Job Interview Etiquette (Part 3): How to Follow Up
When you walk out of a job interview, you need to be remembered. Learn the 3 easy tips to follow up and leave a lasting impression.
Richie Frieman
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Job Interview Etiquette (Part 3): How to Follow Up
How to Make a Good Impression After a Job Interview
I’d like to wrap up my series on proper job interview etiquette by dealing with this question: “What happens after you leave?”
Do you get home, crash on the couch, and stare at your phone waiting for a call? Is that the proper thing to do? No way!
The Proper Way to Follow Up After a Job Interview
Just waiting around shows no intensity, no vibrancy, no passion for the job. You have to treat a job interview like a date – if you really liked the person, sometimes you have to make the first move. It all comes down to who wants it more – you or the other 10 people who also interviewed. So with that, here are my 3 easy tips on how to properly handle following up after a job interview:
Tip #1 – The Thank You Note
My first year out of college, I worked for the worst person I’ve ever met. Think of the worst boss you’ve ever had. Now multiply him or her by a thousand and you’ll start to get a glimpse of the guy I worked for. However, in all the headaches that came from working for him, I learned a lot…about what not to do. For one, he never followed up with clients. He was too egotistical to make the first move. However, one time after a meeting, the person we met sent us a hand-written thank you note that arrived the next day! That was impressive.
A personal touch is always memorable. The employer is probably expecting a thank you email (boring), but a hand-written note is way more impressive. If they have never received one before, it’s the perfect opportunity to take advantage of that and rise above the crowd. Office etiquette has changed as the economy has changed. With fewer jobs out there, it’s important to stand out. Employers want that thing that makes them remember you, and a handwritten thank you note does it.
Here’s what you do: Pack a thank you note, envelope, and stamp with you. After the meeting, write the note before you do anything else. As soon as the elevator hits the first floor, before you exit, jot down your note, expressing your thanks for taking the time today. Then mail it right away. It’s most likely to arrive the next day if not within 2 days. And if you really want to spice up the etiquette meter, do it on personalized stationary. When your future boss opens this up, they will be shocked at how well you’ve handled not only office, but social etiquette as well, with clever charm.
Tip #2 – Become a Fan
I don’t know of one business that does not use social media in one way, shape, or form. Whether it’s via the big three (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn) or some other site, everyone is online looking to get their message out. Before you go to a job interview, you should have read up on the company. And when you follow up, it’s only polite to stay up to date with the office business as well. So after the meeting, log on, follow, friend, and connect with them. Too much? Well, put it this way, if you didn’t and the other candidates do, would you hire you? Didn’t think so.
I don’t mean to say that you should start sending your future boss wacky photos of your new puppy or the latest video of Charlie Sheen screwing up, but simply joining their social world shows that you are very interested. Plus, when someone follows you, you get notified and they will see your name right away. Also, when you “Like” them on Facebook, they will be notified about you joining. All of these are small things will help keep you on their radar.
Plus, the beauty of social media is you can stop communication whenever you want. So if you don’t get the job, you can block the fan page, unfollow them, or just ignore the group’s work on LinkedIn. So, in the end, it’s win-win.
Tip #3 – Be Blunt and Ask
Thankfully, my moniker is the “Modern” Manners Guy and not the “Same Ol’ Same Ol’” Manners Guy. Manners and etiquette, as I mentioned in Tip #1, have changed and oftentimes being direct is the more proper and effective thing to do. Now, I will openly admit that sometimes being direct or outspoken can backfire, but in life – as in work – it’s about taking risks. No one who has ever succeeded got there by coasting. With that in mind, before you leave the interview, simply ask when you can expect to hear back. Shocking? Not really… if done properly.
So, here are a few mannerly ways to ask about the call back:
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While you’re getting to know one another, mention that you’re going out of town to visit family for the upcoming week. At the end of the meeting, bring it up again: “Thanks again for you time and consideration, I really enjoyed talking with you. As I said, I’m heading out of town to visit family next week, but will be checking email and have my cell. If you need any more information from me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I hope to hear from you soon.” This technique lets them know you are accessible and will be waiting.
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In Part 2 of this job interview series, I suggested commenting on the boss’ interests from photos in their office – like golf or running. This is a good time to try this method again: “Thanks again for your time and have a good round this weekend. I’m interested to hear what you thought of the course. Will you email me to let me know? I’m thinking about reserving a round there with some friends.” This method shows a common interest – which is very good – and also implies a call back of any kind. Let’s hope it leads to a round of golf with the boss, too!
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This is the boldest — but bold is sometimes best: “I want to thank you again for your time. I know you have a few more candidates for this job but I feel I’m the strongest and I hope you’ll let me prove it. I have another job interview this week, but honestly, I’m hoping I hear from you first.” Direct. Bold. Impressive. Proper.
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People want to know you mean business when they’re casting people to run their business. Don’t let your shyness get in the way of your dream job. Follow up properly and then follow up with me. I want to know how it went.
Do you have a great story about how you handled following up after a job interview? Post all the details in Comments below. As always, if you have another manners question, I look forward to hearing from you at manners@quickanddirtytips.comcreate new email. Check out my Modern Manners Guy Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @MannersQDT, and of course, check back next week for more Modern Manners Guy tips.
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