July 24, 2014
Ever wonder why you didn’t get the job after a spectacular interview? Missing this crucial step could have cost you the position.
By BioSpace.com
With the new etiquette of the internet age, there is a more relaxed attitude toward saying thank you after an job interview. However, a thank you has numerous benefits: it keeps you in the mind of the recruiter, it is another opportunity to promote yourself, and it allows you to clarify any misunderstandings and/or reinforce positive information.
What’s better—an email or a letter? An email, because it’s faster and people are more likely to respond. Most human resource professionals now see email as a key recruitment tool. (Ask your interviewer for their personal email address because emails sent to general mailboxes tend to get lost.)
Send the email within a two-day period. A delay may mean that the email arrives after the hiring decision has been made.
Key elements to include in your email.
* Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.
* Reinforce positive points that will help position you for the job.
* If you failed to mention something pertinent in the interview, include this information.
* If the interviewer has requested specific information from you, such as scientific papers that you have published, mention that you have included these as attachments. If your paper is already on the internet, you can add a link to the document (make sure the link is correct and active).
* Let the interviewer know that you would be happy to answer any additional questions.
* Say that you are looking forward to a favorable decision.
The thank you email may not get you the job, but it will help make a positive impression. For those too close to call occasions, a thank you may be enough to swing the decision in your favor.
Check out the latest Career Insider eNewsletter - July 24, 2014.
