Let us suppose that you land a great interview with a company you really want to work for. The next thing you know, a faux pas is committed on your part in the interview. Maybe you were late due to traffic or perhaps you simply put your foot in your mouth. No matter what you did that made you think you blew the interview, it is possible that you could salvage the position.
It is now commonplace for interviewees to follow up a first meeting with a thank you note. If you feel you might have blown your chances, yet you really want the job, then you should try to correct your error with this thank you note.
It should be said, however, that some mistakes could be unforgivable. Showing up late to an interview in a pair of old blue jeans, for example, would probably be an irreparable error. However, minor transgressions could be overlooked if you follow up in a professional manner and simply apologize for being late, for your cell phone ringing, or whatever happened in the interview.
Thank you notes serve as a great way to clarify any misunderstandings from the interview. After all, the interviewing process can be pretty nerve-wracking and you may not even realize something went wrong until after you leave. Don’t over-apologize for every little thing, lest you appear a bit neurotic. However, you can simply add a polite sidebar to the standard thank you note that you would have written anyway.
As far as job interview etiquette is concerned, you should normally write a thank you note immediately after your meeting and mail it as soon as possible. Then, you can follow up with a phone call in two days if you haven’t heard anything. A little damage control could tip things in your favor, so it is always worth a shot.
This article is contributed by Heather Johnson, who regularly writes on the topic of job descriptions. She invites your questions and writing job opportunities at her personal email address: heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com.
