The Follow-up

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The follow-up is much more than a courtesy to the hiring authority thanking him or her for taking the time to speak with you.  It is also an indication of interest.  Putting in a little extra effort by writing a thank you note restarting your qualifications shows the employer that this position is important to you.  And the initiative you show in getting that one extra step might very well be just what the employer is looking for in an employee.  Remember:  the average job seeker does not write follow-up letters.  Why settle for being average?

Many people fail to realize that even if an employer has said "no" for one position, that by no means precludes future possibilities.  The way you handle yourself after the interview, or even after rejection, might impress the employer enough to make you his or her choice for the next opening in the company.

  You may occasionally feel a call is more appropriate, but keep in mind that although it requires less effort on your part, a phone call is more readily forgotten than a letter.

Sample Follow-Up Letter Outline

I.     Introduction 

  1. Identify yourself – use the name of a referral if you have one. 
  2. Acknowledge your conversation with the employer and remind him or her of your intentions, i.e. an interview, a referral, etc. 
  3. Pay the employer a sincere compliment in order to relax the tone of the letter.  Be businesslike but not brusque. 
II.    Main Contents 
  1. Point out specifics from the conversation to jog the employer’s memory. 
  2. Restate the position you’re interested in and give an example of your qualifications for that position. 
  3. Use a “grabber” to catch the employer’s attention. 

III.   Close      

  1. State a positive aspect of the company as a reason you would like to work there.
  2. Set up a time to call the hiring authority.
  3. Thank the employer for his/her time and consideration.

Keep in mind that this is only one example of the styles a person might choose for the thank you letter.  Only you have actually spoken with the employer.  If you feel he or she would prefer a more informal or dynamic style, then write your letter accordingly.  These points are simply suggestions to guide you in your follow-up, but YOU are the final judge. Click Here for an example. 

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