The Art of The Follow Up Part 2

You've completed your job interview, the interviewer has expressed interest in you at some level and now you must follow up in order to firmly establish the professional relationship. The follow up process begins at the end of the interview. The interviewee must ask a critical question that centers on when the hiring decision will be made. Examples of the setup, question and process follows:

The passive approach, "Well, you've indicate a need for someone to do X, Y, and Z. I demonstrated to you the ability to do Z and shown relevant experience with X and Y. When do you think you'll make the decision to hire someone for this position?"

The aggressive approach,"You indicated a requirement for someone to perform X and Y skills. I am a terrific candidate for this requirement given my experience and demonstrated skills. I'll call you in a week to answer any further questions and discuss my start date."

The interviewer should give you a glimpse at his timeline for making the decision. You should respond in an affirmative manner, always closing the deal.

The interviewer, "Let me see. It looks like we'll make decision my late this month."
You, "Great! I'll call you on the 22nd?"
The interviewer, "Its better to call on the 28th. We'll have a better picture then." The interviewer stands up and handshakes your hand expressing, "Keep in touch."

Now that you have established the follow up timeline you must initiate the details of the process that follow:

• 1. Write a thank you note as a letter, email, or fax. Use verbiage very much like this:

"Thank you very much for meeting with me today. I am most eager to start this [fascinating, challenging, inspired, exciting] opportunity. As discussed, I will be calling you on [date] at [time]. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to call anytime.  I look forward to speaking with you. Once again thank you very much." 

• Track the company in the news, reports, public announcements, and say attuned to its activities.
• Call on the date and time agreed promptly. You'll get one of three responses. You got the job, you did not get the job, or the decision is delayed.
• If you got the Job then coordinate your start. If delayed continue to follow up. If you got a response that you did not get the job then send a thank you note and request feedback regarding the selection of the other individual over you. Be positive because the person who the job was offered to may not accept placing you squarely in the position. Be prepared to discuss your shortfall in a positive manner over the other guy.

The art of the follow up is not natural and is a skill that the job seeker must develop through training and experience. The followup is always seeking to place the situation in the most positive light. Sometimes when the opportunity seems to have fallen through, circumstances prevail with another opportunity or the same opportunity should the offer be declined by the candidate the position was offered. The job seeker must be prepared to react in these circumstances.