You just crushed the last answer in the interview. You could tell from the expression on their faces that not only did they like your answer – they loved it. You wonder if that made you stand out amongst the other applicants. Maybe all you need to do is thank them for their time, shake their hands and leave. Suddenly, you remembered a blog on NXT that listed four steps to leave a good impression, and it all started coming back.
The first step was to find out how long it would take before the role was filled. Asking what the timeline was for a decision showed your interest and allowed you to find out how long you may have to wait. This step also mentioned using the timeline to decide how you would follow up and when. After getting the timeline, you thanked your interviewers, articulated your passion for the role and left.
On the way home, you remember writing a thank you note is the first time you follow up. It’ll make them remember you, which is what you want. You plan to remind them of your qualifications and share anything you forgot to say in the interview. While emails are quicker, you send personalized cards you designed with a handwritten message on each. Your message thanks them for the opportunity, reiterates your skill set, and mentions the projects you forgot to mention that you manage. You set the cards aside for the next day and plan to drop them off at the receptionist’s desk.
You dropped off the cards five days ago; the interviewer’s timeline expired yesterday. Since you don’t know if you’re still being considered, you remembered the NXT blog you read said that you should send a check-in message to remind the interviewers that you’re still interested. Before sending the email, you mentioned that you’re still interested and encouraged the hiring team to contact you if it helps them decide. You email both and leave them with a message that sells your skill set to entice them.
After a few days you receive the phone call you’ve been waiting for. How will this end? As soon as you hear the word unfortunately, you know it wouldn’t end the way you wanted it to. You make a point to ask what you did well in the interview and where you could improve. After receiving the feedback on your performance, you thanked your interviewer for their time and consideration. While tough to hear, you remember the importance of holding on to the connections you worked so hard to build. Although you didn’t get the job this time you never know how this connection could help you in the future. You write a short email thanking your interviewers for their time and the opportunity and ask if you could stay in touch.
One of your interviewers agreed to keep the lines of communication open, and just like that, you have a connection at a company you want to work for. If there’s another opportunity that you’re suitable for, there’s a chance that you might jump to the top of the list. While you didn’t get the job this time, at the very least, you have more experience. Look out for a blog on practicing for interviews later this year, and remember, as the actor Will Rogers once said, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
Footnotes
"How To Make a Good Impression After Your Interview." Indeed, 15 August 2024, https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/make-a-good-impression-after-interview
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