What do you do after the interview is over?
Do you send a nice “thank you” note or email? I’m always surprised by professionals that overlook follow-ups. It’s just one more opportunity you have to leave a good final impression.
Send a “Thank You” Letter, Even When You Don’t Get the Job
Not all first choice hire candidates work out. If you don’t get the job, take sending a “thank you” as an opportunity to leave a great last impression. You might open the door for future opportunities.
I had a candidate that completed a lengthy interview round with a large fortune 100 company. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the job. He was disappointed but sent a nice follow up “thank you.” The hiring manager responded by encouraging him to continue applying to future company openings. He went so far as to giving this candidate permission to mention his name to potential hiring managers he approached. Amazing!
Overcome Potential Hiring Objections
If you asked any qualifying questions in your interview, or heard any possible “red” flags about your background, a “thank you” might just be the perfect opportunity to overcome a hiring objection. It’s easy to forget a small detail during the interview that you wished you had shared and your note might be the perfect venue for this. I’ve seen candidates who were considered okay for the role, but after a compelling “thank you” they turned into a front-runner. But take caution, if done wrong it could lose you the opportunity. A well scripted “thank you” can make all the difference.
“Thank” Everyone!
It’s nice to send a little note to each of the interviewers as well as the admin or recruiter who coordinated them for you. The support staff may not be the ultimate decision maker, but they can influence them and they will be good future contacts for you on other opportunities should this one slip. Just as making a sloppy first impression on the corporate recruiter will hurt you, making a good lasting one will help you.
Who doesn’t appreciate the opportunity to be considered for a role? So take the time to be polite with a little “thank you” back. To make sure you ace that interview, check out 360 Job Interview coaching for more advice from professionals.
