Dear Mike:
I recently had an interview for a job opportunity that I’m really excited about. Overall, I think the interview went well, but I’m not sure about the best way to conclude it. I want to leave a positive impression and ensure I’ve covered all the important points. Could you please provide some guidance on the best way to conclude an interview and stand out from the crowd?
Thanks,
Marcie
_______________________
Hi Marcie,
It is refreshing in this day in time that a candidate like yourself would seek to further differentiate your candidacy. Too often in our current culture we have become conditioned to expect a potential employer to take the next step when simply showing continued interest could tilt the scales in our favor.
I am going to go old-school here and suggest that you can absolutely stick the landing with a good old fashioned thank-you note.
Yes, a thank-you note.
It is important that after an interview you promptly reach out to each person separately with a personal note of appreciation. It should include thanking them for their time, mentioning something of relevance in the interview, and closing with an interest in moving forward in the process. Consider that it is best to write a different note to each interviewer, not simply repeat what has been said to others.
Email is appropriate, connecting on your favorite professional network is expected, but if you truly want to stand out also send a hand-written note. Arriving 2 or 3 days after the interview as the company is making decisions on the final candidate, trust me, this might just be the differentiator that puts you on top.
Best of luck on your continued search! Let us know how it goes.
Mike
_______________________
TNCR Community – what advice would you add to this thread? Do you have a perspective that you can share? Have a career question for Mike? Email him directly at mike.burgett@burgateglobal.com