This is a 5 Part series on Interviewing Tips for Physical Therapists a resource available from PediaStaff:
Part 1: Preparing for the interview.
Part 2: Phone vs. Face-to-face Interviews.
Part 3: During the Interview.
Part 4: Answering & Asking Questions.
Part 5: Following up after the Interview.
THE FOLLOW-UP LETTER
This letter is often the deciding factor in choosing between two equally qualified candidates or winning the position when you are right on the edge of having sufficient experience or qualifications. Don’t neglect it.
The key to a successful interview is in your hands. That key, simply stated, is that you must convince the company that you can do the job better than others, and that you WANT the job. Being there is not enough to tell them you want the job. Don’t assume…TELL them.
Remember: You are both there for a purpose. The interviewer’s purpose is to determine in his/her mind that you are the most qualified person for this position. Your purpose is to convince him/her that you are…Sounds simple? It really is as long as you believe in yourself!
WRAPPING UP THE INTERVIEW IN YOUR FAVOR
Typically, don’t expect to walk out of an interview with an offer in hand. Regardless of how strong an impression you’ve made, it is likely the interviewer(s) will need a little time to digest the information received and discuss your qualifications.
End the interview on a positive note. Tell the interviewer that you are interested and excited about the job (assuming you are, of course?), and that based on what you’ve learned, you feel confident that you could make a contribution to their organization.
You might ask what the time frame will be for a decision to be made.
Thank the interviewer for his/her time and say how much you’ve enjoyed the talk, and how profitable you’ve found the interview. Make a graceful exit.
Immediately after the interview, do two things:
- 1. Call your recruiter and give them an overview of how you perceived the interview went. He will serve as a crucial intermediary in clarifying any misunderstandings and assist in negotiation of the compensation package.
- 2. Within 24 hours of the initial interview, write a follow-up letter to the principal hiring authority. Mail copies to your personnel contact at the company and any other key decision makers with whom you may have talked. Thank them again, confirm your continuing interest in further discussions, and stress any major points that may have been covered during the interview that confirm your qualifications for the position. List three reasons why you are qualified for the position and three reasons why you want the job.
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