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tile. A phone call that should take less than a minute becomes a fifteenminute conversation. And, second, even when the phone calls are short, multiply that by hundreds of applicants and you can see that these calls take a huge chunk out of an interviewer’s day. Though it is nice to receive acknowledgment, it is easier for interviewers not to return phone calls or e-mails. , Give your thank-you letter a twist by providing additional information. Along with your letter, include an informational piece, such as an article or a Web site address that is relevant to the interview. Depending on your line of work, you can submit writing samples or graphics based on your conversation. Sending such pertinent information gives you another chance to interact with the interviewer and keep your name in the forefront. However, this step can come off as insincere, so use it only when you are truly earnest about the job.
, Know when to let go. When an interviewer has decided to hire someone else, you will not change his mind, no matter how many times you call. , Stick to traditional follow-up methods. Online social networks such as Facebook or MySpace are not follow-up avenues you should use. Those methods are too informal. E-mail, a letter sent through regular mail, or a phone call are better. , Ask for a second interview. With every interview the interviewer conducts, the criteria for the position change. You may have had a great interview and raised the stakes. If you were one of the first interviewed, yours may not measure up because later candidates each brought something new to the situation. Asking for a second interview will put you back on the same playing field.
Competency-Based Follow-Up Letters There isn’t a standard follow-up letter to use as a guide. So, to determine how best to focus the letter, take the time to complete the following postinterview assessment. The results can serve as a roadmap for your approach. The first step in the assessment is to collect your thoughts right after the interview. Write down your initial impressions while your memory
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