After attending a job interview, the next step is the waiting game. Francesca calmly reassures us through the dreaded post interview waiting game and talks us through the follow up email.
Panic, horror, shock, shortness of breath, fatigue, hot flushes, dizziness, nausea, these are the most common symptoms associated with post interview syndrome. Dun, dun, dun, the dreaded post job interview disease.
I know, dramatic as hell but how many times do we find ourselves in an absolute whirlwind after attending a job interview?
- Was I articulate enough?
- Did I use enough fancy words?
- Was my shirt creased?
- Did they notice that coffee stain on my trousers?
- Did they even like me?
Unfortunately, we are human and this is all just part of our makeup – we stress. It’s programmed in us to want to be liked, to strive for greatness. Also, who doesn’t want to score that job interview they just attended, we out here to get that dough though!
Let’s be real
But now, let’s be practical about this whole thing. You spent hours on ‘Best Jobs SA’ searching for the perfect job…’professional, indigenous plant water’er’ – for hypothetical purposes. You filled out the application form and sent in your impeccable CV.
Low and behold!
A response:
‘Good Day, I trust this mail finds you well…We were extremely blown away by your remarkable indigenous plant watering experience and would love for you to attend an interview with us at our prestigious indigenous plant watering headquarters.’
Naturally you respond and a date is set. Monday morning, there you are, 8:00am sharp, you’re dressed in your finest emerald attire, patiently waiting for your interview. As planned, it goes amazingly and you leave with a large smile on your face. Confident that you nailed it, no doubt.
Then the waiting game begins…
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[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]The waiting game that drives many to rocking back and forth in a fetal position while scooping out of a tub of ice-cream. This is the thing that the adulting authorities skip completely – it’s all fine and well to attend a job interview, no harm in that. But then you have to wait for a response, that’s when the real fun starts. One day, then two, then three…I can deal with that. But four whole days turns into five, then a week goes by and you’re still unemployed and perplexed at the thought of whether you’re even worthy of being an indigenous plant water’er. Nevertheless, you’re waiting and waiting and wondering.
Back to being practical. If only there was some way to communicate with your potential employers after your interview. Ah hah! There’s a little thing called email, thank you technology! You’re probably wondering how a follow up email is going to solve my waiting predicament? It probably won’t but it might just make the whole experience a little less daunting. Plus, it will certainly make you come across as the most courteous human being ever.
Just do it – send that email
A follow up email can be used for various purposes. If you haven’t received a response after a long period of time. After a second interview or simply after the first, as a sort of ‘Thank you’ note. For now we’ll focus on the latter, the lovely ‘Thank you’ note or better known as the follow up email. A simple way to show your gratitude towards your potential employer, as well as to emphasise your seriousness and passion towards the position/establishment. The best time to send this email would be 4 to 5 days after the interview, just as a gentle, friendly reminder.
If you haven’t been informed yet, you’re adulting now and these things are important!
You’ve now come to the conclusion that the follow up email is the best route for your troubles. One problem, what the heck do I even write?
“Thanks for the interview, enjoy the plants” doesn’t really read that great, nor is it professional right?
Fran’s ‘Follow up’ Favourites
- Always open an email with an appropriate greeting such as; Good day, Dear or To whom this may concern. Refer to them by their first name – if you know it (this should sound familiar, as you must have done this in your application email).
- Always wish the reader well in some way: I trust this mail finds you well (this should also ring a few bells).
- Inform them of who you are and how you met, whether it was at the interview or a recruitment event.
- Thank them for the interview and their time.
- Briefly reiterate why you admire their establishment and why you would like to be a part of it. You may, in short, mention how you believe the company values and philosophy aligns with your own.
- Thank them again and tell them that you look forward to hearing from them and possibly working with them in future.
- Close the email with an appropriate sign off before your name and contact details: Kind regards, Sincerely, Best.
[/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion style=”modern” shape=”square” active_section=”0″ collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section title=”Click for Email Template (Because we love you guys that much!) ” tab_id=”1490950258586-4fec6064-60ad”][vc_column_text]To whom this may concern,
I trust this mail finds you well.
Thank you very much for taking the time to sit down and chat with me yesterday. I am immensely passionate about the indigenous plant watering industry and am truly grateful for the opportunity to learn more about your establishment.
I completely agree with the company’s philosophy on promoting a sustainable lifestyle and preserving our water supply and believe that the work you are doing is both forward thinking and innovative.
Once again, I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with such creative thinkers in the indigenous plant watering industry and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind Regards,
(Your name)[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_column_text]
FundiConnect 2Cents
A follow up email is just another part of adulting. By applying for a job, you’re already well on your way to being a fully mindful grown up. We’re just here to help you with some minor fine tuning. So go forth and be a polite human being with great email etiquette.
