Employment Follow Up Letters

            The importance of a follow up letter should not be overlooked and that is why it is being emphasized. Of all the post interview methods it is usually the best way to keep your name in front of the hiring manager while continuing to make a good impression. For a position you really want, don’t make the mistake of not sending either an appropriate letter unless another way is obviously more appropriate.

            There are some key issues to consider when writing a follow up letter. Most are just common sense.

            Don’t wait to long to write. Try and determine how long the interviewing will be going on. Most of the time the process goes on no more that a week. In some cases it can go for several weeks or over a month. Determine the best time to send a letter to the interviewer to have the greatest impact so you will not be forgotten.

In some interviewing processes the object is to reduce the number of candidates to only a few for a second follow-up interview. In these cases an interviewer would be interviewing a large number of candidates. Candidates often become a blur to the interviewer. This is your chance to remind him of your skills and abilities so you won’t be forgotten. And in those situations where there is only one round of interviews, it is very important that you remind him of your strengths so you stand out.

            In the letter mention one or two things the interviewer or interviewers talked about during the discussions. This shows that you listened as well as talked.

            Refer to the qualifications that are needed for the position and how you meet those needs. If you forgot to mention something about your experiences or need to elaborate more on your skills, this is your chance to let them know.

            Mention important points about the employer. Show you know a lot about what they do and that you are truly interested in being a part of it.

            If the interviewer had a specific issue that might have been critical of your qualifications for the position, try and eliminate their fears. Interviewers often do a poor job of getting all the facts about a candidate, particularly when there is a large number to choose from. So look out for when this is happening and prevent it from hurting your chances of getting the position.

            If there is a particular problem the position faces, let them know you know how to work through it or solve it. Be specific but don’t give them a complete solution. Let them know they need you.

            In coordination with the previous listed points, make sure you use the proper language and terminology is apropos for the field and position.

            Finish with any follow up action you would be taking. If they have asked you not contact them by phone, tell them you look forward to their decision.

             Getting hired is a process. There are few actions you can take to tilt things in your favor. But don’t make the mistake of over looking a follow up letter.