Military Transition Roadmap – Step 6
Step 6: Interview Follow-Up
Why is Interview Follow-up Important?
First impressions don’t stop at the door when you arrive at your interview, your professional conduct before and after the interview gives the interviewer insights into who you are.
The interview was a chance for you:
- To learn about the role
- Gain insights into what is important to them
- Allow you to show appreciation for their time and consideration
Complete Your First Impression
Within 24 hours of your interview, complete your first impression by sending a “thank you” note or email to each person who interviewed you and helped you get the interview.
Doing this allows you the opportunity to:
- Continue the process
- Find out the next steps if they were not covered in the interview
- Build relationships with everyone who has assisted you
- Demonstrate your soft skills
It is also important to keep in mind that your employment urgency level may differ from their urgency level to fill the role. Along with conducting interviews, your interviewer has their day-to-day functions to worry about. Be patient here, second interviews can happen within days or weeks from your first interview.
Behind the scenes, they are:
- Seeking feedback
- Discussing impressions from the interview
- Discussing things with the hiring manager
These things take time so be patient and put your best foot forward by making sure to follow-up
Checking In
Depending on the role you have applied for and what is going on in the company, hearing back from the company has no timeline. Companies make hiring decisions very differently, don’t be afraid to check in if you haven’t heard anything for a few weeks. Checking in reminds them that you are interested in the job.
Why doing the exercise is important?
First impressions don’t stop at the interview, make sure you get the tips you need to complete your first impression by having a strategic follow-up plan.
Soft skills are an asset and candidates who demonstrate respect, thoughtful communication, and active listening skills will make a memorable impression. Following up allows you more points of contact and always allows you to demonstrate your soft skills.
Follow-Up Interview Tips
- Follow-up within 24 hours of the interview
- This is an opportunity to mention something you forgot in the interview or would like to expand on
- Make sure to use the name of the interviewer and the company name
- Be concise, clear, and straight to the point
- Make sure to proofread
- Make sure you have everything on hand if you offered a sample of work
- Keep paraphrases between 1 to 3 sentences
Download the Exercises
Step 6: Email Follow-Up Template
Step 6: Email Check-in Template
NEXT STEP > Step 7: Negotiating the Offer
