The interview is a critical part of your job search process. It allows you to discuss your capabilities with the hiring manager, find out more about the role, and even enables you to determine whether you feel like you are a good match for the job, environment, and culture.
After answering all of the hiring manager’s questions – and asking a few of your own – you might believe that your interview is done. Once you handle the handshake and make your way out of the building, you might assume that there’s nothing left for you to do but wait for the results. However, that isn’t the case.
Leaving the meeting isn’t the final part of your interview. You have at least one more step you need to complete. If you aren’t sure what it is, here’s what you need to know.
The Last Interview Step
Once you leave the hiring manager’s office, there’s one more thing you need to do to wrap up the interview: send a thank you note. While it may not seem like a critical part of the process, it’s actually a vital step that you need to complete if you want to stand out as a strong candidate.
When you send a thank you note, you get to showcase your appreciation to the hiring manager. In the message, you can acknowledge the time and energy they dedicated to considering you. Plus, you can reemphasize your interest and highlight your capabilities a final time, giving you another chance to make a great impression.
In order to be effective, you should send your thank you note within 24 hours after your interview. However, sooner tends to be better. By writing your thank you note immediately, the experience will be fresh in your mind. That makes it easy to remember various details. Plus, it ensures that you don’t forget to send the message.
Writing a Stellar Thank You Note
Ideally, you want to write your thank you note in an email. While you can certainly follow up with a handwritten letter as well, sending an email allows you to cover this important base right away.
A great thank you note explains exactly why you appreciate the hiring manager. Express your appreciation that they took the time to meet with you. Next, add a few specific details about the company and the role to personalize the message.
Then, reaffirm your excitement and interest in the position. Briefly highlight how you could provide the company with value if selected, showcasing to the hiring manager again that you’re a great fit.
Finally, sign off by thanking them again and stating that you look forward to hearing from them or to the next steps in the process. Include your name and contact details in the signature, and proofread the entire message carefully before hitting send.
A well-crafted thank you note can help you stand out from the crowd, making it a crucial step in the interview process. If you’d like to learn more about how you can showcase yourself as a top candidate, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our interview specialists today and see how our knowledge can benefit you.
