Interview follow-up tips
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EmailHow you handle the follow-up after an interview contributes to a successful experience.
November is National Career Development Month, As you think about your career development, successful interviewing skills should come to mind. Whether you are interviewing for a job, scholarship or special opportunity, it has been my experience that your follow-up may influence or contribute to a successful outcome. Michigan State University Career Services Network indicates that follow-up after an interview moves your resume closer to the top of the pile.
Consider these tips when following-up on an interview:
- Be professional, courteous and respectful at all times with potential employers, their staff and selection committee members. This is the expectation and will be noticed and captured following the interview.
- In most interview situations, the candidate will be asked if they have any questions for the interviewer. Your answer should be “yes” and can help you set the stage for what follow-up you need to complete. It is appropriate to ask about the timeline for making a decision about the position or opportunity. You may also ask when you should hear something. Another good question is to ask how many other candidates are being interviewed. You may also ask if you can contact them if you do not hear from them by a certain date. If the answer to that is yes, you may also ask if they prefer phone or email contact and who best to contact.
- Whether by phone, online or in person, interviewers will process and evaluate candidates after the interview. How have or would you rate on the following?
- Did you have an enthusiastic voice? Tone and volume also get noticed.
- Did you answer questions vaguely or directly?
- Did you research the company well or did you ask simple questions?
- Did you express interest in a second interview or other follow-up?
- Did you follow-up with a thank-you letter? In current times, email thank-you notes are acceptable, but never forget the impact of a good old fashioned thank-you note.
- Did you pursue this interview opportunity with a phone call or email?
- Did you send or bring supporting material (resume, portfolio, references, etc.)?
- Debrief with a trusted mentor or friend. Reflect on your interview experience out loud to analyze how the experience went to help hone your skills and ideas for the next interview – whenever that may take place.
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development helps to prepare young people for successful futures. For more information about career exploration, workforce development and readiness, youth financial education or youth entrepreneurship, email us at 4-HCareerPrep@anr.msu.edu.
