You nailed the interview. You answered every question with poise, showcased your skills with effortless charm, and even slipped in a witty joke that left the hiring manager chuckling. Congratulations! Now, you take a deep breath and face the final hurdle: the post-interview follow-up.
But what do you say? Panic sets in as a million possibilities swirl in your head. Do you email? Call? Send a carrier pigeon with a scented love letter? Fear not, intrepid job seeker! This post will navigate you through the follow-up jungle, ensuring you leave a lasting impression and stand out.
Give it Time: Let the Dust Settle
Before crafting your masterpiece of gratitude, step back and breathe. Hiring managers have schedules jam-packed with meetings, interviews, and, yes, even bathroom breaks. Allow them at least 24 hours to gather their thoughts and digest the interviews. A hasty email sent right after the meeting might appear pushy or impatient.
Tailor Your Thank You: Beyond "Just Saying Thanks"
Forget the generic "Thank you for your time" template. This is your chance to shine one last time. Reference specific details from the conversation, showcasing your attentiveness and interest. Did you discuss a shared love for board games? Mention it! Did the manager reveal a new project they're excited about? Express your enthusiasm for being part of it. This personalization demonstrates that you were truly present and engaged during the interview.
Highlight Your Fit: A Gentle Reminder
Subtly remind the hiring manager why you're the perfect candidate. Briefly reiterate your key skills and experiences, but don't be repetitive. Use this as an opportunity to address any doubts that might have arisen during the interview or clarify any points you wish you had elaborated on. Keep it concise and focus on the most relevant strengths that align with the position.
Ask a Thoughtful Question: Show Initiative
Conclude your message with a well-placed question. Ask about something other than the timeline (they'll let you know!), but instead, express your continued interest in the company or ask about a specific aspect of the job you'd like to learn more about. This showcases your proactiveness and genuine interest in the role, leaving a positive final impression.
Example in Action:
Dear Alex,
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the Global Supply Manager position. I really enjoyed learning about your experience working for Lyft and can particularly relate to your team's challenges when negotiating a new catering services provider contract. My background in negotiating high-volume contracts with Fortune 500 companies would be a valuable asset to your team. I'm confident I can streamline the process and achieve significant cost savings.
Your passion for Lyft's sustainability initiatives, particularly the electric vehicle rollout, resonates deeply with me. I'm eager to learn more about how the Global Supply Manager role contributes to these efforts and how my experience in sourcing eco-friendly materials could further Lyft's sustainability goals.
Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Melissa
Bonus Tip: Proofread, proofread, proofread! Typos and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Make sure your thank you note is polished and professional.
Remember, the follow-up email is your final chance to stand out from the crowd. By offering a thoughtful and personalized message, you demonstrate your professionalism, enthusiasm, and potential fit for the role. So take a deep breath, channel your inner rockstar, and send that email! Who knows, it might be the key to landing your dream job.
For more interview advice, check out Resume All Day's Interview Preparation Guide.