Expert: Lana A. - 4/16/2004

Question
Hi Lana,

I'll start with some background info ---  I live in Ohio and have been working a temp assignment since I've graduated college in 2002.  My dream has been to relocate to Atlanta and this past week a company screened me a couple of times and has decided to fly me down for an interview this Friday.  I am really excited to say the least.

I am pretty confident with interviewing for the position, a production scheduler job, but have a couple questions, or rather suggestions, to ask.  I want this interview to go perfect b/c I want this job.  What questions should I ask and which ones should I avoid for this interview?  Also, my biggest question is in the follow up.  Any suggestions on what I should write in a follow up card?  Since they are flying me down should I buy anything in addition to the card(ie candy, sweets) to show my appreciation for the interview?

I, more or less, need ideas since I've never been flown in for an interview with a company.  I also would like if you could possibly provide sample Thank You letters so that I can have an example of something creative to write in my follow up.

Thanks,

Matt

Answer
Hi Matt.

First, CONGRATULATIONS on landing an interview.  That's a great first step, especially since travel is required.

My first suggestion to you is to spend some time contemplating what things are important to you in a position, in an organization, and in a manager.  Your questions should be centered on these topics as you're trying to asess whether this job is a good fit for you just as much as the employer is trying to determine whether you are the right employee for them.

Perhaps you want to find out more about the organization's atmosphere?  Do the managers use a more micro-management style, or is autonomy and personal accountability encouraged?  How do they assess performance?  What criteria do they use? How often is performance reviewed? Why is the job available?  Was the last person promoted, fired, or is this a newly created position?  What is the anticipated career track for this position?  Spend some time thinking about what traits you'd like in an employer and formulate your questions to get the answers you need.

Next, I recommend that you do some sort of follow-up with each person that you interview with.  A handwritten card is the most personal, but a typed letter will also do nicely.  While much more informal (my least favorite style of follow-up), email is becoming more widely accepted.  Gifts of any sort would not be appropriate in this instance and most professionals would be under an ethical obligation to return anything you might send in order to preserve the integrity of their hiring selection.

As for the content of your follow-up/thank-you card, I recommend that you craft something in your own words that thanks the interviewer for their time, reiterate something about yourself that reinforces your qualifications for the position, and express your interest and excitement for the position and next steps.  Three to four short paragraphs (even sentences) should suffice.

A website that has some examples that you can review is:  www.susanireland.com/thankyouletters.htm

I wish you the very best of luck in your interview.  I'd love to hear how it goes.

Thank you in advance for any positive feedback and comments that you are able to share regarding your use of our free service.

Best Regards,

Lana Adams