Post interview etiquette
AFTER every interview we sit for hours beside the telephone, or check our mails every so often wondering if the news has been delivered, yet. We assume the employer will call us and inform us of the outcome of the meeting. Umm... not quite, the fact is taking the initiative to follow up on the interview should be yours and is as important as the interview itself!
In most cases, employers have several top candidates attending interviews. The interview follow up might be the factor that sets you apart. The employers sometimes use this as a screening device. Those who follow up are the ones who reach the finals!
Following up on your interview also demonstrates skills such as commitment, steadfastness and your determination to pursue things to their logical end. These skills are required for any job and follow up in any form will show that you are seriously interested in the job. This might be your winning card.
So now, the important question, how does one follow up?
Which mode?
E-mail: This medium is considered to be the most appropriate medium for communication when you do not want to be intrusive and waste the time of the employer if you have applied for a job through the Internet/ e-mail and when you are dealing with a technologically advanced firm. Also, most career counsellors recommend this mode of follow up. This is because e-mail does not waste an employer's time as when you call him up nor does it make him have to call you back. They can reply to e-mails at their leisure.
Your follow up e-mail must not be too long. It must specifically mention the interview details and ask for the status of the selection process.
Telephone calls: Telephone calls might be considered the next best option, except that they might become too disturbing at times. Telephone calls also `call' for some more careful planning.
It is best to start your conversation with a " Is this a good time to talk to you?" During the entire call keep the conversation going. Find common denominators between yourself and the prospective employer and establish why you are perfect for the position and reiterate your interest in the position.
Letter: Postal mail is also an option, especially when you want to send a thank you note to the employer. Though it is not really recommended in this era of technology, letters retain their personal touch and might be liked by the traditionalists.
What time?
During the interview it is a good practice to ask for the time frame within which the selection process is likely to take place. Never call before the period is over. It is a better idea to wait for a week to lapse after this time period before actually following up. This will ensure that you have given adequate time to the employer to go through the selection process and at the same time communicate your sustained interest in the job.
`What' and `what not'?
Thank: It is always important to start with a thank-you to all your interviewers for reviewing your qualifications. It is a good practice to note down the details of the persons interviewing you, like their full name and designation. If possible ask for their card. Thank you notes for all these persons must be sent. And do not forget the administrative staff that has been helpful. These notes must be sent for every interview, irrespective of your performance in the interview.
Mention interview details. During your conversation or written follow up, mention all the details of the interview, as it will help the employer remember you in greater detail. This might help him in giving you an answer with greater ease.
Reiterate your desire for the position. Do not forget the main purpose of your follow up, the result of your interview, which is to get that job. Reiterate your desire for the position and sell your skills.
Know when to stop! This is probably the most important guideline. You need to follow all that is written above, but also remember not to make it seem as though you are desperate for a job. Be sensitive to any subtle hints the employer gives and stop any correspondence, that very moment!
Grammar and spelling: The biggest threat to your interview that went perfectly is a badly constructed and badly spelt follow- up letter. You need to take care that there are no mistakes, or else it might leave a very bad impression on the employer.
Most of us generally ignore the post interview follow up. We all imagine that once the interview is over, our job is done. This is not true. Your follow up might be exactly what your employer is looking for. It might be your interest in the job that can tilt the balance in your favour when your prospective employer is having a difficult time choosing among the top contenders for the slot.
HAZIRA SHAHEEN
faqs@cnkonline.com
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