What Should One Do After the Interview?

FattyBoeBatty asks: "So I finally find the perfect company to work for. Unfortunately, they're only going to hire 3 out of the 200 people they're interviewing. So here's my question: I know there are a lot of slashdotters in charge of hiring - what post-interview actions do you like to see on the part of the interviewee? Is it possible for him/her to seem too enthusiastic about getting the job? How often should one call to inquire about the hiring process and re-express interest? What about mailing/emailing the company? Do you guys have any examples of when someone managed to stand out (or appeared too annoying)? I've never seen a question like this addressed in detail; I hope the Slashdot community can give me some sound advice."

Comments

Email, if that

[Chelloveck]

At the absolute most send an email or letter thanking them for the interview. Any more than this just sends up red flags for me. "INSINCERE SCHMOOZING WEENIE!" And only one letter is necessary. If you interviewed with multiple people, just send the note to the manager or senior guy, not everyone involved.

<WAR_STORY>
About a decade ago we interviewed someone who seemed okay (not stellar, but okay) technically, but just seemed oily. On top of that, he sent everyone involved this really obsequious sycophantic letter. I didn't want to hire him, but I was the junior guy and we needed warm bodies (remember when the economy was good?) so I got overruled. He did work out okay, but seemed more interested in maintaining his image than in maintaining the code. Eventually he transfered over to marketing, and everyone was happier all around.
</WAR_STORY>

In my experience, when we do real in-house interviews (as opposed to job fairs or campus recruiting) we're generally looking to fill one or two fairly specific positions. By the end of the day we can usually give someone a thumbs up or thumbs down. Even if you sent the email from your wireless PDA as soon as you left the building, it'll come in after the decision's been made. (At least the decision whether or not to add you to the short list for a second interview.) I admit I've never been in a situation where we've found 200 resumes that look even halfway worthwhile. Generally the list of people who get called at all is very, very small.