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What to do Post Job Interview
You did it — you survived the interview. Whether it was a set of Skype calls, or those grueling, day-long sessions with literally EVERYONE in your potential department, you deserve a glass of wine (or tea, if it’s morning…or wine. Yeah, let’s stick with wine.) But you’re not done yet! Here’s 5 must-dos to nail down that dream job.
1. Send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview
There’s no excuses for missing this one. A prompt thank you note (preferably hand-written, but an email will do) is the perfect time to highlight what went well, correct what may have been missed, and keep you on their minds. There’s a ton of articles about how to write the perfect note (here and here and here), but make sure it’s memorable. Hit upon something that you uniquely bring to the table.
And bonus: here’s the thank-you I sent to my current company post-interview! Eeeeeeek! I read it now, and there’s 10 million things I would change about it, but it obviously helped get it done!
“Hello SIS ninjas,
I wanted to sincerely thank you for your time and insight yesterday. Interviews can often be a stressful process, but I felt right at home and comfortable at SIS. With my diverse experience — as an entrepreneur and innovative thinker, social media marketer, awesome time manager, and writer/editor — I am excited to build SIS’s online reputation from scratch and implement my ideas. After seeing multiple social campaigns and brands from conception to analysis, I would be a fantastic fit for this role — I understand and love the company culture, have the intense need to be the best, and am equipped with the passion and drive it get it done.
I look forward to hearing from you, and cannot wait to start work.”
Boom.
2. Impress the interviewers with a thoughtful follow up email
If the opportunity didn’t present itself in the interview (or if you just didn’t go for it,) now’s the time to seal the deal with “the Briefcase Technique.” Taking time to understand the organization’s biggest issues (and how to solve them), and then giving a 90-day action plan of what you’d contribute will make you practically irresistible. It shows initiative and drive (not to mention, going the extra mile of solving problems and demonstrating value before you’ve even been given an ID number.) It also gives you yet another chance to touch on your skills.
Here’s how I worded the post-interview email with my 90-day action plan attached.
“Thank you for your email. I look forward to discussing your decision with you later this week.
In the meantime, I have compiled a document that highlights some additions I can implement to current tasks and strategies, in addition to the other tasks and projects I would be working on in this position. I also wanted to highlight some of my own ideas and how they will add value.
I hope this proposal –as well as my application materials, my persistence, and my energy and passion in our meeting — demonstrate my work ethic and excitement. This would be an incredible opportunity for me.
I look forward to hearing from you, and to implementing my ideas and experience to wow you.”
By giving them a bit of what they don’t even know they need, you immediately become invaluable. And bonus: when you get the job, you’ve already got your first 90 days planned out.
READ MORE: How to Land the Job (When You Don’t Meet the Requirements)
3. Read Glassdoor reviews for to learn about management and company culture
Glassdoor has become the go-to website for job seekers. As the assigned Glassdoor representative at my company, I cannot stress the importance of the site for our brand, reputation, and transparency. Glassdoor does double duty: informing you about your potential employer, and giving you a better sense of what you’re worth. Remember, job interviews are important for you too, as you discover if this position will be a good fit. Discovering the positives and negatives of a company, straight from employees, will help inform your decision; and with posted salaries, you can estimate what your potential offer will be. If you potential salary isn’t posted, Glassdoor’s more general salary calculator takes your location, experience, and job title, and gives you a good starting point for possible negotiation later.
4. Reach out to your professional network
If you haven’t done it yet, now’s the perfect time to scout your LinkedIn. Know someone with a connection at the company you applied for? Ping them and ask to put in a good word. Email people at the potential organization, and ask what their experience has been — that way, you’re getting an insider look AND you’re making a good impression on someone internally.
5. Pat yourself on the back and leave it be
Done all the above steps? Now it’s time to relax. You’re going to feel the overwhelming urge to check your email/phone every second, to call up the hiring manager and be like, “So…?” But resist the urge. Take a deep breath. Reassure yourself. It’s all going to be just fine. But don’t forget — you haven’t got the job yet. It’s always wise to use this time to continue applying (and interviewing) for other positions.
Need extra help? I’ve got you covered with my best selling Job Interview Overview that guides you through the interview process from creating the perfect resume to sending in your resignation letter.
