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February 09, 2018
Newsletter Article
Fantastic, all your hard work and preparation have resulted in attending interview and you are commencing the nerve-wracking wait to see if you have secured the role.
Employment specialists will tell you that interview follow up should be part of the process, as it communicates your interest in the position. It is really important that you consider post-interview etiquette to continue to provide the right impression during the process and here are some basic tips to follow:
The Process
Firstly, at the end of the interview, you would have been able to gain an idea of what the post interview process is and in particular, timing on advice for the successful candidate.
Timing
I’m really in favour of immediate follow-up, but not the same day as interviews are still likely to be underway and your interviewer may be busy. A timely follow-up ensures you are keeping yourself ‘top of mind’ with any prospective employer.
Communication Method
When contacting the interviewer/recruiter you should use the method they have been communicating with you through the whole process – phone, email, text, although letter (snail mail) may not be suitable with the timing needed. Remember, always use employers or recruiters’ business email addresses, never personal.
Tone
Tone depends on the type of position sought. Formal roles like Accounting or Science and senior positions may require a formal tone to your communications and definitely a ‘How’d I do?’ may not be appropriate. Tone also depends on the way you communicated and the rapport you established in the interview.
The Content
Your follow up should be in the form of a thank you and should include in your own words how you enjoyed your discussion. No need to include any information about your qualifications or restate your positives, as this would have been covered during the interview. If you have been interviewed by a panel, ensure you send your communication to all parties.
The Second Follow-up
Without harassing the prospective employer, it’s acceptable to follow up if you don’t hear within the timeframe stated in the interview. Don’t think the worst, sometimes a crisis or unexpected work travel may have cropped up and the prospective employer has had to put the recruitment process on hold. At this time this should be a carefully worded email or text (see method) which just asks how the process is coming along and should not sound in any way desperate or demanding.
In The Meantime
While waiting to hear back about the results of your interview, continue the job search, as you don’t want to miss out on any further opportunities.
Remember, If the unexpected has happened and after hearing about the role in the interview it just doesn’t seem right for you, advise the employer or recruiter immediately after interview so they can take your ‘hat out of the ring’.
