by Jake Betz

Created on: October 18, 2009

When considering applicants for a position, employers naturally attach great importance to qualifications and career history. What many job seekers don't fully appreciate, however, is just how much attention the interview team gives to an applicant's demeanor before, during and after the interview.

Before a supervisor extends an employment offer, he wants to be sure that the prospective new staff member will be able to maintain a positive working relationship with co-workers at all levels in the organizational strata. Demonstrating an ability to maintain a positive professional demeanor is a key to showing suitability for a position.

At the conclusion of an employment interview, the person leading the interview will invariably thank the applicant for his participation. When members of the interview team rise, that is the signal for the applicant that it is time to leave for him the interview room. The applicant should, upon making his exit, shake hands with each member of the interview team, the lead interviewer first. The applicant should maintain eye contact with each, smile and express gratitude for the interview opportunity. The applicant should be gracious, but businesslike, avoiding comments that are personal or extraneous to the interview. The departure should be brief, but dignified.

On the way out of the building, the applicant should make it a point to thank anyone who greeted him on his arrival, such as the building receptionist or the supervisor's secretary. It is quite possible that the lead interviewer will ask these valued staff members for their impressions of the applicant. Of course, the applicant should leave the building immediately, not loiter in the hallways or offices.

Within a day or two after the interview, the applicant should send a thank-you note to the lead interviewer. The note, which should have a professional tone and not verge on gushing, should express the applicant's gratitude to all members of the interview team for their time, reaffirm his interest in the position and offer to provide any additional information if needed. The note may be sent via email, provided the lead interviewer has supplied the address to the applicant.

The applicant should avoid badgering the employer for information on the status of the position. Reputable companies will contact successful applicants by phone and courteously notify other applicants, either by email or U.S. mail, that the position has been filled. If three or four weeks have elapsed and the applicant has received no word from the company, it is permissible to send a brief email inquiry asking whether the position has been filled and again thanking the company for its consideration. It is important that the applicant not show anger if he or she is not selected.

Showing courteous behavior throughout the process can yield dividends, even if an applicant is not selected for that particular position. It is possible the employer would favorably remember the applicant for a future position or recommend the applicant to another employer. Making a good impression is always an important first step on the road to success.

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