Whether you’re a college student applying for a part-time job or internship or a recent grad looking for that first full-time job, it can be frustrating to get to the final stages of the hiring process only to get a “nope, sorry” from an employer.
You’re absolutely qualified for the position and had great interviews, so what could’ve possibly gone wrong? Here are three small things you might be doing that are keeping you from getting that offer letter.
1. You Slacked Off on Professionalism
Regardless of how cool a company seems or how chill the hiring manager claims to be, neither of these are excuses for slacking off on your professionalism, especially as you get towards the end of the hiring process.
What are some ways you might be letting a little too loose when you’re interviewing with and talking to a company? Here are several common ones:
- You didn’t match the dress code of the office.
- You treated the hiring manager like a friend instead of a professional and potential employer.
- Your email correspondence was too lax.
No matter who you’re chatting with, remember to keep it polished: Make sure your outfit fits the more formal end of the office dress code, treat every person you meet with the utmost respect, and stay away from slang and emojis.
2. You Were Too Enthusiastic (Or Didn’t Seem Enthusiastic Enough)
One of the trickiest balancing acts of the hiring process is showing that you’re excited and motivated but not coming across as over-eager or creepy. Sending an employer that extra follow-up email could land you an opportunity, but sending too many follow-ups could just as easily lose you that same opportunity.
Where’s the fine line? Here’s a quick primer on everything you need to know about staying in touch with someone who might hire you:
- By all means email a potential employer if that person reaches out to you first, and make sure you do so in a timely manner (preferably within 24 hours)
- Haven’t heard back from someone in a while? You’re free to follow up after five to seven days, and don’t hesitate to reiterate your excitement about the position in your message.
- If you have any important questions for an employer about the position or its responsibilities, it’s okay to email and ask; just make sure your email is short and straightforward.
Other than that, there’s no need keep reaching out to check in.
3. You Didn’t Send a (Good) Thank-You Note
Thank-you notes are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, many employers will take you out of the running for a job if you don’t send one in a timely manner after an interview. But on the other hand, if you send a thank-you note that’s typo-ridden or gives off the wrong vibe, it can also lead to the end of your quest to get hired.
The trick to writing a great thank-you note? Keep it short ‘n’ sweet. Here’s a quick breakdown of the anatomy of the perfect thank-you note or email (and check out our template here):
- Sentence 1: Thank the hiring manager for taking the time to interview you.
- Sentence 2: Highlight one or two things that stuck out from the conversation.
- Sentence 3: Thank the person again, mention that you’re happy to answer any further questions, and say that you look forward to hearing from the company soon.
And before you send it? You know how we feel about this: Proofread, proofread, proofread.
It’s easy to get caught up in the end of the hiring process, but by keeping these three important things in mind as you’re finishing up your job search, nothing will stand in the way of that hiring manager sending you an offer letter.
