The Most Important Part of Your Interview is Also The Most Likely to Be Left Out — Here’s What it Is
You researched the company, dressed the part, formed a sincere connection with your interviewer and nailed all the answers. Your mind is buzzing with excitement imagining the future growth and unlimited potential awaiting you at this dream of a company.
Now, however, is not the time to daydream. There is a window of opportunity in the space between acing an interview and signing the dotted line that can have an important impact on the impression you make. The post-interview period is a chance to show the company that you are diligent in following up, a clear communicator, and yes, pretty freaking excited about the role!
Here are 5 tips on how to stand out after the interview.
1. Follow up within 12-24 hours
Wait at least 12 hours or until the following business day to send a follow-up thank you email. This shows the employer that you took time to reflect on your conversation, weighed the pros and cons, and are ready to move ahead with confidence and positive energy.
Waiting longer than 24 hours to follow up, however, suggests the position might not be a top priority or that the company is perhaps one of many potential job interests.
2. Keep your follow email direct and positive
Most interviewers are busy employees and your interview is likely one of several tasks that they are handling at the moment. Increase your chances of receiving a response by writing a direct email expressing that you are excited about the role and that you’ve used the information provided to further think of ways that you can contribute to the company. This will also show that you’re a clear communicator and respect her inbox.
We provide a template and an example of post-interview emails below!
3. Track the sector
Keep an eye on what’s happening in the sector either through a Tweetdeck column dedicated to the company and its competitors/collaborators or through email alerts.
If there’s any big news that happens in the days following the interview, you could Favorite a Tweet, Like a LinkedIn post, or even send a quick email congratulating the company on their newest acquisition or product launch. This shows that you are interested and active in the sector whether or not you take on this particular role.
4. Keep your options open
Keep applying to jobs that spark your interest! There are many reasons why this particular opportunity might not work out so it is a great idea to always be applying. Researching the endless opportunities available to you will keep your energy high and spirits motivated, which will come through next time you speak with the interviewer.
You might even find a job better suited to you in this post-interview period. It’s important to remember that you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. You are a valuable asset to any company and your energy will communicate that.
5. Send a second follow up
If you don’t hear back within 4-5 business days, send a second brief follow-up letting the company know that you are still excited about the opportunity and offer to send a brief sample of the work that you would be doing for the company.
What happens if you decide the job is not for you in this time? Send an appreciate quick note thanking the interviewer for her time, alerting her that you will not be taking the role and wish her the best of luck.
Below we provide a template and an example of post-interview emails that you can adapt to any role. Best of luck!
1. Follow up template:
Hi [interviewer or HR point person],Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me on [date]! I really enjoyed learning more about [company name]’s approach and workplace and am very excited about the potential to build [the primary topic or task you discussed.]Our conversation really solidified my interest in the position. I am confident that I can hit the ground running and already brainstormed two ideas related to [a topic or task you discussed], which I’ve included below:
- Brief idea #1 [One to two sentences max.]
- Brief idea #2
Please let me know if you have any questions or I can provide any additional information at all. I can also be reached at (XXX) XXX-XXXX.Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you!All the best,Samantha
2. Follow up sample:
Hello Dominic,I hope everything is going well. Thank you for connecting me with Jorge!We had a great meeting this morning during which he showed me around the site and explained Company's goals in more detail. Our meeting solidified my interest in this project. The site looks beautiful and I think it has huge potential to grow.I think it is a site that I can really hit the ground running with by writing news briefs and aggregating stories, but I'm also really excited by the opportunity to help build a trustworthy site and brand in all ways possible. My work in multiple newsrooms, both on the editorial and operations side, has provided some experiences that I think will be helpful moving forward.Please let me know if you have any questions at all or I can provide any additional information. I can also be reached at (XXX) XXX-XXXX.I look forward to hearing from you.All the best,Samantha
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Samantha Shankman is a freelance business reporter and writer whose work has appeared in CNN, NBC, Travel & Leisure, Skift and Mic. She's also helped develop content for large brands including Bayer, Sakara Life, Sojern, and MindBodyGreen. You can follow her Twitter at @SamShankman and see more of her work at samanthashankman.com.
This article was written by a FGB Contributor.
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