Post interview considerations

Owned by Linda Liu
Last updated: Nov 08, 2024
4 min read

Following up after a job interview

Thank-you letter

Sending a thank-you letter following a job interview is not only a standard courtesy, it’s another opportunity for you to share information with the employer/interviewers that you may have forgotten to mention during the interview itself. Sending a thank-you letter also demonstrates interest in the job and enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with the employer.

Thank-you letters are most commonly emailed. Ensure you have the correct email address for the intended recipient(s). Your email should be written formally, and you should avoid using emojis, acronyms or internet slang (i.e., IMO for “In my opinion”).

A thank-you letter following a job interview could serve three purposes:

  1. Confirm your interest in the job

  2. Summarize your main credentials

  3. Express your desire to be included in the next step(s) of the hiring process or to be offered the job

When to send a thank-you letter

If you choose to send a thank-you letter, the best timeframe to send it following an interview is within 48 hours.

What to include in a thank-you letter

The example below is a suggestion for what you might include:

Opening paragraph:

  • State the name(s) of the interviewer(s)

  • Mention the date of the interview

  • Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview for the position

Paragraph #2:

  • Reaffirm your understanding of the position’s requirements and emphasize your qualifications

  • You may want to add an important piece of information that you may have forgotten to discuss in the interview

Paragraph #3:

  • If necessary, correct any misunderstandings the interviewer may have following your interview

  • You can also use this paragraph to counter an objection the interviewer may have raised

Closing paragraph:

  • Express your interest in and enthusiasm for the position and the organization

Thank you letter template

 

Self-assessment is a key competency we all need to navigate the world of work successfully. One way you can build these skills is by conducting some form of self-assessment after each job interview. Self-assessment is the ability to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses effectively. Evaluating your interview skills/performance is about understanding which areas you feel confident with and which areas you would like to/need to improve on.

A critical step in conducting a thorough self-assessment is to seek feedback and incorporate the feedback you receive into your assessment. When it comes to interviews, feedback can be extremely valuable.

Consider taking some time to reflect on an interview experience you’ve had using this format:

  1. STOP-START-CONTINUE

Using a writing tool that works for you, note what you’d like to STOP doing in your next interview, what you’d like to START doing and what you hope to CONTINUE doing.

 

Practicing interviews is a crucial step in preparing for job opportunities. Here are some tools and resources that can help you practice and improve your interview skills.

Note: please carefully consider which resources will be most effective for you.

  1. Next: All about references and referees