By Tori Dunlap, Social Media Marketing Manager
You did it — you survived the interview. Whether it was a phone interview for our Specialist position, or those grueling, day-long sessions with literally EVERYONE in your potential department (sorry, Software Engineers) you deserve some serious props. But you’re not done yet! Here’s 5 practically foolproof ways to nail down your job with SIS.
1. Send a thank you note
There’s no excuses for missing this one. A prompt thank you note (preferably hand-written, but an email will do) is the perfect time to highlight what went well, correct what may have been missed, and keep you on their minds. Send them to your SIS recruiter who did the initial interview, and whatever department may have chatted with you next. There’s a ton of articles about how to write the perfect note (here and here and here), but make sure it’s memorable. Hit upon something that you uniquely bring to the table.
And bonus: here’s the thank-you I sent to SIS post-interview! Eeeeeeek! I read it now, and there’s 10 million things I would change about it, but it helped me land my job.
“Hello SIS ninjas,
I wanted to sincerely thank you for your time and insight yesterday. Interviews can often be a stressful process, but I felt right at home and comfortable at SIS. With my diverse experience — as an entrepreneur and innovative thinker, social media marketer, awesome time manager, and writer/editor — I am excited to build SIS’s online reputation from scratch and implement my ideas. After seeing multiple social campaigns and brands from conception to analysis, I would be a fantastic fit for this role — I understand and love the company culture, have the intense need to be the best, and am equipped with the passion and drive it get it done.
I look forward to hearing from you, and cannot wait to start work.”
Boom.
2. Create a plan of attack
If the opportunity didn’t present itself in the interview (or if you just didn’t do it), now’s the time to seal the deal with “the Briefcase Technique.” This is more focused on higher-level positions. Taking time to understand the organization’s biggest issues (and how to solve them), and then giving a 90-day action plan of what you’d contribute will make you practically irresistible. It shows initiative and drive (not to mention, going the extra mile of solving problems and demonstrating value before you’ve even been given an ID number.) It also gives you yet another chance to touch on your skills.
Here’s how I worded the post-interview email with my 90-day action plan attached.
“Thank you for your email. I look forward to discussing your decision with you later this week.
In the meantime, I have compiled a document that highlights some additions I can implement to current tasks and strategies, in addition to the other tasks and projects I would be working on in this position. I also wanted to highlight some of my own ideas and how they will add value.
I hope this proposal –as well as my application materials, my persistence, and my energy and passion in our meeting — demonstrate my work ethic and excitement. This would be an incredible opportunity for me.
I look forward to hearing from you, and to implementing my ideas and experience to wow you.”
By giving them a bit of what they don’t even know they need, you immediately become invaluable. And bonus: when you get the job, you’ve already got your first 90 days planned out.
3. Read Glassdoor reviews
Glassdoor has become the go-to website for job seekers. As the assigned Glassdoor representative at SIS, I cannot stress the importance of Glassdoor for our brand, reputation, and transparency. Glassdoor does double duty: informing you about SIS, and giving you a better sense of what you’re worth. Remember, job interviews are as much you interviewing SIS as us interviewing you. Discovering the positives and negatives of a company, straight from employees, will help inform your decision; and with posted salaries, you can estimate what your potential offer will be. If you potential salary isn’t posted, Glassdoor’s more general salary calculator takes your location, experience, and job title, and gives you a good starting point for possible negotiation later.
4. Hit up your network
If you haven’t done it yet, now’s the perfect time to scout your LinkedIn. Know someone with a connection at SIS? Ping them and ask to put in a good word. Email employees, and ask what their experience has been — that way, you’re getting an insider look AND you’re making a good impression on someone internally.
5. Leave it be
Done all the above steps? Now it’s time to relax. You’re going to feel the overwhelming urge to check your email/phone every second, to call up our recruiting department and be like, “So…?” But resist the urge. Take a deep breath. Reassure yourself. It’s all going to be just fine. But don’t forget — you haven’t got the job yet. It’s always wise to use this time to continue applying (and interviewing) for other positions.
Any other tips for a successful interview process? Join the conversation!