How to Follow Up After an Interview
The competition in the job market is tough. In order to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack, you have to be strategic. In previous WTI blogs we have talked about mistakes to avoid during an interview and questions to ask during an interview, but what happens after the interview? Here are three ways to follow up with your interviewer to leave one last positive impression.
Send a thank you note.
After every interview you should follow up with a thank you note. You should send an e-mail thanking the employer within 24 hours of the interview. Some people also send actual thank you cards through the mail. Whichever option you choose, the content in the note should be the same.
- Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.
- Remind them of something that was discussed in the interview.
- Remind them why you are a great candidate for the position.
For example, “Mr. Smith, thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today. I was really excited to hear that the medical assisting position would give me the opportunity to work directly with patients as well as the nursing staff. I believe my experience working in a nursing home for the past year has given me the skills I need to be successful in the position and I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
Call to inquire about the position.
Before an interview is over, ask the interviewer if there is a timeline for when a candidate will be selected for the position. A good time to call would be a few days before the employer makes their decision. Like the thank you note, this call will serve as a chance for you to remind the employer why you are the best candidate for the job. Here are three tips to ensure you have a successful follow up call.
Be prepared. It is important to think about what you are going to say before the call. You can even write down a few key talking points. Before the call, practice, you don’t want to stumble over your words.
Be concise. The potential employer is probably busy. They will appreciate you calling to check in if you make sure to keep your call short and sweet. This will ensure that you are memorable without becoming annoying.
Be persuasive. Let them know that you are still interested in the position if it is available. Remind them of something you discussed during the interview and remind them of the skills and experience you have. Tell them how impressed you were with the company and thank them again for their time.
Connect with the potential employer.
During your interview ask if you can have a business card. This will ensure that you have the correct contact information. Once you get the business card ask if you can connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn. Most professionals are on LinkedIn and connecting with them can be a great way to follow up. Once you connect with a potential employer on LinkedIn you should:
- Follow their company
- View their profile
- Like/comment on their posts
LinkedIn is a great way to set yourself apart. By following the company, viewing the interviewer’s profile, and interacting on LinkedIn you will stand out as someone who takes initiative. The information you learn about the interviewer on their profile might give you a unique discussion point the next time you speak to them. You may even discover shared connections or similar work experience. It is always important to research both the company and the potential employer.
Following up after an interview can be a great way to keep your name at the top of mind. It might even help you land a job. However, even if you do not get the job, the way you interact with an interviewer is very important. If you find out you did not get the job, send a note thanking the interviewer again for their consideration and continue to keep in contact with them through LinkedIn. They may keep you in mind the next time a position opens up.
10 Powerful Words for Your Resume
In previous blogs WTI has covered the importance of the job interview; whether it is common mistakes to avoid, or important questions to ask. But not so fast…Before you prepare for the ever-so-important job interview, how do you get your foot in the door? The answer is an exceptional resume. During the job hunt your resume is what can get you noticed or get you passed up, so how do you set yourself apart from the crowd? According to careerealism.com, using powerful resume words can increase your chance of getting hired by 80%
Revise your resume! Below are 10 powerful words to include in your next round of revisions:
1. Accomplished – Right from the get go this word sends a strong message. There was something to be done, and you got it done. Using this word conveys that you can be given a task and it will be executed. Tip: This word with accompanied data will be a surefire way to get attention. Put a number to your accomplishment and be able to expound upon that when the time comes for an interview.
2. Constructed – Potential employers don’t want someone who will sit idly by; they want a person of action. By using this verb you are saying, ‘I worked to achieve this,’ and what employer doesn’t want that in a candidate? Use specifics here! Resumes are the perfect time to brag, so don’t be shy. What did you construct? How was it beneficial to the greater good?
3. Discovered – To discover something, one must be searching in the first place. Did you search for something that made your job more efficient? A solution to a problem? Discovery is the driving force behind change, and employers will love knowing that you sought out solutions.
