Don’t forget that once the interviewer has finished asking you questions the interview is NOT complete. Always finish your interviews by completing these three steps:
- Have questions about the position or organization that you prepared ahead of time (3-5)
- Obtain all interviewers’ business cards
- Express your interest and how you fit
- Ask about the next steps in the process
After Your Interview
The Five W’s of Follow Up
Following an interview, promptly write the interviewer a letter (email first, handwritten card second) expressing interest and fit in the position, and appreciation and thanks for the interview. If you are not sure who or when to contact individuals, follow the five W’s of follow up:
- Who?
- Contact each person you met with in-person (or on the phone)
- Hopefully you obtained business cards from all your interviewers (if you didn't use their website or your contact at the organization to obtain other's contact information)
- What?
- Express thanks for the opportunity
- Summarize why you feel like the opportunity is the right “fit”
- Include any information that really excited you about the position or program
- Be genuine
- When?
- Immediately following your interview (within 48 hours)
- Where?
- Sending an e-mail and hand-written thank you card is best
- Why?
- Set yourself apart and create an excellent “last impression”
- Opportunity to reiterate and solidify your interest and fill in anything you may have left out