Many job seekers erroneously think that the job hunting process ends with the interview, and that all they can do afterward is helplessly wait for the employer's next move. Actually, there's one other thing you can and should do. This often overlooked but crucial initiative is called the follow-up. Carefully executed, this can give you bonus points in the employer's tally card.

Here's some guidelines on doing it properly:

• The follow-up starts at the end of the interview. Before you leave, be sure to ask when the employer might arrive at a hiring decision.

• Always write a thank-you letter within 48 hours of the interview. Express appreciation for the interview opportunity and stress briefly how you are the perfect fit for the position.

• Make sure your letter is free of errors. This includes ensuring that there are no typos, grammatical errors and misspellings. Double-check the company's name as well as the interviewer's name and position title.

• Inform your references that they might receive a call from the employer. This is basic courtesy and prepares your references on what to say.

• Do call on the day instructed to. If the interviewer promised to contact you and has not, make a follow-up letter or call a week or so later to inquire about your application and underscore your continued interest in the position.

• While doing follow-up, don't let up on your pursuit of employment with other firms. In this manner, your job hunting campaign isn't limited to one company and you have more chances of getting call from other employers.

• If the interviewer tells you the position has been filled, remain calm and respectful. You may yet salvage something out of the situation. If you feel you have established rapport with the interviewer, you could:

  1. request that your application be considered for future openings;
  2. ask for referrals to other hiring employers, and;
  3. solicit feedback on your weak areas so you can improve.

• If your emails or phone calls are not being returned three weeks after your interview, it is safe to assume you were not chosen. Don't be crestfallen, a better offer will surely come your way. Just remember, practice makes perfect. Reflect on the interview and extract lessons of improvement to prepare for the next interview.