by Scott Hayden

Created on: March 19, 2010   Last Updated: November 17, 2011

If you've just had a great job interview and your expectations are high, remember that your work is not finished. Taking a strategic approach to follow up on a job interview will put you in a favorable light. The job market is more competitive than ever and to get that edge it's necessary to show you're sincere about the position. Not doing any kind of follow up at all could cost you the job. The person hired could be the one who shows the most interest.  

As a general rule, hand written letters or thank you cards will be much better received by interviewers than e-mails, which are seen as informal and lacking a personal touch. If you were interviewed by more than one person, send a note to each of them because it will show you haven't forgotten who they are. Say something different in each one to make it look individualized. Before sending them to the company, make sure there are no grammar or spelling mistakes. Do this within two business days after the interview.

Wait for a few days and then follow up with a phone call. It's a good idea to wait for seven to ten days. Re-introduce yourself and ask about the status of your application. Many companies will only get back to the successful candidate, so calling them may be the only way to find out that you didn't get the job. If this is the case, express your thanks for being interviewed and continue to build rapport. Sell yourself with enthusiasm and the hiring manager may give your name to other contacts. The key is to always be polite. This will stand you in good stead later.

Following up is important, but don't call the company back excessively. If you called once already and are not getting a response you could take this a sign that you didn't get selected. It will be time to move on. The line between being persistent and being a pest is delicate to say the least.

Never rely on just one interview. There is no guarantee you will be chosen, no matter how many smiles or handshakes were exchanged between you and the interviewer during the initial screening process. Going to job interviews is a numbers game and there could be a thousand reasons that will affect your chances.

Rather than sitting by the phone, which may never ring, keep looking for work. Even if the interview you had went well, not every company will be a good fit. Actively looking for new leads will keep you in a positive frame of mind and motivated to reach your goal. Your turn will come if you hang in there. 

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