Chapter 14

After the Interview: Thank 'em Like Crazy

You have just concluded a highly anticipated job interview. You prepared for it very diligently and tried to use every golden nugget that you ever read on successful job interviewing. The hiring manager has just escorted you out of the conference room and down the hallway to the elevator. Your mind is racing with a million questions as you leave the building. Did you make a good impression? Did you say all the right things? Did you convince the interviewer that you are the right fit for the job and the organization's culture?

Do not make the assumption that your hard work in preparing for the interview is over, and all you have to do now is sit and wait. You have more work cut out for you. This chapter is about thanking your interviewer(s) and following up with the organization, which is the third stage of the ACT Out interview process. You must keep the communication ball rolling with your potential employer after the interview to maximize your chances of landing the job.

The Waiting Game

After reflecting briefly on the interview, your initial reaction is that everything went reasonably well. You put into practice everything you learned in this book to set yourself apart—in a crazy good way—from the other candidates under consideration. The employer would be insane not to offer you the job on a silver platter. But how do you handle a potential employer who plays the agonizing waiting game with you? Mind you, the decision makers are not sadists who live for making you sweat and squirm even though it seems like it. You want to know if you got the job, and you want to know right now.

If you're impatient by nature, and you can't handle the pressure, there's an easy way to avoid all of the suspense: Just ask.

Some interviewers may be caught a bit off guard by your directness, but most will admire your assertiveness and sincere interest in understanding the next steps in the hiring process and where you stand among your competition. After all, your time is valuable, too.

You may be told that the company needs to meet with several other job candidates before conducting second interviews or making the final hiring decision. Instantly, you think, “Oh, no!” You were hoping the interviewer would cancel all other interviews after meeting you. After all, you have presented yourself as the best, the brightest, and the fairest in the land. The interviewer's search is over.

Don't worry yourself sick. The HR department might have some guidelines in place about interviewing a certain number of candidates.

More likely, the interviewer might be feeding you a line of bull to buy some time. The interviewer could be sold on you but needs to discuss the hiring decision with other people in the organization and check your references. There are so many variables to consider that it is senseless to venture a guess. Don't agonize over it. Put yourself out of your misery simply by inquiring about the hiring and decision-making process at the end of the interview.

Before the interviewer escorts you out of the conference room, it is appropriate to ask the following questions to set the stage for future contact:

• If you need more information about my job experience and qualifications, I can email it to you right away.
• I'd like to convey more job-related information in a second interview. Do you know when that will be?
• When will selected candidates be invited back to meet with other decision-makers?
• When will you make a hiring decision?
• By what date do you hope to fill the position?
• When can I expect a call from you, one way or another?
• Can I follow up with you next week if I don't hear anything?
• What is your preferred method of follow-up communication? I'd like to touch base again.

Good Signs

In Chapter 9, you learned that it's important to establish a rapport with your interviewer, who will be instrumental in advancing you to the next stage of the hiring process if you made a favorable impression. Many interviewers are skilled at putting on a poker face, like the lyrics in Lady GaGa's hit song of the same name, and you are left with a big question mark in your head. Eventually, they will give you an indication of what they think of you. But even if you strike a good rapport, it does not mean you will get the job simply because the interviewer seemed to like you, smiled, and laughed at your jokes.

Look for positive signs of good synergy. You're probably a shoo-in for the next round of interview if your interviewer exhibited some of the following behaviors:

• Showed interest by leaning toward you.
• Exhibited positive body language, such as sitting in an expansive position rather than a restricted position.
• Smiled occasionally and nodded his or her head in agreement.
• Put phone calls on hold.
• Established good eye contact and focused only on you, not on your necklace, your tie, or a picture on the wall.
• Exhibited some mirroring techniques.
• The interviewer talked up the benefits of the job and working for the company.
• Ran over the allotted interview time.
• Asked probing questions about your background to learn about your professional and personal aspirations.
• Made statements that indicated you are already an employee, such as “You will attend a weekly staff meeting…” or “When you fill out your timesheet….”
• Inquired when you could start working.
• Handed you his or business card at the end of the interview.
• Discussed next steps in the interview process.
• Called your references right after the interview.

Red Flags

Conversely, there are some obvious signs that your interview did not go well. When you cannot establish a connection with the interviewer and your communication is dead in the water, your chances do not look good. Did your experience any of the following crazy bad scenarios?

