After the Interview

Sending a personalized thank you note goes much farther than most people realize. It shows that you’re willing to “go above and beyond” and it also serves as a reminder of your candidacy. It is advisable to send your note via email to ensure that your interviewer receives it in time. Time is of the essence!

Your thank you note should address these points:

• Thank them again for their time
• Express your ongoing interest in the position
• Follow-up on any key points that you feel a strong need to do so
• Share your availability for future steps

Keep in mind that thank you letters should be short (no more than six to 10 sentences), so be as concise as possible.

Additional Follow-up

If you tell the interviewer you’ll send a list of references or any other information tomorrow morning, make sure you do it. Keeping your word and answering requests in a timely manner speaks volumes about the type of employee you might be.

Know When to Sit Tight

If an interviewer requests that you follow up by phone in a week, respect her wishes. Calling the next day can be construed as pushy and desperate.

Keep Thinking and Learning about the Company

Be prepared for additional interviews or follow-up phone calls by continuing to research the organization and the field. Gain new information about a topic brought up in conversation. Think of additional questions you’d like answered. These actions show the employer that you didn’t stop caring about the company after the interview was over.

Networking

Networking should never stop. If you have contacts and connections with anyone who might influence the hiring decision, or who actually knows the interviewer, ask them to put a good word in for you.

Accept Rejection with Grace

Finally, keep emotions in check and don’t burn bridges if someone else gets hired. One never knows what the future might hold. The accepted candidate may not work out, or a different opportunity may open up.

Letters of Offer

After a successful interview process a verbal offer is commonly followed by a written offer letter.

These letters should contain the title of the position being offered, the salary, clarification of relocation assistance, sign-on bonuses, benefits, and other specifics of the opportunity.

This letter will usually include the anticipated start date and contingencies, like passing an employer’s physical exam. If non-compete contracts are to be signed as a condition of employment, make sure you review it prior to accepting opportunity.

It is good practice to delay a formal resignation from your current position until you have received an offer letter.

Letter of Resignation

It is up to you to end your relationship as professionally as you began it. Write a letter that expresses your thanks for the opportunity to progress in your career and to respect your decision to resign. Put it in your own words and either mail it personally or hand it to your immediate supervisor. Be pleasant, but firm in sharing your decision.

Sample Resignation Letter

Date:
Company Official
Company
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear _________________,

Effective ___________(date), I will be leaving the organization (give a 2 to 4 week notice* and specify the dates and time frames). I will respect guidelines of my non-compete agreement (if applicable).

I want to thank you in advance for respecting my professional judgement in this matter. I greatly appreciate your cooperation and ask that you avoid any attempts to change my decision.

Sincerely,
(Signature)

* Two weeks is generally adequate notice for clerical and coding roles. Three weeks may be appropriate for a supervisory role and four weeks (thirty days) may be necessary for a management role.

Counteroffers

After you have resigned, your employer may come forward with a counteroffer. You then need to ask yourself, which opportunity holds the most real potential? Probably, the new one, or you would not have already been making an effort to leave.

Pre-employment Physical Exams

It is fairly routine that offers of employment are contingent on your voluntarily taking and passing a physical exam/drug screening.
Always be honest in the application and physical exam process.

When you take your pre-employment physical, you should consider not taking any non-prescription medication 48 hours prior to the examination. In the event you take some medication prior to the physical, be sure to list all drugs taken prior to the physical and advise the examiner.

Some over-the-counter products can produce positive drug-test results. Among them: Alka-Seltzer Plus, Allerest, Bronkaid, Contact, Donnagel, Nyquil, Primatene, Sinus Excedrin Extra Strength Caplets, Sudafed and Triaminic.

Please be advised that alcohol is considered a drug. Marijuana and other illegal substances will show up for a period of thirty days. Any evidence of these substances will result in termination of the hiring process.