Step 11: Following up after an Interview / The Thank You Letter

Reasons to send a thank you letter:

• In fact, employers do appreciate those who take the time to follow up for several reasons.
• Timely follow-up demonstrates to the employer that you have a genuine interest in the company.
• Follow-up allows you to thank employers for their time and to build familiarity.
• Only about 25% of applicants bother to follow up after an interview. By taking the time to thank the employer, you're setting yourself apart from the other applicants.
• Follow-up will allow you the opportunity to address any negatives or concerns that took place during your interview.

Types of Follow-ups
Your follow-up may be a telephone call, letter or even a brief handwritten thank you card. This is about the only time it is appropriate to handwrite anything for employers unless they specifically request it.

Follow-up may not take much time on your part, but it will leave a lasting and positive impression with a potential employer.

Time is of the essence when following up. If you are hoping that the follow-up will impact the hiring decision in your favour, you don't want to leave it too late.

If sending a follow-up letter or card by mail, prepare and mail it the day of, or the day after your interview. If possible, drop it off in person the next day. If you are going to follow-up by phone, keep in mind the hiring time frame they have given you and act accordingly. For example, if your interview was on Tuesday and the employer stated that they would be making a decision before the end of the week, follow up within a reasonable period of time, perhaps early Thursday morning.

When following up by phone, don't rehash the whole interview over again. Mention a few brief points to help them remember who you are, thank them for their time and state that you hope to hear from them when a decision has been made. The follow-up call should not take longer than five minutes.

View a sample Thank You Letter.