FOLLOW UP AFTER THE INTERVIEW

Fewer than half the people who go on a job interview will bother to send the manager a note thanking them for their time and consideration.

• What is the big deal? 
  Since most people won’t bother to send one, it could give you an edge, especially if there’s real competition between you and another applicant. Remember, businesses are formal. Manners are important. Managers look for these things.
• What goes on the thank-you note? 
  Keep it brief. Thank the manager for meeting with you. Repeat that you do want the job. Offer a trial period. Say that you’d like to call in a week or so to see if they’ve made a decision. 
  Write the note as soon as you get home from the interview. You want to get it into the manager’s hands before he forgets who you are.
• Suppose I do not want the job? 
  If you decide that you don’t want the job, be professional and send the manager a note. 
  Thank her for her time. Say that you’ve decided to seek employment elsewhere and ask that she remove your name form consideration. You can bet most managers don’t get too many notes like that.
• Any “secret strategies” that’ll really impress the manager 
  Yeah, here’s something hardly any of your competitors will do.  During the interview, the manager explained some of the problems or issues that have to do with the job you want. 
  Think about those problems. Then, send the manager a short letter explaining your ideas. 
  Be sure to mention that these are only ideas. Admit that you don’t know enough about the inner workings of the department to be certain, but that you’d certainly enjoy taking a crack at solving those problems. If your suggestions are good, the manager just might call you in for a follow-up interview. Mail this “idea letter” a few days after your thank-you note, but before you follow-up on the telephone. 

• Do I really have to call and see if they’ve made a decision?
  You bet. It tells the manger that you want this job so bad, you’re willing to call. It also shows persistence. It shows that you’re not shy or lazy and that you’re the kind of person who gets things done-even when they’re not very pleasant.
• What should I say when I call? 
  Use the attached calling script. Practice with a friend to smooth out the awkward spots before you make the real call.
• Oh, what’s all that about a follow-up interview? 
  When managers interview people for an important position, they sometimes ask the strongest candidates to come back for a second interview before they make any job offers. If you’re ever invited back to a second interview, it means that you have something that really interests them. When they call to invite you to a follow-up interview, be sure to ask about the agenda. Unlike your first interview, which was general, this interview will be specific. They might want to see how you interact with the team or hear your thoughts on an issue. So, ask what they plan to talk about. If you know what they want, you can go in prepared-and walk out with the job.

Calling Script

Call the manager and introduce yourself:

“Good morning, Ms. Manager. This is Sudhir Mangla. I wanted to call and thank you for meeting with me last week about your Software Developer position.”

Ask if the manager has made a decision:
“I’m very interested in that position and I thought I might follow-up to see if you’ve made a decision.”

If you got the job: 
“Yes. No way. Awesome. Incredible. This is fantastic. I can’t believe it. Yikes! Hey Ma….” 
“When would you like me to start?”
“What time should I report?”
“Where should I report?”
“Who should I report?”
“Should I bring anything with me?”

If the manager hasn’t yet made a decision: 
“Am I still a candidate for consideration?”
“Oh, I really want this job. Would you consider giving me a trial period to prove myself?”
“Would it be okay if I call back on Friday?”

If you didn’t get the job: 
“Gee, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I’d like to thank you for your time and consideration. I learned a lot about myself, the job, and your company during our conversation.”

“If the person you have chosen for this job becomes unavailable, please call me. I’d be pleased to come in for another interview.”

Posted in: Calling , Interview , Tips