Two questions: How long should I wait to send a thank you note after a phone interview?....?

Question

I had it Thursday afternoon at one company and the interview was very comfortable and went really well. Everyone was very lighthearted but of course very professional when asking me the questions. And because of that I was able to deliver them (my answers) very effectively.

I just had another phone interview today with another company and was really nervous before getting on. I calmed myself and when the phone rang I started off good but towards the middle I started to speed up speech a little because I am a naturally fast talker and I've been working on slowing down my speech. So I'm wondering if this will have an effect on the hiring decision. There were only two people interviewing me, one which was the hiring manager, and another employee.

In my thank you not to both companies, what exactly should I say? And for the one in which I talked a little fast today should I write one sentence saying that although I talked a little fast, it's because I'm excited for the position and to not let that deter them. I'm highly qualifies and I will be a great investment to add to the team otherwise. Something along those realms?

And for both letters as well should I put in an extra sales pitch about myself as to why they should choose me?

Thanks.

Answer 1

You should write a thank you as soon as possible, whether it's a telephone or personal interview.  If you interview with more than 1 person, address a separate note to each.  Express your sincere excitement at the prospect of working for a company such as _____ .  Also, state that you are indeed honored and humbled to be considered and while you understand there are other candidates, you look forward to hearing from them in a favorable reply.  If you have experience in the field then state something about bringing your experience and knowledge - if you do not, then make a statement such as, what I lack in knowledge concerning _________, I more than make up for in my experience in __________.

Good Luck !

Answer 2

Ditto on the writing thank you notes as soon as possible--the other posters offered excellent suggestions.  A future note for telephone interviews, have your resume and any other info handy, a glass of water (taking a sip during pauses slows you down and in case you get a dry mouth from nervousness), a mirror (we naturally smile when we look in the mirror and this will be reflected in your voice), and paper and pen for notes.

Even if you don't get the job, send a note thanking them for considering you and suggest is there's anything you can do for them in future (job or otherwise), to contact you.  It's not who you know, it's who knows you, and to network you need to have a wide circle of contacts:  people you have helped.

Answer 3

First, it's good that you're taking the time to write these notes -- far too many people ignore this step, so you're already ahead of the game.

You should write a thank you note (or thank you email) to each of the people who interviewed you. Each person should receive an individual note because it does make a difference...it's a pain, but it's worth it. Hand-written is nice, but today email is perfectly acceptable. Triple check the notes for spelling mistakes and grammar -- they should be perfect.

In the note, thank the interviewer for the interview, emphasize again how excited you are about the possibility of joining the company, and then ask if there's any other information you could share that would help them with their decision (such as a writing sample or additional references).  You should make a *light* pitch about yourself with a sentence or two that summarizes how you could help them and why you would be so great in the job.  Don't do more than this, as they've probably already made up their mind about you one way or another.

A great thing to do in your note is to reference something that you discussed during your interview. That allows you to say: "I was thinking about what you said regarding X, and it made a big impression on me..."

We do not recommend mentioning that you spoke too fast -- they may not have noticed this, and it makes you sound a bit nervous.  Just let it go and be very positive and upbeat in your note.

Hope this is helpful! If you'd like more advice, visit us at http://www.PrepSession.com/ or call us at 888-501-PREP. A short video about how our company works can be found at: http://www.prepsession.com/about-us/how-...