7 Essential Skills for Acing Job Interviews

Want to ace your next job interview? Here’s a quick rundown of the 7 skills you need to master:

1. Research the Company and Role: Know the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements. Study the job description and prepare tailored examples.
2. Improve Speaking Skills: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers. Avoid filler words and practice active listening.
3. Master Body Language: Maintain good posture, steady eye contact, and a confident handshake. Avoid fidgeting or crossing your arms.
4. Show Problem-Solving Skills: Share real examples of challenges you’ve tackled using the STAR method. Focus on measurable results.
5. Ask Smart Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, company goals, and team dynamics. Avoid asking about salary or perks upfront.
6. Manage Stress and Nerves: Reframe anxiety as excitement, practice breathing exercises, and visualize success to stay calm.
7. Follow Up After the Interview: Send a thank-you email within 24 hours, highlighting your interest and referencing specific points from the conversation.

These skills will help you stand out, communicate effectively, and leave a strong impression. Start practicing today to boost your confidence and land your dream job!

5 Essential Interview Skills Every Job Seeker Should Have

1. Research the Company and Job Role

Walking into an interview without preparation? That’s a quick way to get turned down. In fact, over 30% of interviewers consider poor research a major red flag. Doing your homework not only shows you’re serious but also helps you stand out from candidates who haven’t put in the effort.

Why Research Is Important

Research isn’t just about impressing the hiring team - it’s about making smart career choices. As Brianna Doe, Career Coach and Director of Demand Generation at Aion, explains:

"For every job that you take or don't take, you're impacting your career trajectory. We spend a lot of time at work and it's important to know what you're working with."

By understanding the company’s mission, values, and overall culture, you can better decide if the role aligns with your long-term goals. Plus, this knowledge equips you to craft thoughtful answers and ask the kinds of questions that leave a positive impression.

In today’s job market, companies value candidates who understand their purpose. Caitlin Duffy, Research Director at Gartner, highlights this shift:

"You could call it the 'Great Reflection.' … It's critical to deliver value and purpose."

In short, knowing what makes a company tick - and how you can contribute - has become essential.

To get started, here’s a roadmap for effective research.

How to Research the Right Way

• Start with the company website: Check out the "About Us" section, mission statement, and leadership bios. This gives you a clear view of the company’s core values and recent milestones.
• Explore LinkedIn: Visit the company’s LinkedIn page to see updates, product launches, and services. Browse employee profiles to gain insight into their career paths and the company culture.
• Check social media and news: Use platforms like Google and Google News to find recent developments and see how the company presents itself to the world.
• Use Glassdoor: Employee reviews and shared interview questions can offer a behind-the-scenes look at the company culture and hiring process.
• Tap into your network: If you know someone who works - or has worked - there, reach out. Firsthand insights can provide context that you won’t find online.
• Research competitors: Understanding the company’s place in the market and its unique strengths will help you discuss industry trends and challenges intelligently.
• Study the job description: Treat it like a cheat sheet. Turn each requirement into a potential interview question and prepare examples from your experience that align with the role. Be ready to address any gaps in your background, too.
• Research your interviewer: Look them up on LinkedIn to find shared interests, connections, or experiences. This can help you build rapport during the interview.

Common Research Mistakes to Avoid

• Using outdated information: Companies change quickly. Make sure your research reflects their current state, not old news.
• Doing surface-level research: It’s not enough to know what the company does. Dive deeper into their values, achievements, and challenges.
• Skipping interviewer research: Knowing your interviewer’s background can help you tailor your approach and build a connection.
• Ignoring financial performance: A company’s financial health and recent performance are key indicators of stability and growth potential.
• Neglecting competitor research: Without understanding the industry landscape, you’ll miss the chance to show why this particular company stands out to you.

Avoid these missteps, and your research will give you a well-rounded understanding of the company and role. This preparation not only boosts your confidence but also ensures you’re ready for meaningful conversations that can shape your career path.

2. Improve Your Speaking Skills

Clear communication can make or break your interview performance. Even if your resume shines, stumbling over your words or relying too much on fillers like "um" or "uh" can dilute the impact of what you're trying to convey. The good news? Speaking skills improve with practice and preparation.

