Tag: interview

Post-Interview Thank You Card Tips

 

You’ve aced the interview, but you aren’t quite done yet. Here’s some helpful tips on how to properly close the interview by saying thank you with a card or note:

1. Addresses interviewer(s) by name and spell those name(s) correctly.
2. Choose an appropriate Thank You card design. Keep in mind that this card is an extension of you and how you’re presenting yourself, so choose wisely.
3. Write neatly and clearly. Use a legible color.
4. Plan what you’re going to say.
5. Reference the conversation you had without summarizing. Add to the depth of the main points or expand on an important issue. Pose questions when appropriate.
6. Reflect on additional useful qualities that you possess as well as reinforcing ones you’ve mentioned.
7. Focus on how you can and will improve the company upon your employment there. Give concrete examples and use your previous employment to support your claim.
8. Realize that they might have talked to dozens of people that day. Remind the interviewer(s) of who you are.
9. Realize that you might not have been the best candidate they spoke to—demonstrate to them why you truly are worth noticing so you don’t get dismissed.
10. Send it in a timely manner. A late Thank You note is not going to help support how you “take initiative.”
11. Don’t follow-up immediately after your Thank You note. There are exceptions, but generally this is unnecessary and looks desperate.

Is it Okay to Send a Thank You Email After an Interview?

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You nailed your interview. You shake hands with who you hope will be your next manager. She says that they will contact you when a decision is made. What should you do now? There are points that must be addressed, before taking the next step.

Timing is crucial. When the interview is over, you have 24 hours to thank your potential employer. Research has shown that within this time frame, interviewers have solidified their opinion about you. An appropriate thank you is not only polite, but it also relays the importance that the potential job is. Most people will focus on a handwritten letter versus e-mail. Before answering this question, you must have the answer to a very important question. When is the final decision likely to be made?

This is a question that needs to be answered, before you leave that interview. That answer will direct your response type. Research has also shown that hand written thank you letters are better received than e-mailed letters. Businesses cite that they are more of a personal touch, particularly after the formal process of interviewing. The hand written thank you also conveys more effort from the interviewee. How often do we receive hand written letters in this day and age? The handwritten response can set you apart from the rest of the candidates.

But let’s say that the potential employer has told you that the final decision will be made soon. Not only is it OK to send a thank you email after your interview, but it is imperative that you do. Soon may mean that same day. Your immediate response should match the immediacy in which a decision is being made. In this case, the handwritten thank you that is sent, will be too late to impact any decision making. The correct decision to e-mail your thank you letter can be the deciding factor in getting the job.

Top 5 Job Interview Tips

You’ve found the job of your dreams and you got yourself an interview. We’ve all felt the stomach-churning mix of excitement coupled with terror when that coveted interview is circled in red on the calendar. Take a moment to review our Top 5 Job Interview Tips to help turn that interview into your new job.

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Tip #1:

Know the company.

Knowing as much as you can about the company you’re interviewing for is an invaluable tool and can give you a leg up as far as understanding what they might be looking for in a potential new employee. Visit the company website to familiarize yourself with how the company views itself, its mission statement and history as well as specific products and services. Glassdoor.com can provide a ton of company-specific information, much of it from people with first-hand experience there. Even social media such as Facebook and Twitter can provide insights into a company you might otherwise not have access to. Many interviews begin with a general ‘So, what do you know about our company?’ and you want to be able to wow them with your knowledge, foresight and interest.

Tag-a-long Tip:  Be sure you understand  – at least to some degree – what the specific job you’re interviewing for entails. It might sound obvious, but having knowledge of the position itself allows you to tailor your answers to highlight your most relevant skills. This can be a critical preparation.

Tip #2:

Practice, Plan, and Practice Some More.

Having some idea of what questions might be asked and planning how best to answer to ensure that your particular skill set shines through makes a big difference and keeps the look of panic off your face. You don’t want to come across as scripted, but having some key thoughts prepared and at the ready should allow you to relax and your abilities to shine. Go over some hypothetical replies out loud when you’re in the car or otherwise alone so you can get comfortable with how you might answer.

Some common interview questions to be prepared to answer:

  • What did you like or dislike about your previous job?
  • What is your greatest strength? Greatest weakness?
  • Describe a difficult work situation and how did you handle it?
  • Tell me about yourself
  • Why should we hire you?

Tag-A-Long Tip: Be prepared for an interview from the moment you’re ready to make contact with a company. Your very first call could lead to an immediate phone interview or pre-screening, so review your resume and have some responses ready.

Tip #3:

Know your resume.

It’s a long-running joke that all resumes are ‘padded’, but if you really do have the skills required for a position, be ready to back them up. Fudging dates and skills, only to be backed into an uncomfortable corner during the interview doesn’t do anyone any good. Be prepared to answer questions such as why you left a previous position, and how particular skills listed on your resume helped you achieve specific goals. If you can’t answer these, you probably shouldn’t include them on your resume.

Tip #4:

Dress for Success.

It sounds cliched, but first impressions are critical when it comes to interviewing, because this may be the only impression you get to make. Any interview – even if is it’s at your local fast food place – necessitates dressing neatly and cleanly. The type of workplace will dictate whether you don Business Casual or more formal Business Attire, and this is where Tip #1 comes in, knowing something about the company. In either case, you want to look professional and convey the idea that you appreciate the time that’s being afforded you, as well as care about the image you present. One important note:  It doesn’t matter if you know the company has dress-down Fridays – leave the jeans and sneakers at home for the interview.

Tip #5:

Know What Not to do.

  • Don’t be late. This will be noticed and noted.
  • Keep your phone on silent and stowed away during the interview. In the same vein, leave your coffee, bottled water and gum in the car.
  • Don’t complain about a previous employer or job. It’s unprofessional, not to mention you never know who the interviewer might know.
  • Don’t get into anything personal during the interview. This isn’t the time to gush about your kids or complain about your medical bills and how much you need benefits.
  • Don’t be the first to bring up salary. Let the interviewer bring it up first, and only ask (tactfully) if compensation hasn’t been addressed by the end of the interview.
  • And most of all, don’t lose sight of why you’re there. This is your opportunity to show them your best and brightest self. Don’t be afraid to show some pride in your skills and accomplishments.

Bonus Tip:

Be sure to follow up after the interview, thanking everyone you met with. In this day and age a Thank You email is considered appropriate and couldn’t be easier. A handwritten note is also fitting and might help you stand out even more. This quick follow up allows you to restate your interest as well as bring your name to mind once again post-interview.

Most of all, take a deep breath, and good luck!

Business Thank You Cards for an Interview

At this particular moment in time, the economy is in turmoil. If you’ve been laid off and are going on interviews to secure a new stable job for your future, you may want to keep reading. Have you thought to yourself, “How will I stand out from the other qualified interviewees who want the same position that I do?” If the company has a large application quota, they may not even remember your face (or your name, for that matter).

You’ve heard about sending an email thanking your interviewers for their time, but for a more personal touch, why not send business thank you cards instead? If it’s a job you really want, you might consider sending the thank you card express or personally delivering it to the company. Business thank you cards are certain to give you an edge over the competition. And if an unfortunate turn of events leads you to not landing the job, you’ll probably be remembered for a future available position in the company because of the thank you cards you sent!