INTERVIEW PROCESS

How to Weather A Long Interview Process

I have mentioned that hiring and interviewing pick up during the Holiday Season. You should be doing a full court press to get your resume out there and make as many contacts as possible.  Even though interviews take place, the inevitable disruption in the process occurs between late November and Christmas.  And while this is inconvenient for many ( including for the hiring manager), it is a fact of life.  Unfortunately this disruption and any disruption leading to a lengthy interview process can kill any momentum that has been established.  So how do you remain in the forefront of the hiring manager’s eyes?  Here are a few suggestions:

1.)        Immediately after the interview send the manager a thank you note- duh!

2.)        Make sure to get a timeline of the interview process – important!

3.)        If you have not done so already- invite the manager to connect on Linked In – it might be best to wait a few days after you have interviewed.

4.)        Make sure to do additional research, and during the second week after the interview just send the manager an e-mail reiterating your interest, and to let that manager know the details of your research.

5.)        Three weeks after, send the manager a quick e-mail letting him/her know your itinerary for the next few weeks.

6.)        If it is the Holiday Season, a quick “Best Wishes” e-mail would be appropriate.

7.)        When you find out the date of the next interview, make sure that you send a confirmation e-mail, reiterating your sustained interest in the position.

The trick is not to be overbearing.  Pick and choose the appropriate time to communicate.  And keep it short.  A little reminder to the manager during the lengthy process is a smart strategy, and will keep the process going!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.