After The Interview...
The Follow-Up

Do you really need the follow-up, after job interview?

Standing out from other candidates in the job search is not easy.

Look let's be honest.  While those of us over 50 may not think the age 50+ is "old"...but others will.

Whether they feel threatened by your experience and knowledge or they just feel that your too old for the job...you need to utilize EVERY tool in your tool chest. 

Creating the perfect resume and doing well during the interview may not be enough.

During the interview process, your main goal was to highlight you and how you are the answer to a prospective employer’s problem, and of course leave a positive impression. 

The follow-up is an extension of that…it's another chance for you to leave a favorable impression and help them to remember you.  It may seem like a small detail, but DETAILS do matter!

Five Uses of the Follow-up Email

1. After interviews...expressing appreciation for their time and courtesy 
2. After submitting an resume...highlighting your relevant qualifications
3. To emphasize our value to employers
4. Show your enthusiasm for the role and to join the team
5. Mention important details that didn't come up during the interview

The Follow-up After the Interview

While others may overlook it, the follow-up email is an important tool...and not doing one can show the employer that your not thorough, nor care enough. 

While many people do send these emails, most don’t make the most of this valuable important next step.

<<<  Here Is a Sample Follow-up Letter  >>>

February 12, 2019 

Nick Jones

Corporate IT Recruiter

123 Blank Parkway

Someplace, US 12345

Dear Nick:

I wanted to express my gratitude for taking time out of your busy day to discuss the Director, Technology Finance position you are recruiting.  I came away from our meeting even more excited, and convinced that my background and skills coincide well with your needs, and feel confident that I possess the necessary skill set to be an asset to the Rames organization.

I understand the importance of working with others, at all levels, meeting deadlines and know what it takes to build relationships which earn the trust and respect of the organization, and to communicate clearly (even while having to discuss sometimes difficult and subjective issues).  In addition, I possess analytical, problem solving skills and strong people skills, as well as, having experience in running all aspects of finance functions within a corporate IT organization.  All of which have equipped me with a strong set of valuable competencies that will enable me to become a valuable and trusted asset. 

After our phone discussion, my level of interest has grown to an even greater level of excitement because it would allow me to be associated with an organization that has a long and solid reputation and one that will allow me to fully utilize my skills and experiences.

I am interested in taking the next step, and in addition to my experience, I feel I bring a strong work ethic, leadership, a team-oriented attitude, and work well with all levels of senior leadership.

Thank you for your time and courtesy today…I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours truly,

Joe A. Somebody

E-mail:  jsomebody@gmail.com

(H)  555-123-4567

(C)  555-321-7654

Eight Thing's That Your Thank You Email MUST Include:

1. Promote yourself and restate your desire in the position.
2. Reiterate the skills, experience and any other unique qualifications or certifications.
3. IF you feel something was left out, not discussed, or feel that you could have addressed it better, and that is relevant to the role...NOW is the time to restate it properly.
4. Include any articles or publications if you have any published, and include any postings on LinkedIn if your an active contributor or if you have a relevant blog contribution.
5. Thank EVERYONE you met with...and craft a DIFFERENT letter/ email or each individual, relevant to that meeting and conversation (remember to collect business cards).
6. Make sure you thank them for taking time out of their busy day, and providing you the time, courtesy and for their consideration.
7. Be different to stand-out further...send a well crafted "handwritten thank-you" note in addition to your email message. Taking the time to write a handwritten note, will serve as another reminder that you care enough about the job. Make sure to use your best handwriting and grammar!
8. Do ALL the above within hours, not days...speed is of essence, but be prompt...it furthers your professionalism and desire for the role.
   

What If You Feel You Could Have Done Better On The Interview?

Okay, so the interview didn't go as well as you had hoped. 

   -- You just weren't feeling good that day.

   -- Personal issues got in the way.

   -- You didn't communicate as good as you normally would have.

   -- Your car may have broken-down or you got stuck in traffic.

   -- You had bad directions...etcetera, etcetera, etcetera

All is NOT lost...you may still be able to recover!

Time To Triage...The Things You Need To Do Now!

The meaning of the word triage, "is to act with urgency to heal wounds or illnesses, and to decide the order of treatment of patients or casualties"...Just like the word means, it's CRITICAL to act fast, before any final decisions are made and you become a casualty...DON'T WAIT >>> triage ASAP!

You know you could have done better, and under normal circumstances you would have, but it didn't go as planned.  If things always went as planned in sports, they would never play the game!

Don't beat yourself up and sulk...thinking all is lost.

There are a few things you can do after a bad job interview.  To mend the employers impression of you, and, if you’re really lucky, to help them understand and overlook your mistakes and to give you another chance.

The Follow-up is your chance to recover!

• Forgive yourself...what good is going to happen beating yourself up about it?
• Explain what went wrong in a follow-up thank you note...Don’t make excuses, but do acknowledge your blunders. 
• Do not apologize, but do explain to the interviewer of any outside distractions, acknowledge that it was wrong to let it interfere...they are human too and may understand.
  

Closing Thoughts

Many people believe that the job interview is the last mainstay before either getting a job or not getting a job – that is not always true.  There are many factors before and after the job interview process that dictate if you are the right person or not. 

It's important to follow up and thank the interviewer for taking the time out of their busy schedule to meet.

When you are selected for a job interview, it means that you're a serious contender for the job. That's why it's important to take the time to follow up after every single job interview, including in-person and phone interviews, as well as second interviews. 

Sending a thank-you note doing the follow-up, also shows that you're interested in the position.

If an employer is deliberating between two candidates with similar qualifications, a thank-you note could give you an edge over the competition.  Remember, the small details mean a lot!

I can't stress the power of the follow-up and thank you process enough...don't stop - complete the process!

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