You aced the Interview, or, at least, you think you did….
Now comes the part where most candidates fumble – the follow-up. Yes, we’re talking about those often-overlooked post-interview etiquettes. The follow-up and thank you notes can be your secret weapon in securing that dream job.
But fret not; we’re here to guide you through that step between you and that corner office with the water dispenser.
Happy Monday streetsquad! Wrong timing, you might assume but I’ve heard your unspoken thoughts and since I want to be on Santa’s good books this year, I can’t ignore them.
You’ve spent an hour (or more) charming your potential employer. The last thing you want is to vanish into thin air like a Houdini wannabe. No, no, no. This is where you need to channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and follow up.
We’ve all been there. You walk out of the interview feeling like you just made a new best friend, then…crickets. Did you accidentally explain your cryptocurrency collection in detail? Did you just admit you’re 007? The James bond!!
*gasps*
The follow-up email
This is your lifeline, a chance to show continued interest and remind them you’re not just another resume in the pile (unless it’s a really cool, eye-catching pile, that is).
Now, don’t Ghost!
Timing is Everything. First things first, timing is crucial. Wait, but not too long. Send your follow-up email within 24 to 48 hours post-interview. Any sooner and you might come off as desperate; any later and you risk being forgotten like that New Year’s resolution to hit the gym daily(guilty as charged).
Here’s the catch: Aim for a thank you email within 24 hours of the interview. This shows you’re prompt, professional, and haven’t spent the last day celebrating with an interview victory shawarma (no judgment there, though).
Keep it short and sweet – a paragraph or two will do. Thank the interviewer for their time, reiterate your enthusiasm for the position, and subtly highlight a specific talking point from the interview. Remember, Your follow-up email should be as smooth as butter.
Bonus tip: Don’t just copy-paste templates. Personalize it! Mention something specific from your interview to show that you were actually paying attention and not just daydreaming about your lunch plans with Celine Dion.Patience is a Virtue: After hitting send, sit back and relax. Or at least try to. Don’t pester them with follow-up emails every other day.
If you haven’t heard back in a week or so, it’s okay to send a gentle reminder. Just don’t go full stalker mode – nobody likes that.
Now, let’s talk about thank you notes.
Why Send a Thank You Note?
A thank you note isn’t just polite; it’s strategic. It shows your potential employer that you’re courteous, professional, and genuinely interested in the position. It’s your chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit without seeming like you’re trying too hard.
What to Include in your thank you note
Keep it short and sweet, but make it count. Nobody wants another generic “thanks” email gathering dust in someone’s inbox? Spice things up! Mention something unique you learned about the company’s culture or briefly mention something relevant that came to mind after the interview, but don’t overdo it.
Again, personalization is key!
Follow-Up and Thank You Note Faux Pas: What Not to Do
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about some major no-nos.
Avoid Being Overly Casual
While it’s great to be personable, don’t cross the line into being overly familiar. Remember, you’re not emailing your BFF. Keep it professional.
Don’t Send a Generic Email
Sending a generic thank you or follow-up email is almost as bad as not sending one at all. Make an effort to tailor each email to the specific interviewer and company. Yes, it takes a bit more time, but it’s worth it.
Remember to proofread like a hawk, and address it to the correct person (triple-check that spelling!). Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are the kiss of death. Proofread your emails. Then proofread them again. Maybe even have someone else take a look.
You don’t want to thank “Mr. Daniel ” when you interviewed with “Ms. Danielle”If you haven’t heard back after a reasonable timeframe (around a week or two), a polite follow-up email is okay.
This shows persistence and genuine interest, but remember, there’s a fine line between being persistent and being a nuisance.
Then the Final Follow-Up Email( the last one I promise )
Keep it light, keep it polite, and then, for your own sanity, let it go.
Conclusion
Mastering post-interview etiquettes like follow-ups and thank you notes can be the difference between landing the job and being just another name on the list. It’s about showing that you’re not just qualified but also considerate and proactive.
So, take a deep breath, get those fingers typing, and remember – a touch of personalization, and a bucket of patience can go a long way. Now, let that good home training work.
Best of luck!
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Dorcas is a creative and witty writer who crafts relatable content. When she's not devouring books or binge-watching movies and mystery documentaries, she's probably eating (because who can write on an empty stomach?).
