Follow Up
Demonstrate professionalism in all aspects of the job search, including your attention to follow up. Effective follow up serves many purposes: it acknowledges the other person's time and consideration; it provides you with the opportunity to reiterate information or include new details; and it keeps your name in front of the recruiter. Above all, it is expected professional etiquette.
Send a Thank You Letter
Mail your thank you letter within forty-eight hours of the interview. Specifically note the type of interaction you had with the letter recipient: interview, luncheon, networking event. Note the date of the interview. Mention one or two positive, job-related, memorable details of the interaction. Close by indicating you look forward to hearing from them.
Sample Cover Letter and Thank You Letter
Know and Follow the Search Timeline
In the interview, you inquired about the interview timeline: how many candidates are being interviewed, when the first round of interviews will be completed, when the interviewer will be contacting candidates with the results of the initial interview process (think of this as the contact date), whether a second round of interviews is anticipated, when a final hiring decision is expected, when the successful candidate is expected to start. While it is not recommended to inquire as if you were reading from a shopping list, you do want to determine this information. It will help you evaluate other interview opportunities and job offers in comparison. The interview timeline also guides your follow up contacts.
Immediately after the interview you will have sent a thank you note, which serves as one contact. No interviewer wants to be bombarded by repeat phone calls or email after the interview. You do not want to be perceived as desperate, demanding, or pushy. If, however, the contact date passes and you do not hear from the interviewer, it is appropriate to contact the interviewer and politely inquire about revised dates for the interview timeline.
Respond Appropriately
During your job search, you may encounter one of many outcomes to the interview process. You may be offered a job you want, you may be offered a job you do not want, you may be rejected for a job, or you may find that the hiring party fails to bring the process to a conclusion.
In all cases, it is critical to your ongoing success to respond professionally. Your reputation is at stake. No matter the immediate outcome, your response to it affects your future. Not just with that company or organization. Employment circles are small. Word about an indignant or angry candidate can and does travel. Always approach the interviewer and every company representative in a professional and respectful manner.
If you are offered a job, be prepared to analyze the offer before you accept it. Negotiations may be in order. Know in advance the appropriate salary range for the position, given the level of responsibility and your experience and skills. Understand that benefits are part of the compensation package. Avoid the pitfall of evaluating the dollar amount only, based on how well it covers your current monthly expenses. Know your market value and the fair compensation for the job. Evaluate the package you are being offered, not just the salary. Get details of all benefits being offered. Read in advance about compensation and negotiating techniques so that you are not caught off guard. Don't let the excitement of a job offer lead to flippant decision making.
Prepare for rejection. It is an inescapable part of the job search. Rejections are not based on personal vendettas. Rejections are not expressions of personal dislike by the interviewer. Rejections may not be an indication that you did something wrong. You may have done everything flawlessy. Rejections simply indicate that another candidate was judged a more complete and appropriate match for the position in question. If you conducted yourself professionally during the process, and if you respond professionally to the rejection, your name may turn up on the shortlist for future positions in the same company, that represent an excellent fit. In the face of rejection, thank your interviewer for the opportunity and encourage them to keep you in mind for future positions.
In rare cases, the hiring organization fails to bring the interview process to a conclusion. Some candidates become wrapped up in the idea that this job is the only job, and endless delays leave them demoralized. Instead, reflect on how you have been saved from a potentially frustrating work experience by learning about organizational paralysis in advance. You may choose to withdraw your name from consideration, or you may leave your name in the pool while you pursue the other opportunities. Definitely inform the first company when you do take another job that will be appropriate and satisfying for you.
Maintain and Improve Your Job Search Readiness
When you succeed in getting the job you want, add it to your résumé. Periodically update the résumé to reflect new skills and responsibilities.
Maintain memberships in field related professional associations. Colleagues will keep you informed about other openings, salaries, supervisors, hot skills, and other valuable information that can help you stay competitive.
Be visible, in your organization and outside of it. Join committees, make presentations, write articles, attend conferences. Make a mark and build a support network.
If you have had interviews, but have not had an offer or found a position that suits you, take a moment to look at how you are marketing yourself. Changes in your résumé, dress, correspondence, or interview skills may be in order.
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This page was last updated Thursday, 15-May-2008 16:16:26 EDT.
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Email career_services@wright.edu