Fast and Furious

If your interview was cut short and the interviewer rushed you out of the office, you can chalk up another failed attempt. The interviewer immediately recognized that you were not a good fit or a viable candidate, and cut her losses quickly and painlessly. Her behavior is an extremely crazy bad sign if you were scheduled to meet with several people afterward.

Attention Deficit

If your interviewer started shuffling paperwork or answered her phone while you were talking, those are telltale signs that she was not remotely interested in what you had to say. She asked no clarifying questions about your answers, and her upper lip twitched as you babbled. Hopefully, you endured her rudeness, thanked her for her time, shook her hand, and left the room with a small shred of dignity. Of course, no one would blame you if you felt like giving her a piece of your mind a la Alex Forrest, the deranged stalker played by Glenn Close in the movie Fatal Attraction when she told Dan Gallagher played by Michael Douglas “I will not be ignored!”

However, you know what they say about burning your bridges: You cannot cross over them again. Do not do or say anything that you will later regret.

Drawing a Blank

The interviewer left you high and dry and wondering if you would be called back. There was no discussion of next steps or salary requirements. You could not even understand the interviewer's shrill last words as she ran out of the office and down the hallway trying to escape.

A Two-Timer

If you were invited back for a second interview, but no one showed you around the office or introduced you to other employees, you have good reason to wonder if you will receive an offer. Your prospective employer may still be deciding if you are a good fit and did not want you to start feeling at home.

Touching Base after the Interview

The job interview isn't finished until the paperwork is done. You must pay attention to your post-interview follow-up. This final step could increase your chances of getting a job offer over other candidates who ignore this vital part of the interview process. If the employer is on the fence about you, prompt follow-up could tip the odds in your favor. It shows respect for the interviewer, demonstrates good manners, and is indicative of the professionalism and attention to detail that you would bring to your job performance.

When crafting your letter, use the engineering principle called KISS, which is an acronym for Keep It Simple, Sweetheart or, depending on your mood, Keep It Simple, Stupid. It's a thank-you note, not an essay, so readers appreciate when you make your point quickly and succinctly. Keep it one page in length.

A formal thank-you letter serves as a valuable tool to market your talents to the employer. If you want the job, you will have to communicate your sentiments in a well-worded letter. Bottom line: It's suck up time. A follow-up letter will keep you at the top of the employer's mind, underscores your UVP, recaps relevant job qualifications, and conveys additional information that will help you garner favor. For example, if you are proficient in operating special machinery or using some cutting-edge software, now is the time to stress these competencies.

Be sure to ask for business cards, so the contact information will be at your fingertips when you compose your letters. You should mail or email a personalized thank-you letter to every person who interviewed you within 24 hours of the interview. Your letter should thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in joining the team. A typed letter on good-quality stationary or an email is appropriate. A handwritten note is warm and fuzzy but not as business-like.

A professional thank-you letter contains five main parts:

Before you mail or email a thank-you letter, use your computer's Spell Check function to ensure it is letter perfect. A letter filled with bad grammar and typos is as bad as no follow-up at all.

After you send your thank-you letter, you must sit tight and wait for the good or bad news. If more than a week passes, and you have not heard a peep, then you can call or email the employer to politely ask for an update. This action shows you are persistent and still interested in the job.

#1 Crazy Good Thank-You Letter

Dear Mr. Wilson:

Thank you for the privilege of interviewing with you yesterday during your recruiting visit to Michigan State University (MSU). The sales management training program you outlined sounds challenging, rewarding, and in alignment with my career objectives.

As I mentioned during the interview, I will graduate with a bachelor's degree in marketing in May. I was an intern for the past two summers at a marketing agency in Detroit, and I can provide you with excellent references attesting to my job performance and work ethic. I hope you will agree this internship is an excellent springboard into Acme Corporation's sales management training program.

I have a keen interest in working for your company. Per your request, I have enclosed my college transcript and a list of professional and personal references, along with contact information. I look forward to hearing from you. You can reach me at (313) 555-1234 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Dennis Michaels

#2 Crazy Good Thank-You Letter

Dear Mr. Peepers:

It was a pleasure meeting you today to discuss the position of accounting specialist at ABC Company. I enjoyed learning about the responsibilities of the position and getting an overview of the company.

I am confident that my education, job experience, and skill sets would be assets in this role, and make me a significant contributor to the company's growth and bottom line. In particular, I believe my problem-solving skills would help in restructuring your accounting department, based on my success in rectifying a similar situation for my past employer. I would like to thank you for your time and reiterate my interest in working at ABC Company. I look forward to hearing from you regarding your hiring decision for this exciting career opportunity.

