Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: email, follow-up, interview, technology, thank-you letter
Our world is increasingly more technological. Everything is on computer systems and databases these days and with all of this machinery, it is a good idea to back up your work. That way, you won’t lose all the hard work you’ve done.
Likewise, you wouldn’t want to lose all the work you put into a cover letter, résumé and ultimately, the interview. With a computer you would use a USB drive. But with an interview you’d have to use the follow-up. This can be done in the form of a phone call or an email (if you use the email, then it could also be called a thank-you letter).
With technology, backing up your work is not even a question. Unfortunately, the follow-up is not taken advantage of as much as it should be. A lot of people think that however they did in the interview is all they can do. If they aced it, then they’ll get the job, if not then they weren’t going to get the job anyway, so why bother with a follow-up? But this just isn’t true.
There are many different ways to carry out the follow-up. A phone call is best saved for when they haven’t called you within the specified time with their decision. An email however, can be used for a variety of reasons. There is the general wanting to thank them for their time and then there are thank-you letters that stress different aspects of your interview.
For example, you could stress the fact that you’re a great fit for the company or you could mention post-interview questions/comments. Then there are letters that aim to do damage control from the interview. There are even ones that try to persuade the interviewer with ideas and suggestions you have for the position. All of these, when used correctly, can really tell an employer that A) you really care and want the job and B) that you’re willing to go that extra step which means that you’re not afraid of at least some work.
So remember, if you don’t back up with a follow-up, you’ll have nothing to back up at all.
