After Your Job Interview

Thank-You Notes

As soon after the interview as possible, send a thank-you note to anyone you interviewed with. In the note, reinforce your interest in the position and highlight a positive takeaway from the interview or clarify something that did not go as well as planned.

Keep the following in mind when writing your thank-you note:

  • Keep it under one page.
  • It may be handwritten, typed or sent by email, depending on the culture of the organization. In some cases, it may be appropriate to send a short email starting with something like, “Although a more formal thank you is on its way…” and then send a longer hard-copy thank-you card. This way, if decisions are being made immediately, you have expressed your gratitude in a timely manner, while adding the polished touch of a hard-copy letter, something tactile that an employer might add to your application file.
  • You may write to all the people with whom you interviewed or identify the decision-maker and write to them. Either way, in the letter, you should thank everyone with whom you interviewed.

Follow-Up

There is a delicate balance to be found between being proactive and being a nag. Here are some suggestions to help you find the right balance:

  • During the interview: We recommend that if it is not already clear, you ask the interviewer what is the next step in the hiring process and when will it take place.
  • One week after the next step date (or, if a next step date is not provided, after the position closing date OR one week after you were interviewed): Follow up by email. Ask about your status, and couch your question in language that expresses your interest for the position and the company. Offer to provide any additional information that might be helpful.
  • Two weeks after: If you have not received a response, send another email. Always express your enthusiasm and not your frustration. Do not be demanding.
  • Four weeks after: If you’ve still heard nothing, we don’t encourage you to continue reaching out. Unfortunately, even if you were interviewed in person, employers have no obligation to inform you when or if you will no longer be considered.

The staff at the career center is more than happy to talk with you about your interview experiences and help you develop and refine your interviewing skills.