Waiting before and after an interview can be painstaking. Here are 2 emails you can use to reach out to the hiring manager whilst you wait so you can stop twiddling your thumbs…
How to bag an interview.
The key to getting someone’s attention is to reach out to them. Send a short LinkedIn message or an email informing a recruiter or hiring manager that you applied and ask for the opportunity to interview. It should look like this:
Dear [Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I recently applied for a Program Manager position at your company and would be grateful for the opportunity to interview with you. I have over [number] years of leadership experience, have managed a variety of projects throughout my career, and truly believe that I would be an asset to your team. Please let me know if you’d be open to discussing the position with me in more detail.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration,
[Your Name]
Some may say this approach puts you at risk of becoming the “annoying” candidate—but, as a former recruiter, I can tell you that one follow-up email isn’t bad (Note: I said one). It shows you’re interested, and if your resume did fall through the cracks, you’ll have gotten the other person’s attention.
You’ve had the interview and now you’re waiting anxiously by the phone or refreshing your email for new mail. However, drumming your fingers won’t get you a job offer so how do you proceed once the interview is over?
Write a thank you note.
First, distract yourself by sitting down and writing a thank you note to each and every person with whom you interviewed. In this job market, which often demands several interviews – by phone and in person – this might keep you busy for a while.
There is two standard thank you note formats:
- An informal handwritten note, send by mail
- An email thank you note
If you choose to send a handwritten note, send it within a day of the interview on a plain card with a simple, classic design. Veer away from anything too flashy, too cute, or potentially risqué. Open the card and on the inside handwrite:
Dear —————–:
Thank you very much for the interview today. In reviewing the opportunity with [name of company], I feel confident that I would be a great fit for the position. In closing, let me say that no matter how many people you interview, what their education or experience is, you won’t find anyone who wants to work for you more than I do.
Very truly yours,
[your name]
