Where are all the Jobs?: 4 Ways to Follow Up After an Interview

Monday, July 11, 2011

4 Ways to Follow Up After an Interview | Career Rocketeer

Posted: 09 Jul 2011 03:30 AM PDT

So, you've networked, found your dream job, and landed an interview. What now? Just sit back and wait for the golden phone call, right? Not exactly. Apart from keeping up with your online presence, having experience to back up what you say you can do, and legitimate references, it may be a good idea to follow-up after an interview. Why? Well, besides reinforcing your interest in the position, you also stay at the forefront of the hiring manager's mind.
So, what's the best way to follow-up after an interview? Here are a few suggestions:
Send an e-mail. E-mail is probably the quickest and most effective way to reach an employer. So, think about sending a follow-up this way since there's a good chance they will actually see it. Further, if you send an e-mail shortly after your interview, you can reiterate your conversation, certain talking points, and your desire for the position. By keeping the interview fresh in your mind and in the mind of your potential employer, you may increase your chances of staying afloat in a sea of candidates.
Mail a thank you card. These days, most things are conducted through some sort of technological medium, like a computer or a smartphone. However, the days of the written word aren't completely gone. On the contrary, by physically mailing a thank you card to a hiring manager, you could stand out in a world of modern-day communication. If you use this tactic, it may be a good idea to keep it pretty basic, just like an e-mail. Many hiring managers don't have the time to read a novel, so keep it short, sweet, and to the point.
Ask your referral to give them a call. So, you've sent an e-mail or written a personal thank-you card. How else can you follow-up with an employer? How about getting your referral to give them a call? It's not as crazy as it sounds. By getting your referral to pick up the phone, you give your personal brand and image that much needed push into the doorway of a new career.
According to the 10th annual Source of Hire study by CareerXroads, referrals account for 27.5 percent of external hires. So, it's a good idea to get the person who gave you the recommendation on board. They can also get the inside scoop on the interview while reinforcing your talent and why you should be hired. You'll probably be more noticeable that way.
Use your social networks. Social networking platforms have taken over many people's lives, from the way we communicate to how we research. Why not send a short thank you to the hiring manager through Twitter or LinkedIn? Note that this method shouldn't be a long or drawn out message, which could be seen as sucking up. A basic "nice to meet you," or "looking forward to talking with you in the future," is perfectly fine. If it establishes another form of communication, great. If not, at least you used another method to help enhance your personal brand.
How have you followed up after an interview?

Guest Expert:
James Alexander is Vizibility's founder and CEO. He's the guy with two first names. If you 'Googled' his name in 2009, you would never have found him. Now, he ranks within the first few results of a Google search. Find James in Google at vizibility.com/james.