Follow Up: Four Things You Should Do After an Interview

Guest blog spot by Outside-In® Team Member Caitlin Olszewski

Most people exit an interview and wonder, “What next?” Following up is one of the most important aspects of the interviewing process and if done right, has the power to set your apart from other candidates. Here are 4 action steps you should do immediately following an interview to put your best foot forward:

1. Say thanks. Be sure to write a thank you note to each person that interviewed you. Handwritten is a nice touch but if time is of the essence, a heartfelt email will do. Make sure you follow up within 24 hours. Remember, a thank you note isn’t a sure-fired way to land the job, but if you’re up against another candidate, your sentiment could be the deciding factor.

2. Give feedback. After an interview, it’s important to communicate whether or not you are interested in the role. Be honest, and give valuable feedback on your view of the role after meeting and learning more about the position.

3. Talk to the right people. Only contact the people with whom you spoke during the interview. Seeking out and messaging other department members might seem impressive, but it could breach confidentiality expectations.

4. Be Proactive. Make sure you are aware of next steps in the process. Pay attention to the interviewer and remember if they say how long it will take before they follow up with you. If they don’t mention it, don’t be afraid to ask about the process. Be patient but proactive!

Be careful not to cross the line between being proactive and being aggressive. Follow up politely and when necessary. Do not overdue it as this could be a sign of desperation or it could even annoy a busy interviewer!