The interview is over. Phew! What a relief! The hard work is done and now it is up to the “powers that be” to make a decision. You’ve done as much as you can do and now it’s just a waiting game.

Really? You don’t have any niggling concerns about:

• That project that you really wanted to mention but didn’t?
• An example of your experience you just remembered that would have perfectly fit the interviewer’s question?
• How you forgot to expand upon your capacity to travel or your flexibility?

If you think that the decision making is a “done deal” after interview, you’re wrong! The process is just beginning. You do have a chance to make it right.

Immediately after interview, even if it is in the car in the parking lot, jot down some critical details while they are still fresh in your mind. Who was conducting the interview? Make sure you get the spelling right. Analyse your performance. What did you leave out? Is there something you could have improved upon or a better example you could have given? What are your impressions of the organisation and of the people who interviewed you?

When you get home review your notes and open your word processor. Write down the details of that project or that example that you wanted to mention, expand on your impressions, and get everything down in one document.

You know what that document has become? It’s an extra chance to sell yourself; that’s what it is.

It is also the fledgling stages of your thank you letter that will thank the interviewers for their time, while reinforcing your skills, solidifying your position, and expanding on how and why you are the best candidate for the role. Here’s an idea of what that letter could look like.

Dear Mr Smith

Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you and John Carter yesterday morning. I enjoyed our discussion enormously and I was most impressed by the vision you have for XYZ Corporation’s continued prosperity. Further, I believe my experience to be an ideal match for your needs.

You mentioned that your current concern is deciding whether the company should solidify its position or take advantage of the current conditions to expand. I don’t think I mentioned during our discussion that I was instrumental in driving the successful merger of….  Additionally, my experience in ….. would align itself well to meet the challenges you face in the short and medium-term.

A role of this nature requires an individual willing to travel. With my family now grown, I am free to travel extensively to unite all key stakeholders for a flawless project execution.

A thank you letter such as this can make all the difference. The race for the right candidate is not over until the offer is made so you have ample time to put things right or elevate your profile.

 Link to this page

 Link to this page