Choreographing Your Career: The Delicate Dance of Post-Interview Follow-Up

You've just waltzed out of an interview feeling like you nailed it. Your handshake was firm, your answers were sharp, and you're pretty sure you saw the interviewer nodding along to your "greatest weakness" spiel. But now what? Welcome to the delicate dance of the post-interview follow-up, where one misstep could send you tumbling off the stage of potential employment.

Let's shuffle through the do's and don'ts of this intricate performance, shall we?

How to Trip Over Your Own Feet (aka: The Don'ts)

The Overzealous Cha-Cha
Enthusiasm is great, but there's a fine line between eager and overzealous. Remember, your goal is to be memorable, not infamous. One follow-up email is usually sufficient (we’ll get into some of the exceptions below) – think of it as a single, well-executed dance move rather than a frantic flailing of limbs.

The Social Media Salsa
Keep your social media interactions professional and limited. If you must connect, stick to the interviewer or hiring manager, and only after you've sent your thank-you email. Think of it as choosing your dance partner wisely – you wouldn't ask the entire ballroom to fox-trot, would you?

The Premature Victory Jig
Hold off on celebrating until you've actually been offered the job. Confidence is attractive, cockiness is not. Instead of assuming you've got the job, express your continued interest and enthusiasm. It's like maintaining a poised stance at the end of your dance routine – ready for the next move, but not jumping the gun.

The Gift-Giving Gavotte
A thank you note? Lovely. A hand-knitted sweater with the company logo? A bridge too far. Keep your follow-up professional and appropriate. No gifts, no elaborate gestures, just a simple, sincere thank you. It's like a graceful bow at the end of a dance – classy, traditional, and always appropriate.

The Persistent Polka
Don't keep calling or emailing if you don't hear back immediately. The hiring process takes time, especially if they're interviewing multiple candidates. and constantly checking in won't speed things up. It's like trying to polka when everyone else is doing a merengue – you'll just end up out of step and possibly stepping on toes.

Graceful Moves That'll Keep You in Step (AKA: The Do's)

The Thank You Twirl
Send a concise, typo-free thank you email within 24-48 hours. Think of it as a well-executed spin – impressive, but not dizzyingly over-the-top. Mention specific points from the interview to show you were engaged and reiterate your interest in the position. It's your chance to leave a lasting impression, like that final flourish at the end of a dance routine. And if you promised to send additional information or materials during the interview, make sure you do so promptly. It's like executing a perfect series of steps in your dance routine – it shows you're reliable and true to your word.

The LinkedIn Two-Step
Connecting on LinkedIn is generally fine, but wait until after the interview. Think of it as waiting for the right moment in the dance to change partners. When you do connect, include a personalized message referencing your interview. This helps maintain a professional connection without overstepping boundaries.

The Gentle Tap on the Shoulder
After your initial follow-up, be patient. Use this time to continue your job search and improve your skills. If the expected timeframe has passed, a polite check-in is acceptable. It's like tapping your dance partner's shoulder to remind them you're still here, ready to tango. Keep it brief and courteous, asking if there's any additional information you can provide or if they need anything else from you. This shows initiative without being pushy.

The Value-Adding Vogue
Sending a relevant article or resource related to something you discussed shows you're still engaged and thinking about the role. It's like adding an unexpected, impressive move to your routine. Make sure it's genuinely relevant and interesting, not just a reason to reach out (though it is a good excuse). This demonstrates your continued enthusiasm and proactive nature.

The Graceful Bow Out
Look, I get it...rejection stinks. But if you don't get the job, respond with class. Thank them for the opportunity and express interest in future openings. It's like ending your performance with a flourish, even if you didn't win the competition. Who knows? They might remember your grace under pressure and consider you the next time something opens up.

Remember, the key to a good follow-up is like the key to a good dance performance: timing is everything, maintain your poise, and for Pete's sake, don't step on anyone's toes. Your goal is to stand out for the right reasons, not because you were that candidate who wouldn't stop emailing.

Now, go forth with the grace of Fred Astaire, the charm of Ginger Rogers, and the restraint of someone who knows that “enthusiastic dancer” and “that person security had to escort out” are separated by a very thin line.