3 great things every job-seeker needs to know about follow up letters

You've applied for a job online; you've been contacted by the hiring officials for a one on one interview, panel interview or interview via skpe. What next? Your follow-up communications is the next thing to consider. Keep in mind that your job is to demonstrate that you are the person for the job. Show your courtesy by first making note of all names and job titles of every person who assisted you in securing the interview. It may be the secretary, a colleague who referred you to the position, a panel of interviewers and managers who conducted a second interview.

Be sure to ask if it is okay to follow-up with the interviewers two week after the interview if you have not heard from the company. Here are 3 great things every job-seeker needs to know about follow-up letters:

1. Follow-up letters, including thank you letters should include:

• Highlights of things that the interviewers liked about you as a candidate
• Expression of Gratitude for the interview
• Reminder that you are indeed interested in the job
• An opportunity for you to explain any relevant information that you may not have been able to fully explain in the interview
• Try to find out if you are interviewing at the beginning or end of the interview process. Include this information in your follow up letters

2. Only email your interviewers if you have already communicated with them via email. Keep in mind that many times hotmail, gmail, live accounts get placed in spam.

3. Keep in mind best approaches for hiring officials in their 20's or 40's. Use email, green conscious follow-up communications, traditional letters or thank you note cards based on the perceived importance of such follow-up from the perspective of the interviewer.

Your follow up communications can make the difference between a second interview and a job offer. Demonstrating courtesy and reminding interviewers about the qualities that make you stand out is really important part of your job search rituals. Don't fret, even if your interview did not go well. Use follow-up communications to make the difference in expressing your ability to get the job done.