The 5 Things to ALWAYS Do At the End of the Interview

The interview is wrapping up.  You've been put through the ringer, and hopefully, have a good buzz about the job.  Here's the right way to wrap it up and take next steps.

1. Always say, "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.  I am very interested in moving forward with
   the hiring process."  Memorize this.


2. Ask, "What are the next steps?"


3. Ask, "What is the timeframe for making decisions?"


4. Ask, "Who is my point of contact?"


5. Send a physical handwritten thank-you notecard to everyone you interviewed with, including the recruiter and receptionist.
   
   Do not send a letter.  Be sure the thank you is card-sized.  It will make you stand out. If you get mail that is not a bill or junk
   mail, we all get a little excited, don't we.  Does it make a difference?  Absolutely it does.
   
   In 9 years of recruiting, one recruiter recently shared that she got a total of 6 thank you cards.  Those people absolutely made an impression on her.  In fact, one of those people she didn't hire, she referred
   to another company where they were hired.  Another person she didn't hire, she hired 2 years
   later when she was at her next company.  In all, she found jobs for all 6 of those people.  Maybe not at same time or same company, but she
   did.  Because they showed her that they
   cared enough to to send a thank you note
   
   If you don't hear anything in the timeframe the recruiter indicated, follow up with the recruiter at the schedule they indicate.  Many things can mess up hiring plans. Be patient, and work with the recruiters.

Now, go get the job! - Dan.