Job Interviews -- How to Follow Up Effectively

Getting a job is not just about your performance in an interview. The post-interview follow up you do has a critical role in a successful job hunt. Here's how to do it effectively.

On the day of the interview or at most the next day, send a thank you note to each of the interviewers. Apart from saying that you're keen to take up the job, mention two or three of your key strengths or skills that are directly useful for the position.

During the interview, you should find out how soon they plan to have a person in place. Ask "In what timeframe do you expect to make a decision?" That'll give you an idea about how much time is involved.

Schedule your follow-up depending on this information. If the interviewer says they'll make a decision in two to three months' time, it makes no sense to follow up daily or even weekly.

Keep common sense in mind. If you were the interviewer, would you like to receive three calls a day from a candidate? You certainly won't. On the other hand, don't go to the other extreme and not follow up for a month either.

Follow up with the right person. That means, talk to the decision maker. If you're following up with someone who's got little influence over the hiring decision, you're wasting your time.

Think about the kind of job and organization you're targeting. Does the job demand aggression and initiative? If so, you may actually be required to follow up in a persistent manner before you're extended a job offer.

Never sound passive or disinterested when following up. Don't say, "I'm calling to see if you have made a decision" Project a proactive stance by asking something like "I'd like to let you know I'm very interested in the position. Is there anything I can do to help you with your decision?"

After a while, step back and see if the follow up is going on to the point of absurdity. If you've followed up for months with no results, it may be time to cut loose and move on to other opportunities.

Consider sending a polite but firm fax saying that you'll need to have an answer either way so that you can pursue other opportunities. And that you'd appreciate an email or phone call to let you know where it stands.

If you have been rejected, make a conscious attempt to not take it personally. Hiring someone for a job involves many variables and you can't control all of them. Instead, consider doing this.

If you've developed a good rapport with an interviewer, call and ask if he or she would be willing to share the reasons why you were not selected.

They won't always tell you. But sometimes, they are willing to give you the real reasons. And that can be valuable feedback for you in your job search. Learn from them and move on.

Mary Brent is an expert on job interviews and careers. Her numerous articles offer valuable interview tips, answers to common questions, ways to write effective follow up letters and more.

---

Rekindling Passion for Work

Passion comes in many forms. I'm focused on the version... Read More

Thankk-You Notes: An Integral Part of Your Career

There is one little practice that is vital to generating... Read More

The Changing Values Landscape of the U.S. and How It Impacts Midlife Job Searchers, Part Two

The values landscape of our nation is changing, and with... Read More

How to Access Employers through Proposal Marketing

Use Proposal Marketing and you'll be your own hot spot,... Read More

Five Qualities Employers Want

More than ever, employers want employees who can produce results!... Read More

The Power to Succeed

It's amazing how we fool ourselves... while at the same... Read More

History Reports: When Your Resume Equals, I Did This, I Did This, I Did This

Do these sound familiar?"I worked for?" "My responsibilities were?"... Read More

Sawbones

I was rushing through the white-tented terminal building at Denver... Read More

The Squirrel Effect

An industrious black-tailed ground squirrel has his home beneath a... Read More

Job Interviews: Ill File a Grievance!

I recently went to a retirement party with my husband... Read More

80,000 Americans Work in the Oil Change Industry

There is a huge shortage, which effects franchises costs in... Read More

Writing CVs and Resumes for Professionals with Examples

Tips on writing your Skills and Achievement Based CV (ABCV)... Read More

The Hidden Job Market: Real or Imagined?

The hidden job market has been touted as the place... Read More

Dynamic Interviewing Practices

The pre-hiring process can be a challenge. If you're reading... Read More

How to Answer The Most Difficult Interview Questions

The following 'difficult' questions are common to most tricky or... Read More

Writing A Resume That Gets You Noticed

As the old saying goes, "you never get a second... Read More

Does Your Resume Lack Vision?

You're just getting over the shock of having become unemployed.... Read More

Resumes That Rock (16 Expert Tips)

It's never too early to update your resume, even if... Read More

Layoff Survival Guide - Do You Have The Career Management Horsepower It Will Take To Survive?

In a recent survey of over 662 career seekers, some... Read More

Resume Writing - Get That Job

Looking for a new job, whether it is with a... Read More

Factual Employment Screening Part 2

An Employment Screening OutlinePolicy DevelopmentA policy of Factual Employment Screening;... Read More

Nine Ways to Tell Youre Ready for a Promotion

So you noticed the new job board posting on your... Read More

Career Advice: Are Resumes Obsolete As A Primary Job Search Tool?

In a day of background checks, pre-employment drug screening and... Read More

How To Write A Résumé

Figure out what you want to do.You can't write an... Read More

An RX For Your Résumé

Whether you are an accountant, virtual assistant, or a corporate... Read More

The Not-So-Effective Cover Letter

Here's a newsflash: Cover letters work, plain and simple. This... Read More

Job Interviews & the Magic of Music

Can music help you with your next job interview? It... Read More

Learning a Foreign Language

Many people love learning languages or would like to learn... Read More

Driver Team Solo Positions: The Nitty Gritty On Truck Driving Jobs

Trucks and truck drivers are a constant presence on US... Read More

Why Become A Truck Driver?

There are a great number of good reasons for someone... Read More

Stop Whining and Ask For What You Want!

When you want something, the best way to get it... Read More

The 5 Ps Of A Job Search

Step One - Plan:Most people spend more time planning a... Read More

Job Interviews -- The Four Worst Objections You?ll Face and How to Deal with Them

Dealing with tough questions and objections is an essential part... Read More