If you’re job hunting, chances are you have been scouring every reputable publication, in print as well as online, for valuable, potentially employment-earning tips, tricks, and tactics to put to good use if you’re one of the lucky few to score an interview. In this economy and given the widespread job loss across the country, if you’re given the chance to knock the socks off of a potential employer, you know very well that you may not have many other chances. So with a ‘time is of the essence’ attitude, you’ve most likely been searching for any and all information you can get your hands on in order to convince your interviewer that you’re just the person they’ve been looking for.

While business experts have been forth-coming with their abundant resources and lessons from the trade, it is very easy to take all of the information being supplied to you and apply it a little too vigorously. Being prepared for an interview is certainly a step in the direction of employment; it’s very important to know what kind of questions you will be asked and how you will be expected to answer. However, being prepared is something very different from being an automaton, which could happen if you are focusing too much on the grocery list of tips you picked up the night before on your latest Google search for ‘how to get the job.’

Through the time I have spent filling out job applications and sending out resumes I have come to know one thing about my self in the workforce—If I get the chance to be interviewed for a position I am seeking, I know I will land that job. That is the way it has been since I was asked in for my first job interview that led me to my first job right out of high school and the outcome has never been anything different. I don’t have any in-depth analysis of why this is or any knowledge of the underbelly of the business world; the only thing that I kept in mind during an interview is the fact that this company is interviewing me, not quizzing me on what I had learned while preparing for this moment.

The fondest interview memory I have is from the second job I have ever had; when I was interviewing for a position at a book store. I have been a constant reader all of my life. I have always seen books as a reward; either they were pumping me full of knowledge and intellect or they were providing new and exciting lives for me to live in for a little while, so naturally one of my first jobs was working at a book store. While I knew a great deal about the company, as well as what that company expected of me as an employee, and what that interviewer was expecting from me during the interview, I never lost who I was during the interview process. I was courteous, respectful, answered the questions I was asked exactly as I was supposed to, and was do my best to wow the pants off of the person who was conducting the interview by asking follow-up questions to the duties and responsibilities that were being outlined for me..and then I was asked about who my favorite authors were, and that is when I shined through and through. I never tucked who I was away for the event and as I listed the authors I so frequently read, admire, and cherish, that is the moment I knew I landed the job since right after we finished talking about our favorite authors, my second interview was conducted right there on the spot and the next day I received a call letting me know that the job was mine.

The key to any person-to-person exchange, whether a job interview, business contact, or acquaintance is to unapologetically be yourself. You can read as many interview preparation articles you can absorb in one sitting but the part of the interviewer that is going to stand out for the person conducting the interview is when you show them what kind of person you are and how valuable you would be to their company.

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.