How to Structure Your Answers

One common mistake in interviews is rambling without a clear direction. To avoid this, try using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This approach ensures your responses are organized, concise, and impactful.

• Situation: Start by briefly setting the scene so the interviewer understands the context.
• Task: Clearly explain your role or responsibility in the situation.
• Action: Highlight the specific steps you took to address the challenge, focusing on your individual contributions.
• Result: Share the outcome of your actions, and whenever possible, include measurable results.

Career Coach Emma Flowers advises keeping it simple:

"The STAR method is meant to be simple. Sometimes people provide too much detail and their answers are too long. Focus on just one or two sentences for each letter of the acronym."

For instance, a retail manager might describe how they resolved a customer service issue by finding a replacement dress at another store and personally delivering it. The result? The customer left glowing five-star reviews across multiple platforms.

To prepare your own STAR stories, review the job description to identify the skills most important to the employer. Then, choose versatile examples from your experience that match those skills, and practice telling these stories until they feel natural.

Practice Active Listening

Great communication isn't just about talking - it starts with listening. Active listening helps you fully understand the interviewer’s questions and pick up on subtle cues, which can make the conversation feel more natural and engaging. As ManpowerGroup points out:

"Listening enables job seekers to build rapport with the interviewer because the interaction is now more give and take, instead of giving canned answers."

To practice active listening, make eye contact and maintain an open, engaged posture. Take a moment to pause after each question; this shows you're thoughtful and gives you time to process. If you're unsure about something, ask for clarification - it shows you're attentive, not confused. Rephrasing the question in your own words before answering can also help ensure you've understood it correctly.

Reduce Filler Words

Filler words like "um", "uh", and "you know" can distract from your message. While using a few is normal - about one per minute is fine - the average speaker tends to overuse them.

Professional Public Speaker Joseph Guarino explains:

"We use these words as a verbal placeholder when we are thinking - while communicating. They are a verbal representation of our thinking and an indication to our listener that we are not yet done communicating."

The solution? Replace fillers with intentional pauses. Speaking at a slower pace gives you time to gather your thoughts and reduces the urge to fill silence with unnecessary words. Recording yourself during practice sessions can help you identify your filler word habits. Additionally, relaxation techniques like deep breathing can calm your nerves and help you stay focused during the interview.

With consistent practice, you'll find yourself speaking with greater clarity and confidence. These improved speaking skills will not only help you articulate your thoughts but also set the stage for mastering non-verbal communication, which is covered in the next section.

3. Master Your Body Language

Your nonverbal cues do a lot of the talking - 93% of your message, to be exact. This means your handshake, posture, and eye contact need to back up what you're saying. Strong body language doesn’t just support your words; it amplifies them, leaving a lasting impression.

Body Language Basics

Before you even say a word, your physical presence sets the tone. Career communication expert Amy Cuddy sums it up perfectly:

"Your body language shapes who you are."

Start with a firm handshake and steady eye contact to make a solid first impression. Stand tall with relaxed shoulders and a lifted chin to exude confidence. When you sit, keep your back against the chair and lean forward slightly to show you're engaged.

Smiling is another key element - 90% of interviewers say it’s important. A genuine smile makes you seem approachable and enthusiastic. Pair it with simple, intentional hand gestures that convey openness, but avoid overdoing it. Too much movement can pull attention away from your words.

Throughout the interview, your responsiveness matters. Lean in slightly when the interviewer speaks to signal you're actively listening. And don’t forget to maintain good posture from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave - it speaks volumes about your confidence.

Eye Contact and Mirroring Techniques

Eye contact is a game-changer when it comes to building trust. Career and Communication Coach Dawid Wiącek highlights its importance:

"Eye contact is a powerful nonverbal communication tool in job interviews. When used effectively, it can demonstrate confidence, engagement, and authenticity, and these are qualities that many employers value highly."

Aim to maintain eye contact about 50–70% of the time. This strikes a balance between confidence and comfort without coming across as intense. If direct eye contact feels overwhelming, focus on the space between the interviewer’s eyes or shift between their eyes and mouth. For virtual interviews, look directly into the camera to mimic eye contact.

Mirroring the interviewer’s body language is another subtle but effective technique. By naturally matching their posture, speech rhythm, or gestures, you can create an unconscious sense of connection and rapport.

