Page 165 - 101 Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions

158 Nail the Job Interview!

candidacy in their minds, and this may put you a few points ahead of
others under consideration. Your dedication and follow-through will
probably score a few more points in your favo'r. While follow-up alone
will not get you the job, if it is a close decision and you call and the other
candidate does not, your follow-up phone call could be your ticket to
nailing the job!

Follow-Up Means You Follow Through

Do both yourself and the employer a favor. If you asked if it would be
okay to call the employer in regards to the hiring decision, male sure you
do. Too often individuals learn the importance of follow-up, but they only
take it to the stage of seelcing permission to follow up or they state they
will call at a particular time. But when the time comes, they either forget
to do so or they get cold feet and decide not I:O make that critical tele-
phone call. If you said you would follow up on a particular date, male
sure you do. Your follow-up actions will indicate to the employer that you
are someone who also follows through in doing what you say you will do.
If you call and are told the decision has not been made, ask when you
might hear from the employer and if it would be okay to call again in
another few days. If, on the other hand, the decision has been made and
you were not chosen, write another thank-you letter, similar to the
example on page 16 1, in which you express your disappointment in not
being chosen. Sincerely cite your appreciation for the opportunity to
interview for the position and indicate your continuing interest in
working with the employer. You may later discover this thoughtful letter
will lead to a later job offer. Chances are you will be remembered by the
employer as a considerate person. And in the end, that is what the job
search and interview are all about - being remembered as someone who
should be offered the job. Male sure you follow through your follow-up
in a positive manner that will get you remembered for future reference.
If you are offered the job, you also should write a thank-you letter,
similar to the one on page 162, in which you express your appreciation
for the confidence given to you. This can be a very effective thank-you
letter. It sets an important stage for developing a new and hopefully
productive relationship in the coming months and years. It helps relieve
the anxiety of the employer who may still be uncertain about his hiring
choice.