How to Master the Follow-up

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How can you stand apart from the millions of other job seekers? One way is to follow up with your potential employer after an interview.

This not only shows that you’re very interested in the position, but also that you’re a go-getter who takes initiative. But what’s the proper etiquette?

Put Your Interest in Writing

Georgiana Carollus, a certified professional resume writer and career coach who produces the Web site ResumesWithSpirit.com, says that sending a thank-you letter after an interview will set you apart because not many people think to do it.

“Any type of acknowledgement following an interview will put the candidate ahead of most of the competition and make them stand out,” she says. She recommends sending it through the mail or through e-mail, but not to call because that might be a disruption to a busy manager’s day.

Joel Garfinkle, a professional career coach and author of such books as Land Your Dream Job and Find a Job in 14 Days, says that sending a handwritten thank-you card will distinguish you, but make sure your writing is clear and readable.

Make Timing of the Essence

Garfinkle recommends sending the thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. Carollus says this shows your determination and strong interest.

However, if this promptness isn’t possible, due to travel or something else, she recommends sending it within a day or two. She also says it’s best if the note arrives on a day other than a Monday, a heavy e-mail traffic day, or a Friday, when people are clearing their desks before the weekend.

Express Yourself

Write that you appreciated their time and consideration.

Some phrasing Garfinkle recommends is: “It was a pleasure meeting with you today. I appreciate the time you spent with me as well as the valuable information you offered. After our discussion, I felt confident that I could make an immediate contribution toward the growth and profitability of [insert company].”

Also restate why you are a great choice, Garfinkle says. “Make sure to use this [opportunity] to reiterate your desire for the position and why you are most qualified for the job,” he says.

Carollus suggests using it as a marketing opportunity to continue selling yourself, but don’t be too formulaic. Highlight your specific expertise areas.

Also stress how much you want the position. “Most job searchers assume that hiring managers know this, but it is something that hiring managers prefer to have job searchers express,” Carollus says.

An extra tip? If you interviewed with more than one person, Carollus recommends sending separate, customized notes to each one and focusing on a connection you made with that person based on their interests or concerns.

Leave it on a confident note by saying that you look forward to hearing from them about the next step in the interview process.

Study the Craft

Interviewing is a skill, and like any other skill, it needs to be honed by research and practice. Many libraries offer interviewing classes that give tips and even offer mock interviews so that you can rehearse and feel better prepared. Check to see if your local library offers interview classes.

Carollus, a former librarian, says that books about cover letters are helpful because they include samples of follow-up letters as well as cover letters.

Make a Connection Either Way

Even if it turns out you don’t get the job, Garfinkle says to seize the opportunity of parlaying the interviewer as a potential networking contact.

“Ask if there are others in the organization, or with other companies, who could use someone with your background,” he says. And remember: The interview still served you because you learned how to polish your skills for the next one.

Recommended Resources

Interview Follow-up
From Cambridge Educational
Learn the specific steps to take after an interview. This DVD focuses on how to maintain a network and how to turn a rejection into a positive experience.

High-Impact Interview Questions: 701 Behavior-Based Questions to Find the Right Person for Every Job
By Victoria A. Hoevemeyer
Learn from the perspective of the interviewer, and prepare yourself by going over the questions recruiters are encouraged to ask when conducting an interview.

Cover Letter Magic
By Wendy S. Enelow and Louise Kursmark
Learn the trade secrets of professional resume writers on how to write “winning” cover letters and thank-you letters.

American Library Association's Getting a Job in a Tough Economy Toolkit
The Getting a Job in a Tough Economy toolkit is an interactive Web site with tips, narrative and suggested links, readings, podcasts, activities and checklists for those looking to change position, people who have been laid off, and others who are having difficulty finding the right position.