Page 164 - 101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions

Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up 157

indicated the next decision would be made. This is also a good time to
mark on your calendar the date when you will place your follow-up call.
Next, within 24 hours, write a nice thank you letter, similar to our
example on page 160. Express your appreciation to the employer for a
good interview. Indicate your continued interest in the position, assuming
this is the case, and briefly summarize your slulls as they relate to the
position. Close by indicating you are waiting to hear from her by X date
- use the date she indicated she would have made her decision. Keep this
letter focused and brief. The employer is a busy person and is not likely
to appreciate nor read a lengthy letter. Bear in mind that, though it is a
thank-you letter, it is a business letter. It should be typed using a letter
quality printer and good quality business-size stationery and mailed in
a No. 10 business envelope. At the same time, if you’ve been communi-
cating with the employer by e-mail, which indicates you have permission
to e-mail, go ahead and e-mail the letter in addition to sending a hard
copy in the mail. Use the following e-mail attention line:

Thanks for meeting with me today.

At the very least, sending a thank-you letter is a courteous thing to do.
However, you may get more mileage out of it than just doing the right
thing. When your letter arrives, it will remind the interviewer of your
candidacy. The brief summation of your slulls as they relate to the job
focuses her attention on the fit between you and the position. You have
also reminded her that you expect to hear from her by a particular date.
And if by chance you are one of the few to send a thankyou letter, you
will have set yourself apart from the crowd.

Keep the Process Going

During the days that you are awaiting word from this employer, continue
to network and apply for other positions that interest you. You need to
continue to actively pursue jobs that fit your goals and slulls. The time
between an interview and a hiring decision may be weeks. Use this time
constructively to promote your job search.
If you do not hear from the employer by the date specified, you must
follow through and make the call to inquire whether a decision has been
made. If they have not made a decision yet, your call will again put your