by MCM

Created on: January 28, 2010

So your credentials have impressed a potential employer enough to be called for interview, you have done your background research on the company, you have dressed yourself suitably, and you have answered a myriad of questions before a panel of interviewers.  You have come this far, now it is time to go that extra mile.

Put yourself into your interviewer’s shoes.  When you meet several people one after another, do you find it easy to remember each and every one of them?  It is only natural to find it difficult to distinguish between the many new faces.  What you need to do is make yourself stand out from the crowd, force the interviewer to pull your face to the forefront of their memory.  Memory expert Charles Garavan teaches that remembering details occurs when you recall that detail regularly.  Eventually, when recalled regularly enough, that detail will be learned.  Your details have been looked at during the application stage, then recalled during the interview stage, and now you have an opportunity to make your potential employer recall your details once more by sending a thoughtfully written thank you letter.  Your details will then be to the forefront of their mind as they consider who to call for the second round of interviews.

Preparation

Do not be afraid of taking notes during the interview - it gives a positive impression as well as being of vital importance to enable you to accurately address your thank you letter.  Of particular importance for you is the name and position of those interviewing you.  Where any particular issues are raised or discussed at length, make a note of it for possible mention in your letter.

Materials

Do not make any assumptions about your interviewers likes or dislikes on the grounds of your surroundings or their appearance at interview stage.  It is important to maintain a professional standard.  A neatly handwritten letter on good quality plain writing paper is best.  Be careful not to let down your choice of good writing paper by enclosing it in a cheap envelope.  Now is not the time to cut corners.  Ensure your pen writes freely and has sufficient ink.  If you prefer, a handwritten message in a card is also good.  Choose your card carefully, avoiding anything too flouncy or personal, and ensure that the inside of the card is blank.  If possible, relate the image on the front of the card to the

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