Three Tactful Ways to Follow Up After the Interview

Whether you met with an associate editor or editor-in-chief, producer or publicist, the job interview isn't really complete once it's over. And considering media folks are always working on deadline and busy, busy, busy, it's technically your job to be persistent to close the deal. There's always -- you guessed it -- the follow up. According to a piece on The Daily Muse, there are a few tactful ways to follow up without becoming that annoying guy or gal. First, before the interview concludes, be sure to ask about next steps so you know what to expect post-interview. As pointed out in the piece, if the recruiter indicates she or he will follow up with candidates within a few days and you're already stretching it into two weeks, it's fine to follow up with a brief email mentioning the position, expressing your interest again, and asking for an update. Secondly, leverage the thank you note. Send it out quickly via email and feel free to follow up with a handwritten snail mail note as well. Mention your interest in the position and also remember to spell check! The last way to slightly nudge the potential employer is to do the fine dance of following up without being overly anxious or downright annoying. In the piece Jenny Foss writes, "Now, this is not about harassment: “Did I get the job?” “Do you have a job for me?” “Did you make a decision?” Not at all. It’s about offering something of value to your contact. And in doing so, you will also (by default) remind her that you’re still out there." Slight ways to stay top of mind include forwarding a relevant article of interest or thanking the interviewer for some advice mentioned during the interview itself. The take-away here is keeping it brief, simple, and not even expecting a response. Foss writes, " Nothing elaborate, and once a month is probably about right if you don’t get much response. But you can be assured that Sue will remember you, and in a good way if you’re helpful and non-pesky in the follow-up. The bottom line is: Stay top of mind. It’s half the battle."

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Three Tactful Ways to Follow Up After the Interview

Vicki Salemi

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Vicki Salemi