job interview is over, the agonizing waiting period begins. It can be frustrating when you don't hear anything back from the interviewer for weeks or even months. What many job seekers don't realize is that, according to Forbes Magazine , most employers expect you to follow up after the job interview.
Taking the time to follow up on a potential job could help you be successful in your job search. Here are some tips for following up after a job interview.
1. Get Information at the Job Interview
Get your interviewer's business card before you leave. This will give you important information such as the spelling of their name, their phone number, and email address. Also, the interviewer will likely give you some information about the job you are applying for, whether directly or by asking about your qualifications. Immediately after the job interview, jot down anything you feel is important. You will want to bring up these points later in an email or telephone conversation to let them know you were attentive during the interview. For more information on listening well during an interview see LiveCareer's article on Listening for Interview Success.
2. Follow Up Quickly
You should get back in touch with the interviewer soon after. Some experts believe it is never too early. Make sure to follow up within 48 hours after the job interview. The main point of following up with an interviewer is to help them remember you. You want your job interview to stand out in their minds. When you follow up right after the job interview, you are still fresh in their minds. When they have a stack of qualified candidates, this may be the difference between getting the job and being quickly forgotten. However, if you do forget to follow up within 48 hours, do it as soon as you think about it. It is better late than never.
3. Follow Up Electronically
You want your potential employer to see you as up-to-date with the newest technology. Before the digital age, it was common for interviewees to send handwritten thank you notes as a way to express appreciation for the interviewer's time. Today, most career advisors recommend using the same concept in an updated version. Send them a thank you email after the job interview. It tells the interviewer that you are conscientious, responsible, and technologically competent. Make sure your email doesn't contain any spelling or grammar errors.
Even if the job interview did not go smoothly, it is important to follow up. You may not be considered for the job, but you are making quality, professional contacts in your industry. When another job opens up, having that connection will be a valuable tool in landing a job. For more suggestions on interview etiquette, check out LiveCareer's Interview Tips section.
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