This article appeared originally in the Chicago Tribune

After the Interview What's Next?

©  2003 Judith A. Stock

Once the job interview is over, it isn't over. You can't put that job interview behind you until you send that all-important follow up or thank you letter.

What seems to be a simple little piece of paper actually plays a central role in your job search. Often it provides the extra push that lands you a second interview or the job itself.

"I'm a big believer in thank you notes," said Tim Touhy, vice president/corporate, Hill & Knowlton, Chicago. "I spend a fair amount of time interviewing people. A good thank you note reinforces positive attributes that a person highlights in an interview."

Touhy said he believes a thank you note emphasized the notions that, "I want this job," and "I am professional."

A good follow up or thank you letter reminds the employer why you're the best candidate, expresses your continued interest and enthusiasm for the position and the company, and improves your ability to stand above the crowd of other hopefuls who interviewed for the same position.

On the issue of timing, Touhy said, "A thank you note that arrives the next day makes a person stand out in my mind and says they want the job. Make it no later than two to three days."

A typical three paragraph, one-page thank you should include the following:

· 1^st paragraph: thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you. Express your continued interest in the position, giving the name of the position and date of interview.

· 2^nd paragraph: Remind the interviewer about any important information you want to stress. This can include any pertinent qualifications omitted during the interview.

· 3^rd paragraph: Tell the interviewer your availability for further interviews and state your intention to follow up within a few days.

"Any time you communicate with a prospective employer, it is an opportunity to make an impression," said Christopher Jones, vice president of content and community, HotJobs, a Yahoo Company, New York.

Jones said to be sure to spell the interviewers name correctly. Always pick up their business card before you leave the interview. He also cautioned against typos and grammar mistakes.

A follow up letter can give you just the edge you need to get that sought after job offer.

Kirstan Ryan, an account executive at Porter Novelli, Austin, TX attributes her being hired on at her previous position due to the thank you note. "One of my colleagues mentioned after I'd been hired that I was the only person who sent a thank you note and that it was part of their decision in hiring me."

As Ryan explained, "It was definitely a positive factor in my favor. And in today's competitive job market, every little bit helps!"

This article appeared in the Chicago Tribune

Let Others Say it For You: it's not bragging

©  2003 Judith A. Stock

Want to know how to set your resume apart from the crowd? Add quotes or testimonials to your resume from performance reviews, letters of recommendation, thank-you notes or just plain comments. They're good promotional materials that allow you to stand above the masses, be noticed and get that all-important new job.

"Nothing is more powerful than a quote from a third party," said Deborah Brown-Volkman, president, Surpass Your Dream, a career and mentor coaching service, Long Beach, NY. "You are not promoting yourself; someone else is doing it for you. Quotes convey you are competent while keeping you appearing humble."

Society has taught us strong lessons: don't be self-absorbed, don't talk about yourself, and do not beat your own drum or toot your own horn.

"Using quotes lets prospective employers know first-hand that the job seeker's former supervisors thought highly of his or her abilities and job performance," said William O. Warren, executive director, Direct Employers.com, Indianapolis, IN. "Such a move also communicates the applicant earned a significant degree of recognition and respect from his former work associates to provide quotes."

Whose quotes to include? "I'd recommend using a former supervisor who has knowledge of the applicant's abilities or job performance," said Warren. "These people have credibility because of their supervisory capacity and assumed close work relationship."

Of benefit, the prospective employer gets a preview of what past employers thought of the potential candidate before contacting other references.

If you've got several quotes to choose from use the ones that match the potential job opportunity. "If someone has said that you are an accounting wiz, and you are going on an interview where your accounting skills will be needed, this is the one to select," said Brown-Volkman.

Where to do belong? "I like my clients to put them on the top of their resumes," said Brown-Volkman. "It's one of the first things a potential employer reads and it builds credibility instantly. They are most likely to read the resume if they like what they see on top."

Warren agrees and recommends only using one or two quotes. In order to stand out, use quotation marks around the testimonials and put them in italics if italics aren't being used in other parts of the resume.

"Who else uses quotes on resumes? No one," said Sean North, communications specialist, SBC Yellow Pages, Troy, Michigan. "Quotes are unconventional and lots of companies like creativity.

North said he's gotten personal replies from potential employers who responded they liked his resume and the testimonials. When asked if he'd continue to use them he said, "Absolutely! Quotes and testimonials stand out among other resumes."

Make sure you use testimonials in your resume and stand out from the crowd.