Everyone, at some time, has done or said something in an interview that they regretted and that cost them the job.
Harry Urschel, at The Wise Job Search blog, put together a fun list finishing this sentence:
You know the interview isn’t going well…
If you’re doing 70% of the talking.
If your interviewer is doing 70% of the talking.
If you have a great outside interest in common, and that’s all you talk about.
If you’re not sure of something they refer to on your resume.
If you can’t remember what an acronym on your resume stands for.
If you have no examples of work situations.
If you can’t tell them what’s different about you.
If your cell phone rings in the interview, and you look to see who it is.
If your 1 hour interview ends in 20 minutes.
If they ask about your weaknesses and you give one that’s critical to the job.
If you’re asking about salary, benefits, and vacation in the first 30 minutes.
If you put your feet on their desk and belch (it’s happened).
If you arrive in a T-Shirt and Khaki’s when they all wear suits (it’s happened).
If you’re wearing a nice suit and tie, with hiking boots (it’s happened).
If you’re telling stories about what a jerk your previous boss was (it’s happened).
Check out his blog for the full list.
Photo by Jill Grindle
Even with these hints that you flunked the interview, you are never too sure with what the interviewer is thinking. Nevertheless, do a follow up just in case you didn’t. Send a thank you note that very evening after the interview so that when they come to work the following day, they will be greeted by your name and a thank you note from you. Make a phone call after about 5 days and be sure to let him or her know of your continued interest in the job. This is also a good opportunity to ask if he or she needs anything or a clarification from you. If not available, leave a message so that they will know you tried to contact them.
Thanks for commenting and offering those good tips on following up an interview.
-Meg