Damage Control After Flawed Phone Interview

First, you have to remember that most people are not good interviewers. Add interviewing over the phone, and the number declines even more. So, don’t sweat it too much. Plus, often times the weaker interviews (in our minds) turn into something while interviews where we feel like we excelled end up dead-ends.

Do write a thank-you letter highlighting all the ways you are perfect for the job. If you know the qualifications, you could even write a two-column letter, where the left column lists the qualifications and the right column lists what you offer. If you do brainstorm even more ideas, send it along as a supplemental sheet — “Darby’s Ideas for the Children’s Museum.”

I wouldn’t jump in my car just yet, but in the thank-you letter, you can make the offer — and then in a follow-up phone call next week, you can mention your strong interest in the position and the possibility you may be in the area…and then judge the reaction. If it sounds insincere, perhaps they are just going through the motions with you, but if they sound interested in you stopping by — and this is a job that really interests you — then see if you can arrange to “drop by.”

Damage control is not negative; interviews are just going to be awkward at times… and there are going to be situations where you feel you need to emphasize your talents in writing…

Keep at it — and keep at other opportunities as well.

Read more about thank-you letters in this article published on Quintessential Careers: FAQs About Thank You Letters.

And for dealing with any future phone interviews, check out this article on Quintessential Careers: Proper Phone Interview Etiquette Can Propel You to the Next Step in the Hiring Process.