Email Notes

  • Some interviewers like to tell all candidates they meet about any concerns they have about them as an applicant
  • Therefore, applicants often have trouble determining how concerned the hiring manager is about that perceived shortcoming and how to address this both during and after the interview
  • The interviewing segment of IJS will go into handling those concerns real-time in a manner that will allow you to subtly refute any negatives without overtly disagreeing or getting defensive
  • When it comes to the follow-up email, sometimes it is effective to address anything that is brought up which could hurt your applicancy…but it must be done with diplomacy, respect and an open mind

Thank You Note: Addressing a Concern 

Hi ________,

First, I want to thank you for your time earlier today. There are a lot of compelling aspects to ______ {insert company name}.

I think that your organization has come a very long way in gaining a competitive advantage through personalized client care and innovation.As you can imagine, there is a natural tendency to be drawn to organizations with this type of dynamic. I owe much of my success to work ethic and optimistic thinking. Therefore, I don’t think it is prudent to focus too much on negative aspects.

However, you did bring up a perceived concern regarding __________. If this remains a sincere concern of yours, I am happy to assist in any way possible to mitigate any hesitations regarding my perceived ability to meet and exceed performance related expectations.

While I don’t know who else you are interviewing, I have an inclination that 30, 60 and 90 days into my employment tenure at ______, the two or so weeks of learning curve will prove worth it.

Please tell me how I can demonstrate and overcome these hurdles and work with you to remain moving forward in the process.

Tips: Persuade by Discussing the Future

● Persuade by a compelling picture of the future. Many interviewers make the mistake of being too concerned with the present. Remind them that long-term, sustained success is better than a quick-win. In a nice, respectful manner, make the interviewer realize that in 3, 6, 12 months from now that concern will be an afterthought.
● Avoid discussing your past when trying to overcome a concern the interviewer brought up.
● Prior to discussing the downside, it’s important to take some time to determine whether the concern the interviewer expressed was enough to prevent him or her from considering you for the job.
● Keep the interviewer’s focus on the big picture: whether you could do the job with optimism, efficiency and insight