Following up after an interview is important, but how you follow up can mean the difference between becoming a distant memory and receiving an offer for the job. Below are a few answers to common questions job seekers have about following up with employers.

Should I call or send a thank-you note after the interview?

Calling immediately after an interview might be misinterpreted as being a “pest” instead, email or mail thank-you note to the interviewer.

Should I send a handwritten thank-you note or is it okay to send an email?

There are two things you should consider when deciding how to send your thank-you note; the expectations of the interviewer and the time the company needs to make a hiring decision.  If the company expects to make a decision within a few days, sending a thank-you note via email might be better. However, if the employer will need a few weeks to decide on hiring and you suspect that a handwritten note might be appreciated, go ahead and mail a handwritten thank-you note to the employer’s physical address.

What should I say in my thank-you note?

When writing a thank-you note, keep it brief and focus on the needs of the employer. First thank the employer for the interview. Second, briefly state how your skills and experience are best suited for helping the employer meet their goals and solve their problems.

How long should I wait before following up a second time?

Wait at least a week, preferably two before you follow up with the employer again.  If there has not been a response regarding their hiring decision in two weeks feel free to send an email or call.