Let’s say you applied for your dream job, scored an interview and had a great meeting with your hopefully-soon-to-be boss. The next steps can be a bit confusing—how you handle communicating with the hiring manager post-interview can make all the difference in whether or not you get the job. These five tips should help you navigate the time between an interview and a job offer.
- Do ask the hiring manager what the process and timing are, so you have a better idea of when to expect them to contact you. At the same time, you have to be patient and accept there are going to be delays in the hiring process. While your job hunt may be the most important thing to you, the hiring manager has a lot of other things going on and filling this position may not be at the top of the list.
- Do send a quick email the next day thanking them for meeting with you. Feel free to mention something specific from the interview that made you feel you were the perfect fit for the opening. One other thing: Make sure there is not a single spelling or grammatical error in the email—it will make you seem sloppy if there is one.
- Don’t connect with them on LinkedIn right after the interview, as it can be seen as premature. You don’t know the other candidates that are out there or who’s getting this job, and this move can make it seem like you are overly confident. You don’t want to sway their decision away from you, so just let them remember the impression you left them with at the interview until you hear back.
- Do write a hand-written thank you note. Sure you already sent an email, but this is a great way to remind them about you and put a personal touch on your interview. It gives you one last chance to show them why you want this job and how you’d be a great fit.
- Don’t excessively call the hiring manager to get your answer. While being excited about the opportunity is a positive thing, there is such a thing as overkill. Calling and emailing excessively can diminish your chances of being extended an offer.
For more help getting your perfect job, check out these other blogs:
- Social Media: It Can Help You Find a Job if You Use It Correctly
- Maximizing the Collegiate Experience: Preparing for the Ultimate Internship
- Why You and Not Someone Else? Communicating the Value of You
Interested in learning more about why Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan was named a 2014 "Cool Place to Work" by Crain's Detroit? Head over to our careers page, where you can also find out about opportunities to join the Blue Cross team. Photo credit: Philippe Put
