12+-+After+the+Interview

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Introduction
 The interview process is far from over. There is still lots to do. Every interaction with the employer afterward will factor into the hiring decision. It may also affect whether the employer and you feel pleased with the final decision.

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Immediately After the Interview:
DO DON'T
 * Thank the interviewer. Shake hands. Remember your manners.
 * Exchange business cards and/or contact information.
 * If the interviewer asks if you have any questions: be sure to ask some questions.
 * Be sure to have researched the company's information and the job position you are applying for.
 * Prepare a list of questions to ask so you can ask meaningful questions to help you stand out.
 * The interviewers like to know that you did your research on their company.
 * According to Resume-help.org, "Employers are just as interested in your questions as they are in your answers."
 * Asking questions gives you a chance to appear intelligent and interested
 * Ask about salary or benefits

Immediately After Leaving the Premise:

 * Take notes about what you learned
 * i.e. people's names, their personal information, and what you learned about the company.
 * If there was a question your interviewer may have asked that you couldn't answer, look it up. If you get a second interview you want to be able to answer the question, if asked again.
 * The notes may be helpful in writing a follow-up letter or thank you note
 * It is important to take notes soon after the interview because it is easier to recall important exchanges between you and your interviewer

In the Days Following the Interview:

 * The Resume-helper.org staff recommends it is best to send thank you letters or follow up letters to ALL the interviewers you met.
 * According to Dawn Rosenberg of About.com career planning, you decide whether you like the company. You may not want the job based on your interview experience
 * During your interview you likely learned more about the company by asking questions, meeting employees, and receiving a tour of the premises.
 * According to JobInterviewQuestions.org, if you no longer desire the position, you should let your potential employer know in the near future, in order to not waste his or her time.
 * A basic set up for a follow up letter is:
 * Full block format
 * Headings and contact information
 * Introduction - Thank the interviewers for their time and consideration, express continued interest in position.
 * Body - Comment on any further strengths which you may not have discussed during the interview, clarify answers that were not made clear in the actual interview, further express how you would make a great candidate for the position.
 * Conclusion - Thank again, provide outlet for future questions and comments, indicate interest in hearing from them in the near future.
 * Closing with signature.
 * A nice sample letter is shown below
 * JobInterviewQuestions.com suggests you should reflect on the interview: Reflect on your strengths and weakness. Improving certain responses to unexpected questions will benefit you in future interviews.
 * Don Varney of expertvillage.com suggests if you share a landline with roommates or family, make sure to notify your family that your potential employer may call in the next few days.
 * Set up a sheet for family members to take notes
 * Provide family members with other contact numbers if you are not at home. (Cell or office number)
 * Specify on the sheet what type of information you want family members to gather from callers (i.e. name, number, reason for calling, etc.)
 * Some methods to control family members are highlighted by Don Varney in this video []
 * Make sure your voice mail is professional, if you have not done so already. Joke voice mails can give potential employers a bad impression.
 * Chances are you will receive a call the potential employer in the next few days. Therefore, it is important to be prepared to answer supplementary questions.
 * Call your references
 * Texas Job Hunter's Guide recommends you check to see if the employer called your reference contacts.
 * You can find clues as to whether you are closer to winning the position.
 * Thanking references for their help will maintain the close business relationships you have spent a long time to create.

What Do I Do if I Still Haven't Heard Back?
Don't worry. It can be a long process. Here are a few tips to portray your interest in the position without appearing annoying. 
 * The Texas Job Hunter's Guide recommends you call the lead interviewer to express your interest and check your status if not receiving a call within a week or specified time by the interviewer.
 * Ask more questions about the job. This should express you sincere interest, and may help put you ahead of the other candidates.
 * According to The Teax Job Hunter's Guide, if you have received other offers, let the interviewer know in a tactful way. It may speed up the process.
 * Ask if they have any further questions about your resume or qualifications.
 * MOST IMPORTANTLY! Be patient.


 For tips about preparing for a job interview, See: Job interview preparation For tips about preparing a resume, See: Writing a Resume and Resume Layout - Formatting For tips on what to wear to an interview, See: Professional Dress For tips about what to do during the interview, See: During the Interview For Possible Interview Questions, See: Possible Interview Questions For an in-depth guide to writing follow up letters, See: Writing the Follow Up Letter For more information on phone contact, See: Communicating With potential employers over the phone

Works Cited

 * Texas Job Hunter's Guide. 2003. []
 * JobInterviewQuestions.com. 2009. []
 * Resume-help.org. 2009. []
 * Dawn Rosenberg McKay of About.com career planning. 1997 . []
 * <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Don Varney. 2009. []

<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">Authors Tanya Ruisi- galen13 Brian Restauro:
 * e-mail: bsmart@ufl.edu