Standing Out from the Competition: 11 Unique Interview Follow-Up Ideas
To help you stand out in the competitive job market, we’ve gathered eleven unique follow-up strategies from top professionals, including CEOs and Senior IT Recruiters. From utilizing AI for personalized video messages to sharing a relevant article post-interview, these innovative ideas will help you differentiate yourself from other candidates.
- Utilize AI for Personalized Video Messages
- Record a Thank-You Video
- Add Value with Prompt Email Follow-Up
- Create a Relevant Mini-Project
- Send a Personalized Book Recommendation
- Provide Recruitment Process Feedback
- Polish Interview Answers Post-Interview
- Include Relevant Project in Follow-Up
- Summarize the Interview in Follow-Up
- Send a Handwritten Thank-You Note
- Share a Relevant Article Post-Interview
Utilize AI for Personalized Video Messages
I use Maverick AI to send personalized video messages. I record a use case (I have several different ones for business development and one thanking for joining my talent community) video. Then, I give a quick recap of my most relevant experience and address any action items or any skills (software) I may not have had or weren’t strong with after having learned them.
I let them know I’ve taken the initiative to bridge the skill gap and list what all I have learned to do and how to do those things. Video leaves an impression. The AI will swap out the first name of whoever you are addressing in the video using your voice, so you can record once but still send to Bob, Steve, and Frank, and each will see the same video but at the very beginning you will say their name to add that personalized touch. You can send 1,000 video links out per month for as low as $50-$100.
Matthew Jones, Senior IT Recruiter, VIP Staffing
Record a Thank-You Video
Surprisingly, candidates don’t always follow up after an interview, so doing so can really help you stand out. To differentiate yourself, consider recording a thank-you video. A short, 2-3 minute video message can add a more personal touch to your thank you and make a memorable impression for a hiring team navigating a full inbox.
In your video, you can share that you enjoyed the discussion, express your appreciation for the hiring team’s time, reinforce your understanding of the role by summarizing key discussion points, highlight aspects of the role that align with your interests, skills, and abilities, and take some time to explain how you plan to contribute to the success of the company.
You can finish your message by sharing your genuine enthusiasm for the position and let the team know that you are looking forward to hearing from them on the next steps.
Heidi Hauver, Chief People Officer
Add Value with Prompt Email Follow-Up
In my experience of interviewing thousands of candidates, it has always impressed me when they follow up.
However, the truth is that very few candidates follow up. Therefore, doing so will not only differentiate your application but also give the impression that you are highly motivated. Being a more memorable candidate is even more important if an employer has many choices and is struggling to decide.
Prompt follow-up by email is recommended. Express gratitude for the employer’s time, convey that it was a pleasure to meet them, and express your interest in the job. If the employer mentioned further assessments or meetings, reiterate that you’re keen to complete these at their earliest convenience.
Last, you may wish to add value like: “During our conversation, you mentioned [Challenge/Objective]. I’ve been thinking about it and wanted to share some thoughts on how I could contribute…”
Geoff Newman, Founder, Starget.co.uk
Create a Relevant Mini-Project
In a hyper-competitive talent research sphere, it’s not just skills that set you apart, but the nuances of your approach post-interview.
One intriguing method would be to craft a bespoke mini-project or short analysis pertinent to a challenge mentioned during an interview faced by the prospective company. Rather than a traditional thank-you note, send a succinct presentation or document that demonstrates your proactive approach to problem-solving. This not only exhibits your initiative but offers a tangible glimpse of the value you’d bring.
Moreover, integrate feedback or insights from the interview into this project. This showcases your attention to detail, active listening skills, and eagerness to adapt, making you a memorable candidate in a sea of conventional follow-ups.
Lou Reverchuk, Co-Founder and CEO, EchoGlobal
Send a Personalized Book Recommendation
After my interview, I sent the interviewer a personalized book that resonated with our discussion, accompanied by a note explaining its relevance and how it reflected my perspective on the role. This thoughtful gesture not only underscored my commitment and passion but also provided a tangible representation of my values and approach, setting me apart as a candidate who goes the extra mile.
Rob Blum, CEO, Blumsafe
Provide Recruitment Process Feedback
If you’re determined to get a job after the interview, any respectable company would appreciate your feedback on the recruitment process.
Sending your opinion about it might seem risky and controversial. However, we need to remember that modern companies’ values are based on the culture of feedback. Sharing your ideas proves your familiarity with the job market’s values. It will also present you as a confident and outspoken person, aware of their competencies. Make sure your language is professional, but avoid being too authoritative. Of course, you should consider such a move only if you have positive feelings about how you were approached as a candidate.
In other words, balance your expertise with humility. Address various steps of the recruitment process to prove your engagement and dedication to it. Only some candidates summon up the courage to adopt this strategy, so you will undoubtedly set yourself apart from the competition.
Martyna Szcześniak, Community Expert, MyPerfectResume
Polish Interview Answers Post-Interview
Consider showcasing your dedication to ongoing growth and refinement to set yourself apart from other candidates. Specifically, revisit the questions that were asked during the interview and provide more polished answers after thoughtful consideration through a follow-up email.
This approach not only underscores your genuine interest in the position but also highlights your ability to adapt and continually enhance yourself. Demonstrating your commitment to self-improvement and reflective thinking can make a lasting impression on the hiring team.
Trendy Tan, Marketing Senior, Kepler Search
Include Relevant Project in Follow-Up
Distinguishing yourself in your follow-up after a job interview all depends on the seeds you planted during the interview itself. During the interview, find the right time or steer the conversation towards a specific project you completed that showcases your skills and experience.
During your email follow-up, you can include links or attach your project so that the interviewer can learn more. This will create a lasting impression as it provides direct evidence of your qualifications.
Adam Shlomi, Founder, SoFlo Tutors
Summarize the Interview in Follow-Up
One time, I actually received a summary of the interview, which kind of blew my mind as it was over an hour long and touched on quite a few subjects. The thank-you email basically summarized everything we discussed and even included some additional clarifications beyond what was said to shore up some points in their resume and experience.
It clearly took quite a lot of work, not to mention a prodigious memory and set of communication skills, so it really stuck in my mind.
Dragos Badea, CEO, Yarooms
Send a Handwritten Thank-You Note
One unique way to make a lasting impression post-interview is by sending a handwritten thank-you note. It showcases gratitude and illustrates your dedication and the extra effort you’re willing to put in.
While it might seem old-fashioned, such a gesture stands out precisely because of its rarity. Receiving a physical note in an age of digital communication can leave a significant impact, making you memorable in the eyes of the interviewer. This personal touch can set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
Michael Sena, CEO and Lead Analytics Consultant, Senacea Ltd.
Share a Relevant Article Post-Interview
One creative or unique idea for following up after a job interview is to find an article that relates to something that was talked about in the interview.
The next step could be to send a note that says something along the lines of: “I came across an article today that reminded me of the discussion we had around X. I’d love to know your thoughts.”
This approach is a great way to stay top-of-mind, provide something of value to the interviewee, and to follow up without the typical “I wanted to follow up” email.
John Mooney, President, IML