Following Up After the Interview

A common misconception among job searchers is that after the interview is over all they can do is wait. But being passive can actually hurt your chances at the job offer at this point. It's important to follow up after the interview to ensure that your name is still fresh on the interviewers' and hiring committee's minds.

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Following Up

It's important you follow up with the potential employer within 24 hours of your interview by thanking them for meeting with you. This can be done through email, a phone call, or even a card delivered to the office.




When you follow up remember:

• To reaffirm why you would like the job, and why you think you'd be an asset to their business/company.
  
  
• Sooner is better than later (especially if the decision will be made soon)!
  
  
• If sending thank you cards, be sure to have one for each of the interviewers, and take the time to make a separate one for each individual.
  

After the Follow-up

If after you follow-up with an email, phone call, or thank you card, and you still haven't heard anything from the company (within a week or two), it can't hurt to call them. Ask if they are still in the selection process, and tell them that you are still interested. Sometimes companies can get busy with other issues, so letting them know that you're eagerly awaiting their decision is okay, and will help keep your name in their minds.

A Change of Mind

Perhaps after the interview, you realized that you don't want to pursue a job with the company after all. It's important to follow up with them, and let them know. It's very important in today's job market that you stay on good terms with employers, because you never know what the future holds. Simply call the business, thank them for their time, and explain to them that you have decided to look into other options. It may be difficult but it's important to avoid burning bridges.

See the following articles for more information:

• 21 Major Interview Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs
  
• The Best Way to Prepare for a Job Search and Interviews
  
• How to Talk About Other Interviews in Your Interviews
  
• How to Answer the Tell Me About Yourself Interview Question
  
• How to Answer the Do You Have Any Questions for Me Interview Question

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