Don’t Skip The Follow Up After An Interview
You've just been offered a job interview! Congrats! Now it's time to take action. One of the most important things you can do after the interview is email your interviewer and thank them for their time. This shows that you are invested in the company and were not just interviewing with them to make a quick buck on the go.
In addition, be sure to clarify any unanswered points or questions they may have had prior to visiting your office (for example: answering if they should contact your reference). Be proactive instead of reactive, because they'll appreciate it.
Finally, send a thank you email after the interview! A thank you note will help you stand out from other applicants and will also show that you are truly appreciative of their time. You can write about how much the position means to you and how excited you are for the next step in the hiring process. Your thank you letter should be sent within 24 hours after your interview.
So let's review:
1. Send an email immediately following your interview to let your potential employer know that you appreciate them taking time out of their busy schedule to meet with you, then follow it up with a quick call thanking them on the phone.
2. Let your interviewer know that you are available to answer any questions they may have and to provide them with a list of people they can contact as references.
3. Send a final email thanking your interviewer for their time and interest in you, let them know that you are excited about this opportunity and wish them luck in the hiring process!
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended only as general information regarding employment law and policies, is not legal advice or a substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed or practicing in your jurisdiction, and does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Ira Sommers Katz & Dwyer, LLC or any of its attorneys. This communication is intended for personal use and does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal advice, please contact an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction for assistance.
If you would like to discuss your case and how we can help, please contact us at (212) 500-7700 or via email at info@sommerskatz.com . We look forward to hearing from you!
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Posted by Ira Sommers Katz & Dwyer at September 30, 2012 08:21 AM
Job seekers who have a criminal record ought to take extra precautions with each step in their job search. There are some situations in which their criminal record can actually help their chances of landing a job, while other situations require a much more subtle approach. Here's why you should be aware of what criminal record issues could hurt your chances of being hired:
You have too many arrests on your record
The number of arrests you have is relevant to the hiring process. Jobs that involve dealing with the public and working with children and the elderly often place limits on the number of times someone can get arrested for the same or similar crime before hiring will be seriously considered.
While there are no statistics available on this practice, it does make sense from a hiring perspective. Hiring someone with a large number of arrests might mean that person has a pattern of behavior that is not conducive to the job you are trying to fill.
It's important to remember that the more serious your offenses, the less likely you are going to be able to get a job. More importantly, your chances of getting hired will go down in direct proportion to the severity of these offenses. Employers don't want their workplace turned into an episode from "Cops". That's just asking for trouble.
Another thing to consider is how long ago your arrest took place and what you were actually arrested for. A five-year-old arrest for possession for personal use of marijuana would likely not cause too much trouble, whereas an arrest for a violent crime would not be tolerated.
You were arrested later in life
Many people think the fact that they weren't born when the law changed means they can get away with certain crimes. This is only partially true. If you are arrested as an adult, having a criminal record can be very difficult to overcome. Even if you have no criminal record, it might be best to avoid being hired by companies that hire only individuals with clean records.
Because recent arrests are more relevant and people may be required to respond truthfully to questions posed by potential employers, it can be helpful to list any recent arrests on your resume. Explain the situation briefly and move on with your work experience.
Are you sure that's all you were arrested for?
Some people have been arrested multiple times for the same offense, but are listed as having only one arrest. For example, years ago, someone who was pulled over while driving under the influence might have been charged with a DUI and reckless driving in separate incidents. The foolishness of his actions led to several arrests before he got sober and started taking driving more seriously.
Now, if you ask a simple question like, "How many times have you been arrested?" you might get a rather embarrassing or incriminating answer. If the law has changed since your last arrest and your story doesn't match up to the law, that could be a big problem.
This is why it's best to take your own advice first. Do not lie on your resume or application about how many times you've been arrested. If the truth does not fit the law anymore, then explain what happened as honestly and briefly as possible and move on.
Your arrest record is not the only issue
A criminal record can be a big problem for anyone, but it's important to remember that there are other things employers look for in potential employees.
For example, even if your arrest record is spotless, you still need to make sure your resume reveals all relevant skills and employment history. This information might be more difficult to come by for a person who has been arrested and convicted of a crime in the past than it is for someone who has never been arrested or had an incident with the police.
If you were recently released from jail or prison, it is possible that your arrest record shows up in the background check reports available on most job applications.
Conclusion
If you are applying for a job that requires driving, working with children or people with physical limitations, any type of criminal record will hurt you in the hiring process. If you have an arrest record, decide whether to enter about yourself and strive for honesty. But if you abstain from making any false statements, it's unlikely that your record will matter when it comes time to make offers.
If your resume and applications reveal all relevant skills and employments history, then the only thing your criminal record may matter is the fact there is no conviction associated with it.
If you would like more information on this topic, please visit our website at http://www.sommerskatzlaw.