Body Language Do's and Don'ts

Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do. According to a CareerBuilder survey, hiring managers are often turned off by candidates who fail to make eye contact, don’t smile, or fidget excessively.

Here are a few things to steer clear of:

• Crossing your arms
• Fidgeting or tapping
• Touching your face

These habits can make you seem unapproachable or nervous. Instead, stay composed in your chair and keep your attention on the interviewer rather than letting your eyes wander.

Adrien Kallel, CEO and co-founder of Remote People, puts it bluntly:

"Most candidates focus on memorizing answers but forget about their body language... This costs them jobs. Your non-verbal cues must match your words. If you say you're excited about the role but look bored, the recruiter won't believe you."

To refine your nonverbal communication, practice in front of a mirror or record yourself. This will help you spot and correct any distracting habits.

Now that you’ve mastered the basics of body language, you’re ready to use these skills to highlight your problem-solving abilities effectively.

4. Show Your Problem-Solving Skills

While confident body language and clear communication create a strong first impression, showcasing your problem-solving abilities can truly set you apart. Employers value candidates who can handle challenges, make sound decisions under pressure, and turn setbacks into opportunities. To present these skills effectively, the STAR method is your go-to strategy.

Use the STAR Method for Problem-Solving Questions

The STAR method - Situation, Task, Action, and Result - helps you structure your answers to behavioral questions in a way that's easy to follow and impactful. It ensures your response includes a clear challenge and resolution, giving interviewers insight into your approach.

Here’s how to allocate your focus:

• 20% on the Situation: Set the stage with context.
• 10% on the Task: Explain your responsibility.
• 60% on the Action: Highlight your specific contributions.
• 10% on the Result: Share measurable outcomes.

When detailing your actions, use "I" statements to emphasize your role, even when working within a team. Wrap up with results that include tangible metrics whenever possible.

To prepare, craft 3–5 problem-solving stories using this framework. Practice telling them aloud to ensure they flow smoothly and stay focused. This preparation will help you avoid scattered or unclear responses.

Problem-Solving Examples

Stories of real challenges make your skills shine. Here are a few examples:

• Retail Manager’s Quick Thinking: During prom season, a customer’s online dress order was mistakenly sold to someone else. Instead of just apologizing, the manager found the same dress at another store, had it pressed and delivered to the customer’s home on prom morning, and included a gift card as an apology. The delighted customer left glowing five-star reviews on multiple platforms.
• Account Executive’s Dedication: After a coworker unexpectedly quit, an account executive took over a $5 million client account. With tight deadlines and a heavy workload, they reorganized their schedule, stayed available to the client around the clock, and worked evenings and weekends to ensure seamless service. The client was so impressed they signed an annual contract.
• Intern’s Quick Recovery: An intern at an events company accidentally sent floral arrangements to the wrong venue for a high-profile event. Instead of panicking, they alerted their boss, proposed a solution, retrieved the flowers, and delivered them to the correct location just an hour before the event began. The client never noticed the error, and their quick thinking earned praise.

These examples stand out because they highlight specific actions, measurable outcomes, and the ability to remain calm and resourceful under pressure.

Mistakes to Avoid

As you refine your STAR responses, watch out for these common pitfalls:

• Skipping Your Thought Process: Don’t just jump into what you did. Start by explaining how you analyzed the situation and why you chose a particular approach.
• Using Irrelevant Examples: Make sure your stories align with the job’s requirements. A skills and projects matrix can help you match your examples to the specific skills the employer is looking for.
• Overcomplicating Your Narrative: Keep your explanation straightforward. A clear, concise story is far more impressive than one bogged down with unnecessary details.
• Failing to Quantify Results: Whenever possible, include numbers to make your impact tangible. As Human Resources Professional Lydia Bowers puts it:

"That's the most important part of the answer!"

Metrics like saving $10,000, increasing efficiency by 15%, or completing a project ahead of schedule make your achievements memorable.

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5. Ask Smart Questions

Once you've highlighted your problem-solving skills, it's time to shift gears and ask thoughtful, well-prepared questions. This not only reinforces your interest in the role but also shows you're engaged and eager to contribute.

