The hard part is over – you’ve had the interview, and now you are just waiting to hear back as to whether or not you got the job.
What many people fail to realise is that it’s important to follow up after an interview. Don’t just sit there twirling your hair or twiddling your thumbs. You can make the most out of your waiting time, which will really make you stand out from other applicants!
In this blog, I am going to cover the importance of a follow up after an interview, and how this can sway employers to give you the job!
HOW TO FOLLOW UP AFTER AN INTERVIEW
You’ve come home, and you’re waiting for that important phone call. Have I got the job or not?
Well, there is one little thing you can do after the interview which is very effective, and looks extremely professional – follow up!
Follow up after an interview by giving them a call instead of waiting for them to call you. Other ways to do it is by sending them an email or even a letter.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW UP AFTER AN INTERVIEW?
Of course, you would have wowed the interviewers with your amazing skills, knowledge and personality, and no doubt you left a good impression of yourself.
However, you can transform that good impression into a great impression by following up after the interview, and showing your eagerness and professionalism.
There are several reasons as to why it will increase your chances of securing that job:
- It shows good manners. A person willing to thank someone for their time and effort is a person well worth getting to know.
- It gives you the opportunity to sum up, and highlight your key strengths and determination to be successful.
- A follow up will no doubt stick in the mind of the interviewers. You will be fresh in their minds, and therefore at the forefront of their decisions as to who they should employ.
HOW TO WRITE A FOLLOW UP AFTER AN INTERVIEW
You want to make sure that your follow up is professional, formal and makes you shine! You will want to remain in interview mode for this follow up – you don’t want to undo all your hard work in the interview.
Below I have listed some of the key things you should and should not doing during your written follow up after an interview:
DOs
- Make sure your grammar, punctuation and spelling is on point. Unlike the interview, this will be a chance for the interviews to see your written communication as well as your speaking.
- If you are sending any attachments, make sure they work!
- Make sure you insert a subject header. Make it clear and relevant.
- Simple, clear and short sentences work best.
- Have a friendly yet professional approach.
- Send it to the right person. You should have contact details for the person/s who interviewed you. If you were interviewed by more than one person, make sure you send the email or letter to everyone involved.
DONTs
- Don’t undo all your hard work by sending an email that looks like you’ve addressed it to a friend or relative. They are a professional; therefore you don’t want to come across as ‘best pals’.
- Don’t be needy or desperate. This is a chance to thank them for their time and efforts. This is not the time to go on and on about why they should hire you. You’ve had your interview – don’t use this follow up to go overboard with more reasons as to why they should hire you.
- Don’t send an overly long email or letter. Keep it concise and to the point.
- If you are sending attachments, don’t forget to add them!
EXAMPLE OF A FOLLOW UP AFTER AN INTERVIEW
Below I have created an example of what your follow up should look like.
FOR MORE INTERVIEW TRAINING
See here if you would like more information on interview training and how to improve your chances of securing a job role.
