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Post-Interview Tips That Increase Your Chance Of Getting The Job
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by Yuwanda Black
TheSyndicatedNews columnist
Yuwanda Black has published 10 e-books, a freelance writing e-course and hundreds of articles on small business, real estate, freelance writing and marketing. Ms. Black wrote and self-syndicated a small business column to eight on- and offline outlets in 2002-2003, including Greater Diversity News; The Mississippi Link; The New York Christian Times; Houston Style; Caribbean Life; and UrbanVoicesOnline.com.
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Here's a little inside secret - recruiters and employers want you to be the perfect fit for the job. Why?
Because it makes their job easier. We'd rather see 4-5 people for a job, than 10, 15 or 20. So, knowing in that when you are called in for an interview, half the battle is already won. We are on your side. Please, please make our job easy by being what we think you are.
In my opinion, the candidate selection process breaks down to about 50% skill set (eg, what's listed on the resume). What you do during the interview takes up another 25-30%. So, that means that a whopping 20-25% depends on what you do after the interview.
Following are two after-interview tips to greatly increase your chance of landing the job.
A) Be Proactive: As in, don't wait for the interviewer to call you. When you send in that thank you card (email), reiterate ways you can help them with whatever problem they're having.
Interview Tip: During the interview process, ask pointed questions about your duties. Try to hone in on problems or areas you can improve on. This will serve you well after the interview, because when you do your post-interview follow up, you can expand upon the point. Eg:
"I've been assessing the high turnover rate in your southern region. During our conversation you mentioned that you had experienced rapid growth and that each branch operates independently. As your team has probably recognized, but had little time to implement, putting operational guidelines in place and training all staff to handle orders in a systemic way will go a long way towards reducing the turnover rate. This happens to be one of my core strengths. I welcome the challenge this position requires and look forward to hearing from you regarding a start date."
While to some this may seem long-winded and presumptuous, to others it will come across as detailed and confident. This type of focus is rare in post-interview follow up. It demonstrates to the employer that you are well aware of what their biggest concern is, have given it some thought, and are ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
B. Ask for the Job: This doesn't have to be as direct as it sounds. But, equate it to the dating world. Have you ever been attracted to someone and you were pretty sure they were interested but you just couldn't get up the nerve to ask them out because, what, after all, if you were wrong?
Believe it or not, some employers are like this. They will want a candidate, but will figure that they can never afford you, that you'd be bored, that you're used to _________ (fill in the blank).
Calling back a day or two after the interview - unless they've expressly asked you not to - and saying something to the effect of, "I was very impressed with your organization before the interview. After it, even more so. I just wanted you to know that I would welcome the opportunity to work with XYZ, and eagerly await your decision.
This removes any doubt from the employer's mind about your interest in the position. And, all things being equal, you are much more likely to be offered the position than the candidate who is just waiting by the phone.
How Should You Follow Up: Phone Call, Email or Thank You Note?
There is room for all three. But, all things being equal, the following is suggested:
Email: Send this the same day you complete the interview:
Thank you note: Then, the following day, mail off a handwritten thank you . While this may seem old school, it will stand out to the recruiter because very few candidates do this anymore.
The etiquette on phone calls: Unless the interviewer has expressly forbid it, follow up with a phone call two to three days after your interview. When you call, make it brief and to the point. Basically, just reiterate one reason you’re ideal for the job, the fact that you appreciate the chance to interview for it and that that you anxiously await a decision.
There's a lot to be done after the interview that can make or break your chances of receiving an offer. Just because the interview is over, doesn’t mean your probability of landing the job is.
Published: Aug 29,2008 13:26
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Andy Cowan
Andy Cowan, an award-winning writer, whose credits include Cheers and Seinfeld, regularly contributes humor pieces to the Los Angeles Times and the CBS Jack FM Radio Network.
Paul M. J. Suchecki
Paul M. J. Suchecki has more than 30 years of experience as an award winning writer, producer, and cameraman. He's written numerous newspaper and magazine articles. Currently he writes, produces and shoots for LA CityView Channel 35 and his more than 250 articles for Ehow.com are approaching half a million readers.
Coby Kindles
Coby Kindles is a freelance journalist, screenplay writer and essayist. She has been a staff writer at Knight Ridder and a regular contributor to The Associated Press.
Debbie Milam
Debbie Milam is a syndicated columnist for United Press International, an occupational therapist, family success consultant, and motivational speaker with more than 20 years experience. Her work on stress management, spirituality, parenting, and special-needs children has been featured in over 300 media outlets including First for Women, The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, The Hallmark Channel, PBS and WebMD.
Dan Rafter
Dan Rafter has covered the residential real estate industry for more than 15 years. He has contributed real estate stories to the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Business 2.0 Magazine, Home Magazine, Smart HomeOwner Magazine and many others.
Jack Nargundkar
Jack Nargundkar has been repeatedly published in Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. He is also an author of "The Bush Diaries" published in July 2005.
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