"Employers really care about the questions that you ask in an interview because it really shows your engagement, shows your curiosity, and it just shows that you came prepared." - Rhea, Operations Specialist, UShip

How to Prepare Questions Ahead of Time

Start by researching the company thoroughly. Dive into their website, recent news, and trends in their industry. Look for challenges they’re tackling, milestones they’ve hit, or any initiatives that align with the role you’re applying for. This research will help you craft questions that show you’ve done your homework.

To stay ready, prepare four to five questions, as some may be answered during the conversation. Make your questions specific and meaningful - steer clear of generic ones like "What does your company do?" Instead, tailor them to reflect your understanding of the company. For instance, if you know the company has recently expanded into new markets, you could ask how this growth impacts the team you’d be joining.

Frame your questions to highlight your potential contributions and enthusiasm for the role.

Examples of Good Questions

The right questions can set you apart, showing your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the company. Consider asking:

• "What does a typical day look like?" – A great way to understand the skills and experience required for the role.
• "How could I impress you in the first three months?" – Demonstrates your eagerness to make a strong start.
• "What opportunities are there for training and progression?" – Signals your commitment to personal and professional growth.
• "Where do you think the company is headed in the next five years?" – Offers insight into the company’s vision and long-term goals.
• "Can you describe the working culture of the organization?" – Helps you assess whether you’d thrive in the team environment.
• "What do you enjoy about your job?" – Builds rapport and gives you a glimpse into the company culture.

For example, in January 2025, Rhea, an operations specialist preparing for her UShip interview, used this approach. She asked questions like "What is your favorite part of working here?", "What will my day-to-day in this role look like?", and "What are some of the major challenges faced by this company?" This preparation showcased her engagement and ultimately helped her land the job.

Whenever possible, ask your questions throughout the interview to keep the conversation natural and engaging.

Questions to Avoid

While asking questions is important, certain ones can hurt your chances. Here’s what to avoid:

• Questions with obvious answers that you could find by reading the company website or job description, like "What does your company do?" or "What are the main responsibilities of this role?".
• Salary and benefits inquiries unless the employer brings them up first. Instead, focus on questions about performance, contributions, or growth, such as "How is success measured here?".
• Personal or overly casual questions unrelated to the role. Keep the tone professional and positive.
• Suggestions for major changes to the role or company structure. These can come across as presumptuous.
• Questions about perks like vacation time, lunch breaks, or remote work policies (unless it’s a remote position). These can make it seem like you’re more interested in what the company offers you rather than what you bring to the table.

Smart, strategic questioning not only reflects your preparation but also complements your communication and problem-solving skills. It’s a key part of building a strong interview strategy that leaves a lasting impression.

6. Manage Stress and Nerves

Feeling nervous before an interview? You're not alone. Almost everyone experiences some level of anxiety when preparing for that big moment, whether it's an in-person meeting or a virtual call. The key isn't to eliminate stress entirely - it's about managing it so your preparation and skills can shine. While your heart might race or your palms might sweat, these reactions don't have to throw you off your game.

Instead of trying to suppress your nerves, consider channeling that energy into something positive. Studies suggest that turning nervousness into excitement can actually improve your performance.

Ways to Handle Anxiety

Preparation is your best ally when it comes to reducing pre-interview stress. Practice your responses in front of a mirror, participate in mock interviews, and plan out every detail, from your elevator pitch to your commute. Thoroughly researching the company can also help you feel more equipped to handle unexpected questions.

Mental preparation is just as important as logistical planning. Simple techniques like exercising, meditating, or listening to calming music before your interview can help you relax. Cutting back on caffeine that day can also prevent your nerves from spiraling.

One powerful strategy is reframing your nervousness as excitement. Saying "I'm excited" instead of "I'm calm" has been shown to boost performance in high-pressure situations. This small mental shift can make a big difference.

Positive self-talk is another useful tool. Remind yourself that you're well-prepared, genuinely interested in the opportunity, and capable of presenting your best self. Visualization can also work wonders - picture yourself confidently answering questions, shaking hands, and leaving the interview feeling proud. Planning something enjoyable afterward can help shift your focus away from the outcome .

Once you've managed your anxiety, the next step is staying clear-headed during the interview itself.

Stay Focused Under Pressure

Tough questions are bound to come up, and it's okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts. Repeating the question back to the interviewer not only buys you a little time but also shows that you're actively engaged.

