After the Interview
How you follow-up with a recruiter after your interview says a lot about your professionalism and the kind of person you are.
Thank-you Notes
- Always send a thank-you note after the interview. An email or handwritten note shows courtesy and respect for the interviewer and the time spent meeting with you.
- It doesn't have to be fancy - just a short note thanking the recruiter for their time, saying you enjoyed the meeting and reiterating your interest in the position.
- Don't write a lot about yourself and your skills in the thank-you note. It can seem like you're trying to extend the interview.
Waiting
- If you were given a date by which you should have heard back from the company, wait another day or so and then call your company contact to check in.
- If you are considering other offers, you can call the company before their named date to let them know in case they wish to make you an offer as well.
- If you don't get the job, it is okay to ask the recruiter what you could have done to be a stronger candidate.
References
- Don't list references on your resume and don't give the list to an employer until they request it.
- You should have three to five references in mind. Choose people who can speak to your work ethic and skills.
- Get the permission of the person you wish to use as a reference and then keep your references informed if an employer may be contacting them.
- Be sure to thank your references for their help.
The Offer
- When evaluating an offer, think carefully about how the company, the job and the work align with your professional goals and your needs. Consider everything - location, hours, salary, benefits, opportunities for training and advancement, work environment.
- Think about any salary offer overnight, even if it seems very low.
- Be sure to consider benefits, bonuses and other elements of a total compensation package in addition to base salary.
If you come to terms and accept the offer, request that the offer be sent to you in writing. Verbal offers are easier to withdraw or change than a written offer.
