You knocked it out of the park at the job interview. Now you have to just sit back and wait by the phone for the big call, right? Wrong!
The hiring process is not over. In order to really stand out and make your case as the strongest candidate, you have one more step to take: follow-up.
That’s right. Following-up may sound old-fashioned, or unnecessary. But truly, as one of the top recruiters in Kansas City, Morgan Hunter can tell you it’s the one extra step that could help you win the job.
Why?
Because most candidates don’t do it! Or, if they do, they don’t follow proper etiquette and are too aggressive, too long-winded, or can come off sounding just plain desperate.
So with that said, how can you use the “follow-up” after a job interview to make yourself stand out – in a good way – and land the job? Here are a few techniques to consider:
Technique #1: Get the names and titles of each person you interview with.
If you’re interviewing with a committee – as many candidates do these days – be sure to get business cards from all who attend. Don’t simply ask for their names – after all, is it “Theresa” or “Teresa”? The last thing you want to do in a follow-up letter is guess and get it wrong.
Technique #2: Consider the culture.
Should you write a hand-written note or email your follow-up? In many instances, it doesn’t matter. But if the company has a strong culture, then you should consider it before making your decision.
For instance, if you’ve interviewed with a fourth generation, family owned business with a traditional culture, then a hand-written letter may be more appropriate. However, if you’re interviewing for a marketing position at a tech company, then email will position you in a better light.
Technique #3: Cover the basics.
A follow-up letter needs to include a few basic essentials – 1) a thank you to the interviewer, 2) a reiteration of why you’re the best fit for the position, and 3) stating you’re looking forward to the next step.
Also, be specific. For instance, if the interviewer told you they’d be making a decision in a week, then write something like “I look forward to hearing from you next week” at the end of your letter.
Likewise, when reiterating why you’re the top candidate for the job, don’t offer vague statements like “I’m a team player.” Instead, give a detailed example of why your background is a good fit for their needs – e.g. “As we discussed at the interview, I increased sales by over 10% at XYZ company last year alone. I’d welcome the opportunity to do the same at your company, helping you attain your sales goals in the process.”
Need More Help With Your Job Search Process?
Let Morgan Hunter know. As one of the top recruiters in Kansas City, we’ve helped thousands of job seekers find their next great opportunity in their careers. How do we do it? We ask questions that go beyond experience to career aspirations and interests, enabling us to connect you with the jobs that are the best fit for you. Contact us today to learn more or search our jobs in Kansas City now.