After the Interview
Once you've completed the interview and walked out the door – what's next? Your next steps are important. Focusing on them immediately after the interview will provide best results.
Posted in Getting Hired on Wednesday, April 13, 2016
First, review how the interview went: What did you do well? What was of interest to the doctor? What didn't go well? What will you do differently in the next interview?
Contact Your References
If you provided a list of references, call each person. Give them information about the position so they can be ready to answer a reference call.
Send a Thank You Letter
Sending a thank you letter shows interest, thoughtfulness, and follow-through. It places your name and qualifications in front of the doctor one more time and sets you apart from D.C.s who don't bother to send a thank-you letter.
It’s best to send a thank-you letter the same day after each interview. Your letter can be sent by e-mail or regular mail. If you interviewed with several people, send a separate letter to each person.
The letter is an opportunity to:
- Express your appreciation for the interview.
- Affirm your interest in the position and the practice.
- Emphasize something about your background or skills that seemed of interest to the doctor.
- Communicate how you can be an asset to the practice.
- Give additional relevant information you didn't mention in the interview.
Email Thank You’s
Thank you’s sent by email may be acceptable in certain circumstances. But before you resort to the easiest method, consider whether an email thank you will set you apart from others who are interviewing for the position. If the answer is “no” then take a few extra minutes to craft a handwritten note. You might be the only candidate to do so.
Follow up
If you don't hear back by the time the doctor promised, call and politely ask about the status of the decision-making process. The follow-up is one more chance to remind the doctor of your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments and to reiterate your interest in the position.