- Never ask how you did. First of all, the interviewer will probably not tell you the truth because he can't for one reason or another. Second, he may feel embarrassed because he has to reject you. Finally, you may also put him in the awkward position of having to make an immediate decision that could backfire.
- Always express your interest in the position. You should leave the prospective employer with the clear impression that you really want the job. You can indicate this by saying, "I want you to understand that I am really interested in the position as ," or "I just want to let you know that the job sounds very challenging, just the sort of position I've been looking for." You don't want to overdo it, but your enthusiasm might be the factor that tips the scale in your direction.
- Always ask for a time commitment regarding a choice. It is important to you to find out how long the selection process is going to take so that you can make other plans accordingly. More often than not, you can expect the employer to be somewhat vague on this point, but whatever information you get will be better than not knowing anything at all. It is simply a question of asking when they will make a decision and when and how you will be notified.
- Don't ask about wages or benefits. If the employer has not raised the issue of compensation, he or she has his or her reasons. There will be time for discussions on this topic if and when you are offered the job. However, if you raise the question yourself, it may appear that this is all you care about and very few employers will hire someone who appears to be interested in nothing but money and vacations.
- Always thank the employer for interviewing you.
Following Up
Once the interview is over, it is a good idea to take several other steps.
A Thank You Letter
You would be surprised about how effective a follow-up letter can be. While it may not change the employer's mind who has already decided to hire someone else, it could mean the difference between getting or not getting the job if the employer hasn't yet made up his or her mind. Beyond this, he or she may consider you for another job.
A letter of this sort makes you stand out from the other candidates; it also reinforces the notion that you want the job. Finally, it tells the employer that you are a professional who approaches the job search in a professional manner.
Of course, you must be sure that the letter appears to be sincere. It must also be written in such a way that it sounds appreciative without sounding too subservient.
A Follow-Up Phone Call
A follow-up phone call should never be made unless you have first sent a letter such as the one indicated above. Also, it should never be made more than once. The purpose of the call is twofold: first, it tells the prospective employer that you really want the job; second, it is a way of checking on your status.
The advantage of the call over simply sending the letter is that you get immediate feedback. The disadvantage is that it may seem pushy. It is a question of understanding the situation and deciding whether a phone call is appropriate. If it is, the call can be another way to encourage the employer to hire you.
