The Interview's Over - What Next?

So the interview's over.

You breathe a sigh of relief and get on with everyday life, hoping you'll get the "you're hired" letter in the post. Bad idea !!!!

If you want to practically double your chances of getting to the next round or being offered the job, you need to follow up.

Think about it. If you go to a great party or someone gives you a present, you call or write to them to say thank you. It's good manners. Think about how that makes the other person feel - appreciated and they know you care.

So why not do the same for your job interview?

Just imagine you're the interviewer. You've read hundreds of CVs and interviewed at least 10 candidates. Who will stick in your mind? The one you heard from most recently.

Taking a few minutes to thank the interviewer for their time and remind them why you're keen about the job is a simple, effective way of staying fresh in their mind. And it can positively influence their decision.

Should you phone or write?

Top tip: don't email them. Emails get lost in the day-to-day stress of work. They won't notice it, even if they do read it.

You should either phone or write a real letter.

Writing is probably best, as it can be hard to catch people by phone and get their attention.

Print your letter on good quality paper and hand address the envelope. Hand-written envelopes with stamps get opened more often, because they're not usually junk mail.

What should I write?

Thank them for their time, Tell them you enjoyed meeting them and finding more about the role

Confirm that you're very interested in the job and would like the opportunity to discuss it further with them, Is there anything you thought of on the way home that you wished you had mentioned? Tell them!

Make your tone professional. Ask a friend or colleague to read the letter for a second opinion, before you send it. A simple, short thank you letter is something so few people bother to send, it'll make you stand out from the other candidates.