Nailing the Interview Follow-Up (Spoiler Alert, Say Thank You)

Getting an interview is a huge step in the job search process. Securing and then nailing the interview is a huge win for job seekers, but if you thought that the next step after an interview is to stare at your inbox, waiting to hear back from an interviewer, then we’ve got some news for you.

Interviewing successfully with a company is no small feat. Interviewers know that it’s a difficult, nerve-wracking practice, but let’s face facts: Most candidates that actually land a job interview are one of many qualified candidates. So it’s not enough to make it to the interview, you have to stand out once it’s over.

If you want to make sure that you nail the interview, and secure your place as a stand-out applicant, one of the best things you can do post-interview is to follow up with a ‘Thank You” note. In fact, time and time again, recruiters have said that the determining factor between one qualified candidate and another equally qualified applicant is that crucial follow up. When considering that a simple gesture of gratitude for their time can make or break your chances of getting a job, it’s actually a pretty big deal.

Our advice for nailing the interview follow-up?

Get cracking on that “Thank You” note. Preferably, within 48 hours of the interview itself.

Ideally, you won’t mash the “Send” key as soon as you are 10 minutes out of the interview, but you don’t want to let too much time pass, either. Staying within the 48-hour window will give your potential employer the chance to remember who you are before meeting too many other candidates. Still, there is something to be said for taking just enough time to craft a thoughtful, customized response to your interviewer’s time.

A Quick Checklist of Things to Add:

• A personalized greeting to the interviewer, by name (We really hope we have all moved past “To Whom It May Concern”…)
• A sincere expression of thanks for their time and efforts
• A genuine point of interest that came up during the interview
• A reaffirmation of your interest in the position
• A closing, expressing your openness to answer questions in the future

Your best bet is to tailor your note to the tone and formality of the company and the industry. One thing to note: This is not a second cover letter. The company should already know who you are at this point, so revisiting your cover letter might be overkill. The key is to keep it brief, authentic and professional.

It’s important to remember that a “Thank You” letter is not a guarantee that you’ll land the job, but it is still a great practice to get into, and will absolutely make you stand out in a positive way to your prospective company.

Are you feeling more confident about expressing yourself in writing, but the thought of selling yourself in person makes you panic? You’re not alone. The best thing to do in that case is practice, and Mockmate is here to help. Our AI-generated job interview question simulator is the perfect sidekick to get you ready to ace that next interview, and feel confident about your ability to answer those tricky interview questions. Ready to give it a try?