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Preparing for an Interview

Mastering the Interview: Closing Strong and How to Follow Up

As you’re getting ready for your interview, practice is everything. And one thing you’ll want to practice is how to end an interview and follow up. What you say at the close of your interview will help you stay memorable in the mind of the interviewer—and this is a big part of being offered the job. Just follow these tips from a leading provider of summer jobs in Nashville, TN.

Ask Smart Questions

The questions you ask at the end of your interview do two things. First, they show your interest in the job. They also give you the information you’ve been looking for to decide if the job is right for you. Remember, you’re being interviewed, but you’re also doing a bit of interviewing for yourself. The questions you ask give you valuable insight to make your decision to take the job if it’s offered to you. You can Google “questions to ask during an interview” or choose from the following list:

  • Why is the position open?
  • Why did the previous person decide to leave?
  • What is a typical week like in this position?
  • Are there opportunities for advancement at the company?
  • If I’m hired, what will be the first project I start with?
  • If I’m hired, when will you need me to start?
  • What is the most challenging part of this job?
  • What skills do I need to help me excel at this job, and this company?
  • What else can I answer to help you make your decision?

Ask About the Timeline for Hiring

If they’re interested, when might you hear back? This will give you an idea of how urgently they need to fill the position, what you might need to tell your current boss if you’re hired, and when you can expect to hear back from them. This also gives you framework for your follow-up communication.

How to Follow Up

First and foremost, you’ll want to send a personalized thank you note to each person who interviewed you. Reiterate your interest in the position, mention something interesting you talked about during your interview and answer any questions you may have left unanswered during your interview. You can also use your follow-up to provide better answers to interview questions now that you’ve had a bit of time to reflect. Send your thank you notes by email within 24 hours of your interview.

If you haven’t heard back by the deadline stated during the interview, wait a full three days after the deadline to follow up. If you still don’t hear back, it might be a good time to move on to your next interview opportunity.

Need Guidance?

That’s why our primary focus is keeping you happy. To us, that means understanding your goals, providing great benefits and helpful resources, and connecting you with companies where you can thrive. Whatever is in your future – administrative/office support, industrial & warehouse or technical & management jobs – we’ll be right by your side, giving you the support you need.

For guidance to land your next job, check out Wood Personnel.

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