Interview follow up protocol: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Oct. 22, 2011 10:57 a.m. fasted58 SuperDork

Had an interview two days ago for a maintenance tech at a small manufacturing facility in the area. Really good money for this area. This job as described in their posting and during the plant tour I know I could do after only a few years in my trades... and now I have 30 years experience, good chance they might think I'm over qualified but I played along as this job would work great for me.

I feel the need to follow up w/ contact to reinforce my interest and keep my foot in the door. Should I call HR that invited me, the maintenance department or write a follow up letter and say thanks for having me, I'm looking forward to further interview? Or... just wait for the call. Absolutely no doubt I can do the work, dealing w/ 'shirts' through the process drives me nuts, I need to speak in their expectations.
Oct. 22, 2011 11:33 a.m. SVreX SuperDork

All three. Do NOT wait for a return call.

Show them your motivation, without being a pain in the a$$.

I would follow up within a couple of days, with a special (more personal/ direct) followup to whoever I "Hit it off" with the most.

Wait 2 weeks and do it again.

Wait 2 weeks and do it again.
Oct. 22, 2011 11:43 a.m. alex SuperDork

I'm totally unfamiliar with the corporate world (never had a job with an HR department), but I've been in a hiring position in several jobs. I'd appreciate a low key, non-bothersome follow up, for sure.
Oct. 22, 2011 12:45 p.m. AngryCorvair SuperDork

SVreX wrote:

All three. Do NOT wait for a return call.

Show them your motivation, without being a pain in the a$$.

I would follow up within a couple of days, with a special (more personal/ direct) followup to whoever I "Hit it off" with the most.

Wait 2 weeks and do it again.

Wait 2 weeks and do it again.

truth.
Oct. 22, 2011 12:58 p.m. Giant Purple Snorklewacker SuperDork

You should wait outside their child's school, maybe be tousseling his/her hair a bit when they come to pick them up.

Say something like "You know, you have the most organized dresser drawers I've ever seen" to break the ice and then just ask how your application is coming along.
Oct. 22, 2011 1:04 p.m. SVreX SuperDork

^ Now THAT'S funny, I don't care WHO you are (unless you are my wife!)^
Oct. 22, 2011 2:35 p.m. 93gsxturbo HalfDork

I have always had great success with sending a follow-up letter NOT EMAIL within a few days of the interview. I usually send one to every person that interviewed me.

Something along the lines of thanking them for taking the time to interview you, you are interested in the position and can help the company grow in the following ways, thank them for anything special they did for you (promo items, lunch, etc) maybe mention a few more personal things if they fit, and close with another thank you and your contact information.
Oct. 22, 2011 3:18 p.m. integraguy SuperDork

A follow-up letter sounds old fashioned, but in a time where folks think they can conduct any old business on-line, that letter will be a stand out...assuming it gets delivered to the person who interviewed you. Worked for me in one of my jobs.
Oct. 22, 2011 6:24 p.m. Wally SuperDork

After my interview they sent me a nice letter to let me know that they had a number of people who had impresive interviews, so they wouldn't be hiring me.
Oct. 22, 2011 8:27 p.m. poopshovel SuperDork

AngryCorvair wrote:

SVreX wrote:

All three. Do NOT wait for a return call.

Show them your motivation, without being a pain in the a$$.

I would follow up within a couple of days, with a special (more personal/ direct) followup to whoever I "Hit it off" with the most.

Wait 2 weeks and do it again.

Wait 2 weeks and do it again.

truth.

+1. Though email is okay for me. A hand-written letter might creep me out a little. I just 'created a position' at the shop because the applicant was so impressive, I couldn't let her get hired by someone else!

Let them know your interested in working for them; not just finding a job.
Oct. 22, 2011 9:28 p.m. EastCoastMojo SuperDork

Maybe send a case of nice beer with a thank you letter attached?
Oct. 22, 2011 10:29 p.m. Wally SuperDork

poopshovel wrote:

I just 'created a position' at the shop because the applicant was so impressive, I couldn't let her get hired by someone else!
Oct. 22, 2011 11:55 p.m. Osterkraut SuperDork

poopshovel wrote:

+1. Though email is okay for me. A hand-written letter might creep me out a little. I just 'created a position' at the shop because the applicant was so impressive, I couldn't let her get hired by someone else!

The internet is going to need pics.
Oct. 23, 2011 1:28 a.m. fasted58 SuperDork

I wrote a brief follow-up/ thank you letter highlighting some key points during the day. I may call if no word after a week.

Thanks to all for the advice