4. Expanded – OK, OK this may seem like a fancy word for growth, but growth can be a very powerful force in a business. Expansion is an indicator that there is demand; a sign of any healthy business. This is another great place to be as specific as possible. What did you expand? By how much? Your resume should show AND tell.
5. Formulated – This verb indicates that you are able to research and execute. State your case. What did you formulate? Why? What results were yielded? The ability to formulate and problem solve will serve you well in your job search; indicate as such on your resume!
6. Gained – This is a great verb to use when referring to any skill set or expertise you have honed in your field. In this portion of your resume be sure you mention the experience you acquired that would make you an ideal candidate for the job. Did you gain new skills? How will they apply? Show the reader you have skills they can use!
7. Initiated – Taking initiative is a great way to stand out from the rest of the workforce, so why not say so in your resume? Being the driving force behind a project will set the precedence that you are a thought leader. ‘Initiated’ can also indicate that you are a self-starter, which is a surefire sign of hire-able candidate.
8. Mentored – Nothing says ‘team player’ like mentoring a colleague or classmate. Using this word denotes motivation to educate, while also demonstrating passion for what you do. On paper this indicates that you are willing to venture outside your scope of work and teach others. Plus, while mentoring someone you are undoubtedly gaining a more defined expertise; and a better understanding of the subject matter is never a bad thing!
9. Obtained –In terms of your resume, the verb obtained can allude to acquiring information, or more importantly, ‘obtained’ can relate to goals you have made and achieved. What goals did you set and achieve? Knowing that once you set out for something, you obtain it, is valuable information for your interviewer.
10. Strengthened – Simply stated, you saw the need for improvement and you made something better. Potential employers will love this verb in particular because it shows a real hunger for change and betterment. Strengthening something indicates your ability to take action versus being passive and simply assessing a situation for what it is.
Looking for more assistance on your resume? Check out WTI’s Job Placement Services!
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Interview
Way to go, WTI students! Your awesome resume landed you a job interview! On paper everything is as it should be. You are impressive and qualified. While you should celebrate the victory of being called in for an interview, know that you still have some work to do if you want to land a job. Avoid these mistakes and you are well on your way to a GREAT job interview:
Arriving late – This may seem like a no-brainer, but nothing will kick your interview off on the wrong foot more than arriving late. Arriving late may indicate two possible things to your interviewer: 1) You are not taking this interview seriously. 2) You are not a timely person in your day-to-day life. Neither one of these are the impressions you would like to elicit, so arrive no fewer than 10 minutes early to your interview. Emergencies may arise, and in the event that they do, notify your interviewer as soon as possible so they are aware and can plan their day accordingly. Note: Notifying your interviewer that you will be late due to an unforeseen emergency will demonstrate your courteousness.
Not asking questions when given the opportunity –There may come a time when your interviewer asks you if you have any questions for him or her. Now is the time to demonstrate your interest in the company by asking thoughtful questions such as: “What is the culture like around the office?” “For my position, can you tell me what a typical day is like?” These questions will show the interviewer that you have given this interview, as well as the position itself, a great deal of thought and that you are truly passionate about landing this job. Note: Jot down some questions prior to your interview and rehearse them before walking in. You will feel much more comfortable now that the questions have already rolled off your tongue.
Dressing too casual – Nothing screams unprofessionalism like casual dress to a job interview. You might have heard that the place you are interviewing has a more casual environment. While this may be a great perk of the job, you should never take advantage of this by showing up too casual for the interview. Err on the side of professionalism! A potential employer will be impressed at your professionalism and will likely appreciate the seriousness of your clothing choice. Dress to impress! Tip: For men, a suit is always a safe bet! Women: A professional skirt or pantsuit is the way to go!
For more information about interview strategy and more, reach out to WTI Student Services! WTI is passionate in not only your education but your career success as well. This being said, Student Services also provides insight into career placement!
Happy interviewing, WTI students!