Regards,

Becky Johnson

467 Hillcrest Drive

Anytown, USA 60126

Tel: (312) 555-0137

Cell: (312) 555-8935

#3 Crazy Good Thank-You Letter

Harry Goliath

Brickwall Modular Construction Co.

333 Mortar Ave.

Anytown, FL 35332

Dear Mr. Goliath:

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the position of associate architect at Brickwall Modular Construction Co. I am very interested and excited about the prospect of working in your design division.

In addition to my six years of experience in a similar role, I have great organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and I can interface well with people at all levels of an organization. This skill would be valuable in working with the employees in your manufacturing facility.

On a more personal note, I am interested in being part of your Habitat for Humanity initiative because I am passionate about helping others and making a difference in the world.

I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding the position of architect.

Respectfully,

Jeffrey Whitney

100 Pleasant Ave.

Anytown, USA 10000

Tel: (305) 555-8245

#1 Crazy Bad Thank-You Letter

Dear Tiffany,

I appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to meet with me about the IT manager position. I am recently divorced, and I think I would really enjoy working closely with you.

With 10 years of rock-solid experience, I would be a good addition to your IT department. I am committed to excellence and don't mind working long hours and weekends. I also have season tickets for the Lakers, if you ever want to catch a game with me. I wait in great anticipation of your hiring decision for the IT position. If you don't offer me the job, I hope you will still consider going to a Lakers game. I think you're hot.

Yours truly,

Paul Douchet

#2 Crazy Bad Thank-You Letter

Dear Mr. Bartholomew:

It was nice meeting you yesterday to discuss the bank job and tour your impressive, state-of-the-art facility. I have a wealth of experience that directly relates to the position of assistant bank manager, especially in the area of securing and transferring funds to Swiss banks.

In my free time, I shoot guns at a local target practice range. This skill might come in handy if there's a robbery at your bank. In closing, I would be delighted to hear from you and also learn more about your bank's new security system.

Ciao!

Vito Scallopini

#3 Crazy Bad Thank-You Letter

Dear Mr. Johnson:

Thanks for interviewing me the other day for the sales manager opening at your retail store in Milwaukee.

My retail background is an ideal match for the job requirements you outlined in our discussion. I feel I would do an excellent job because I am familiar with all aspects of store management, and I am dedicated to providing top-notch customer service.

I cannot help remarking that you bear a strong resemblance to my beloved grandfather, who passed away last year. A lovely urn on my fireplace mantel holds his ashes, and I speak to his spirit daily.

I look forward to your response regarding the sales manager position. If hired, I can start immediately. My references are enclosed, per your request. You can reach me at (818) 555-7722 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Miriam Goodheart

P.S.: Enclosed is my favorite photo of “Poppy.”

Crazy Bad Follow-Up Efforts

Some candidates go over the top in trying to get noticed in their follow-up communications. Even if you have a flair for the dramatic, it is not professional to send singing telegrams, flowers, cookies, balloons, or other gimmicks that call unfavorable attention to yourself.

It should go without say that the following behaviors are inappropriate:

• Stalking the interviewer.
• Showing up at the office repeatedly.
• Lurking in the lobby or parking lot.
• Sending daily emails.
• Leaving continuous voice mails.
• Contacting him or her on Facebook.
• Writing threatening or just plain creepy letters.
• Promising sexual favors in exchange for employment. (Note: Nasty behavior could have a negative impact on your reputation and your career goals.)

There are always exceptions to the rule. Persistence can pay off if you are nonthreatening and take a low-key approach as shown in the following example.

Reappearing Act

A marketing director needed to hire a sales agent. He explained to each candidate that he was going to interview a lot of people before making a hiring decision. The first interviewee had all the right stuff. His job experience was well suited for the position, and he met all of the necessary requirements. But the marketing director did not want to hire the first candidate, and insisted on interviewing more people.

The first interviewee stopped by the office once a week for the next three weeks just to say hello and ask if the marketing director had made a decision yet. In many cases, this guy would have been viewed as a pest and sent away. But he was engaging and likeable, and not the least bit pushy.

Real-life result: The marketing director was impressed with the young man's persistence and finally offered him the job. He's been performing like a rock star in his role, delivering great results, and is well-liked by the entire staff.