Following a job or internship interview, you have some important tasks to complete to help your chances of being selected for the position. Here’s how to leave the best impression after your interview:
WHAT TO DO:
• Be sure you know the interviewer’s name and title. Before you leave the interview, write down the interviewer’s name and title with correct spelling or obtain a business card for your records.
• Send a thank you note. Email or mail a thank you note to the interviewer within 48 hours after the interview. (See the template below)
• Add a point you missed. If you feel you forgotten to mention something in the interview that is relevant to the position, mention the information briefly in the thank you note.
• Avoid calling to thank the interviewer. An email or letter is preferred when thanking an employer for an interview. A phone call may be viewed as an unnecessary interruption in a busy work day.
• Follow-up regardless of the interview outcome. You should send a thank you note even if you feel the interview did not go well. The employer will view it as a mark of professional behavior.
• FINAL TIP: Check the status of your application. Observe the “one-week rule” or the decision date when checking the status of your application. Send a letter 1-3 weeks after (1) your interview date or (2) the employer’s decision date.
WRITING THE THANK YOU NOTE
Career coach Marge Buj (n.d.) recommends the following practices and a template:
1. Address the person you are emailing by their first name.
2. Mention the job title of the role you are following up on and the date you interviewed to refresh their memory.
3. Confirm that you are still interested in the position and that you are eager to hear about next steps.
4. Finally, ask for an update on your application.
THANK YOU NOTE TEMPLATE
Hi, [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope you're having a great week. I interviewed for the [job title] position on [interview date], and you mentioned your
team would be finalizing a hiring decision this week. Would you be able to provide me with an update, please? If you need
any additional information from me, please let me know.
Thank you so much.
Best,
[Your Name]
Source: Buj, M. (n.d.) https://www.livecareer.com/resources/interviews/prep/job-interview-follow-up
Revised 29 June 2022