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Video Time: 5 Minutes Action Time: 5 – 10 Minutes
Video Time: 5 Minutes
Action Time: 5 – 10 Minutes
In this episode, we will give the action steps you should take after your interview is over. Map out your Interview Afterglow Strategy. Down below is a step-by-step strategy to help you follow up. You’ll use the knowledge you gained from the questions you asked during your interviews in this strategy.
1Respect the timeline the interviewer gave you relating to when a decision would be reached, or when they would contact you. You don’t want the interviewer to feel like you are being too pushy and become disinterested. Just think of it like how when you are given a class assignment your professors may set aside a specific time to go over the instructions and answer any questions. So be patient!
2Don’t constantly email, call, or visit the interviewers every day leading up to decision day. Stalking can never really give you a positive outcome. You may feel outside pressure from those around you to get a job, but don’t let that cause you to panic and reach out too much.
3But this doesn’t mean you can’t reach out at all. Keep your name fresh in the recruiter/employer/receptionist’s mind as decision day gets closer, by sending them a thank you note.
An insider view into first meetings
1. Start the card by addressing your interviewer by name.
2. Thank you, obviously! Thank the person for their time and interest.
3. Reiterate your interest in the company and position.
4. Use this platform to address any mistakes you think you made during the actual interview.
5. Use this platform to address any mistakes you think you made during the actual interview.
6. Hammer home any ideas/traits about yourself that you want to remind them of.
4Time your follow-up visit, phone call, or e-mail so that your name is fresh in their mind when they are making their decision, especially if you interviewed earlier in the process. The interviewer probably has a stack of applications, so it’s important that you remind them of who you are.
Find a thank you card that is clever, connected to the company, and memorable.
Here’s an example: If you interviewed at Starbucks, you can send a card with coffee on it, or better yet, a card with Starbucks on it. If you are artistic, you can make your own card! Grab a logo and create your message around the logo, or ask a friend whose a graphic designer to help you.
For example, the COVER = Thank You, Starbucks!INSIDE the card can say = Thank you (name of the person who interviewed you)! I really appreciate you taking the time to meet with me and sharing your insight on the (name of the job) position.As we discussed, (insert anything you want to solve, add, remove objections, etc.)Thank you again and I look forward to hearing from you on (insert anticipated day of the offer). (Your name)
A carefully hand-printed card is very special indeed! This shows a very real appreciation for them expressing interest in you! Penmanship matters here! Today’s technology has made it easier to send quick responses on the go. We know you are busy college students, but taking the time to do this will go a long way and help you stand out! Just make sure your handwriting doesn’t look like an RX prescription!
If you aren’t artistic, get a card that speaks to the company. Use the research you have done about the company to help guide you. For example, don’t send a card with a flowery script unless you are interviewing for a “flowery script” kind of company. The card can reflect the type of company, the personality of the company, or something that the company will remember about you (something positive or unique).
In the card, thank them for their time, express your interest, mention things that need to be hammered home, remind them of your qualifications and use this as an opportunity to cover any mistakes that were made during your interview. Before sending it, make sure to proofread it for any spelling or grammar mistakes. Try reading the card out loud or asking a friend to look over it as well. You want to appear as professional as possible.
Timing when you should send your card is important. Make sure it reaches the interviewer before the decision is made. For example, if they’re making a decision on Friday, and your interview was on Monday, send the card so it is delivered on Thursday. This way, you’re fresh in the interviewer’s mind as they’re making a decision.
If your interview is on Thursday and they’re making a decision on Friday, either have a card ready or get one that day. Then, go back to give it to the receptionist to hand-deliver to the person/people who interviewed you. Ask politely! “Hey, Robert! Bet you didn’t think you’d see me this fast! (LOL!) I was wondering if you could hand deliver this to (insert name of the person you interviewed with) so (he, she, they) get it before they decide on who to hire.” (get the commitment of “Yes!”) or “so (he/she/they) get it today so they know how much I appreciate their interest in me! Hopefully, I’ll see you again very soon (Smile/Laugh)”
Check out the next episode on References. See you there!