What do you do if you want to make a lasting impression after an interview?

After an interview, send a personalized thank you note to each of the panelists. It’s sometimes challenging to remember each name, but it’s on you at this point. Some panelists may not read the email (I’ve gotten thousands), but this is your last chance to leave an impression. Was there something you forgot to say? Some personal connection you had with someone on the panel? A funny experience you shared during the interview? Something that set you apart from everyone else? Make it personal, along with a brief summary of your skills and WHY you are the best candidate. Why YOU are the one to add to their company culture.

In sales, there is a saying, "Success is in the follow-up," and that is true for a job interview as well. I agree with the follow-up points stated, and I would like to add that it's important to reiterate your strengths and how you can be a valuable addition to the company. Hopefully, the conversation confirmed that the position is an ideal fit for you. If not, then use the follow-up as an opportunity to gracefully express gratitude for the time and consideration and politely decline. Be transparent, articulate, and diplomatic in sharing your gratitude, interest, interview perspective, and your intended next steps. Unless you're miserable where you are - continue your search until you find the best place for your skillset, values and goals.

I feel like it would be beneficial to also highlight the significance of using the follow-up note as an opportunity to showcase your value proposition further. In addition to expressing gratitude and reiterating your interest, consider including a concise summary of how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements discussed during the interview. This strategic approach not only reinforces your enthusiasm but also reaffirms why you are the ideal candidate for the position. By providing a brief overview of your qualifications tailored to the company's needs, you can effectively reinforce your candidacy and stand out among other applicants.

Sending a thank you note after an interview is not just a polite gesture; it's a strategic move. It demonstrates your interest in the position and your appreciation for the interviewer's time. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to reiterate your qualifications and express how you can contribute to the team, setting you apart from other candidates. This simple act can significantly influence the hiring decision by keeping you top of mind.

Here are some key steps to ensure you leave a positive impact: 1. Send a thank-you email: Express your gratitude for the opportunity and reinforce your interest in the position. 2. Personalize your follow-up: Reference specific points from the interview to show your attentiveness and engagement. 3. Showcase your skills: Consider sending additional work samples or a portfolio to demonstrate your capabilities. 4. Stay connected: Connect with your interviewers on LinkedIn and engage with their posts to stay on their radar. 5. Be proactive: Follow up on any action items discussed during the interview and show your enthusiasm for the role. Remember, the goal is to leave a memorable impression that sets you apart from other candidates.

You are likely not going to get substantial interview feedback when you interview, so when you take the time to reflect on what worked, what didn't, and what you'd do differently next time, you're ensuring that you're improving no matter what. And when you think about every interview as an opportunity to either win (by getting the job) or improving/learning, you're proving to yourself that no interview is ever a waste of your time. It helps keep you mentally tough and resilient.

Reflecting on your interview is like reviewing a game recording. Athletes watch replays to see winning plays (strengths) and areas for improvement (weaknesses). Analyse your interview to identify your confident responses (touchdowns) and moments you could refine (fumbled plays). This self-review helps you become a stronger candidate (star player) in the future! Bonus "Ado" Tip: Don't be afraid to ask for feedback too! After the interview, politely request insights from the interviewer. This shows your willingness to learn and grow (coachable spirit), which is a major plus for employers!

Absolutely connected with the interviewer post interview helps to build long term relationships in the sector. Reaching out to the potential employer team over networking platforms shows your genuine interest in the job. Being polite and courteous in reaching out to them to get updated for new job openings etc. Do ensure that it is not overwhelming to the potential employer else it may back fire as well.

Offering value after your interview is like leaving a little thank-you gift for your dinner host. You had a great conversation (interview) and learned about a challenge they're facing (empty dessert plate). Following up with a relevant resource shows you were thoughtful and care about their success. It's a small gesture (but one that leaves a lasting impression)! Bonus "Ado" Tip: Don't just send a generic cookie recipe (generic article)! Personalise your thank you gift (resource) to the specific challenge they mentioned.

It's important to stay active but not overly eager while waiting for a post-interview. Besides being patient, candidates can use this time to keep networking, improving skills, or looking into other job options. Also, acknowledging the discussed timeline in a thank-you note can help manage expectations. Politely asking about when to expect decisions shows professionalism and genuine interest without seeming too pushy. This balanced approach keeps you engaged without coming across as impatient.