The Interview Does Not End With the Interview
Following Up is an Important Part of Your Meeting
Sep 13, 2008
You were confident the job interview went well. Both employer and prospective employee (you) seemed to "hit it off". So, do you now just wait around for that phone call to come in for another interview, or that call to say come in and sign papers? Or wait for the letter of "thanks but no thanks"?
Part of the job interview is following up after the interview -- and it starts just before you walk out the door of the meeting.
At or Near the End of the Interview
As you see or feel the interview starting to wind down, you need to start thinking about how you should contact the prospective employer again. Sometimes the interviewer will ask if you have any questions, or if there's anything else. The interviewer may even just say "we'll be in touch". Now's the time to state you'd like to contact the employer again to follow up, and ask if it would be alright for you to call in a few days, or when would be a good time to call. Or ask if you should contact the person by email. Of course, this means you need their email address, which the interviewer may not want to give out.
After the Interview
Ensure you send some sort of thank you note or call. Even if you know there is no way you will be getting this job, it's still a good idea to get into this habit. It shows professionalism, and you'll feel better. You took control, rather than just sitting around wondering if you'll get any kind of call back, or feeling that you blew that job interview.
Wrap it Up
If you were told you'd hear in a couple of days to set up another interview, or the company would make a decision in a couple of days and you'd get a call -and you don't get a call - call the person who interviewed you. Remember, you were supposed to ask at the end of your interview if it would be alright and when to call, so it shows the company your ability to follow through. Even if you know you did not get the job you should still do this. Again, you're in control and it still shows your professional manner.
Being Avoided
Sometimes you'll be interviewed by people who just don't know how to handle interviews. These people outwardly seem to pretend you are a great fit, come for a second interview, can you start Monday, this is great, etc. And when you don't get that call and start calling them, somehow they are always unavailable for your call and do not return any of your calls. These people do not know how to say 'thanks but no thanks" to your face; they cannot handle any perceived potential conflict.
Be glad you aren't working there (you would constantly get mixed messages and could never trust what was said), and still send a thank you note (another if you sent one already) thanking them for the interview and wishing them well. Remember, it's doubtful they told anyone else about how great you were (or you would have had a call back), so there's little merit in pointing out their contradiction. However, by sending this note you are rising above the pettiness and unprofessional approach of the interviewer, and again, you are in control.
Bottom Line
Be in control - send a thank you note and arrange to call to follow up after the interview.
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