What is the proper interview follow-up etiquette?
A proper follow-up letter keeps you top of mind and could put you in the top spot for the position
4 minutes
The best way to follow-up is by writing a short letter. While a handwritten letter is still the preferred method—as it shows a more personal approach—you can certainly send a thank you as an email.
How to follow-up after an interview
- Send a follow-up letter immediately. This allows you to show a sense of urgency and a high interest in the job. Ideally, your letter should be sent the same or next day.
- Mention a highlight of the interview, reiterate your interest, and thank them for their time. Make it sound genuine, and not just a “canned” response.
- Have someone proofread it or send it to your recruiter to review. Need a recruiter to review a letter? Or perhaps explore open positions? Contact your local Adecco recruiter.
- Be as brief as possible. It shows respect for others’ time. As a bonus, it's also easier on you.
Check out this example below. Feel free to copy/paste or rewrite. Either way, it’s a great place to start.
Sample follow-up letter
Date
Primary Interviewer's Name
Primary Interviewer's Title
Company
Address
Dear [Primary Interviewer's Name],
I appreciate the time spent with you discussing [Company] and the _________ position. It was a pleasure meeting with you, _________ and _________. I feel my qualifications and skills in _________ , _________ and _________ reflect those necessary to be successful at [Company].
At __________, I successfully [Mention one or two of your top accomplishments]. I am confident that I have the experience and drive to succeed on your team.
I feel an even greater excitement level about the opportunity because it will allow me to attain my goals of __________ and _________.
I look forward to our next meeting to discuss this in greater detail.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to negotiate pay
If you get to the point where you’re discussing your hourly rate or salary, that’s good news—you’re getting closer to landing the job! Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Most companies want to make a fair offer. They really do. They want to bring new employees on board at a salary or hourly pay level that makes them happy and keeps them around. They want you to feel valued.
- Be realistic and know what you’re worth. For the most part, the economy has been growing slowly, but steadily. Don’t get carried away with your expectations. Talk to your recruiter to get a true picture of what someone with your skills and experience is earning these days.
- Be flexible. A lot of times your entire compensation package is more than your pay. Think of what benefits and perks come with the job. Sometimes having a great job with great coworkers is worth more than a few extra dollars.
- When asked, avoid quoting a specific number. Say something like this: “I'm very interested in the opportunity and believe I can make a meaningful contribution. I am currently earning $_____ per year (or, per hour). I'm open to a competitive offer.” It's best not to mention a specific number because you don't want to over- or underprice yourself. That could raise a red flag in the minds of the interviewers.
- If a company seems insistent on asking you for an actual salary amount expectation, you can always give a range that would be acceptable. To get a good idea of what a salary range might be for the position you are applying for in your area, check out our salary calculator.
Did you get a job offer? Congratulations! Check out our next article on resigning from your current job - and doing it with class.