The New Rules for Getting Your First Job

After the Interview

Send a thank-you note. Some people like them old school, with honest-to-God stationery; others prefer email. What do all bosses agree on? They like to get them, especially ones that are specific and follow up on something discussed in the interview. If a boss mentioned a problem and you know a possible solution, this is one more opportunity to prove how right you are for this spot.

Further contact: No texting. A week or two later, you can email. Once. Most hiring managers are understaffed and hellaciously overworked. It adds up to longer waits for offers and answers. If you haven't received a response a month after your last email, you can send another one saying you are still interested. Whatever you do, don't express impatience or passive aggressiveness. Yes, it's rude to keep people waiting (or not give them an answer), but if the spot is still open—due to a project that exploded or Biff in HR getting stuck in Newfoundland—a remark like "I guess you're really busy or you would've contacted me" will not help you.

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