Breathing exercises can work wonders in high-pressure moments. The 4-7-8 technique - inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 7, and exhaling for 8 - can help you stay calm and focused by increasing oxygen flow to your brain.

If you stumble, don't panic. Acknowledge it briefly, redirect the conversation to your strengths, and move forward. Shifting your focus outward - toward what the interviewer is saying - can also help keep anxious thoughts at bay. Remember, an interview is a two-way street; you're also evaluating whether the company is a good fit for you. This perspective can ease some of the pressure. And if you need a moment to think, it's perfectly fine to politely ask for a brief pause before responding.

Build Confidence Through Practice

One of the best ways to build confidence and reduce stress is through mock interviews. These practice sessions mimic the real experience, helping you refine your answers and get comfortable with the process .

Set up practice interviews with trusted friends, mentors, or career advisors. Dress as you would for the actual interview and, if it's a virtual meeting, use the same platform you'll be using on the big day. This preparation can help you feel more at ease when it’s time for the real thing.

During these sessions, actively seek feedback on everything - from your responses to your body language and tone of voice. Constructive input can help you fine-tune your performance and make your delivery more polished. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers can also help you provide clear and concise responses .

Mock interviews are like a dress rehearsal, giving you the chance to identify and address any weak spots before the actual event. With enough practice, you'll walk into your interview feeling prepared and confident .

7. Follow Up After Your Interview

Nailing the interview and presenting yourself with confidence is just part of the process. The follow-up is where you can reinforce your candidacy and leave a lasting impression. Think of it as the final step in demonstrating your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role.

Write a Professional Thank-You Email

A thoughtful thank-you email can help remind the interviewer why you’re the right fit for the position. Aim to send it within 24 hours of the interview while the details are still fresh in everyone’s mind. Start with a simple, professional subject line, such as "Thank you for the opportunity" or "Appreciated our conversation today."

Address the interviewer appropriately based on the tone of your meeting. For a formal interview, use "Dear [Interviewer’s Name]", but if the vibe was more casual, "Hello [Interviewer’s Name]" works just fine. In the email body, express genuine appreciation for their time and reference the specific job title. Reiterate your qualifications briefly, tying them to the role’s requirements. To make it personal, mention something specific from your conversation - maybe a project they’re working on or a challenge they discussed. Wrap up by reaffirming your interest in the position, offering to provide additional information, and including your contact details. End with a professional closing.

"A thank-you letter is your chance to remind the hiring manager of why you're a good fit for the role and what made you stand out as a candidate. Refer to a specific comment, question or conversation you shared during the interview." - Genevieve Northup, MBA, SHRM-CP, HCI-SPTD

When and How to Follow Up

After sending your thank-you email, be patient. Wait at least five business days before sending a follow-up, unless the interviewer mentioned a longer timeline. If they indicated it might take a couple of weeks, give them that space and follow up closer to the end of the stated period. When you do reach out, include the job title, the date of your interview, and a brief reminder of your qualifications.

If someone in your network helped you land the interview, consider updating them too. They might offer advice or even follow up on your behalf. And if you feel like your interview didn’t go as well as you hoped, a follow-up email can be a chance to address any lingering concerns - just keep the focus on moving forward.

What to Do if You Don’t Get a Response

Hearing nothing back can be disheartening, but it’s not unusual. If you don’t get a reply after your first follow-up, wait another week before sending a second, polite email. Keep it short - express your ongoing interest and ask if there are any updates on the hiring timeline. If you still don’t hear back, send one final message before moving on.

Remember, silence doesn’t always mean rejection. It could simply reflect internal delays or other priorities. Avoid sending frustrated or negative messages; professionalism matters, even when the outcome isn’t what you hoped for. Use the experience to reflect on what went well and where you can improve, and continue your job search with confidence.

"You're staring at a blank screen and have no idea where to start. Even if you don't know what to write, it's critical that you send a post-interview follow-up email to express continued interest, reiterate what makes you a strong candidate and give gratitude for the interviewer's time. Keep it short and sincere." - Genevieve Northup, MBA, SHRM-CP, HCI-SPTD

Conclusion: Apply These Skills for Interview Success

Mastering these seven key skills can transform the stress of an interview into a productive and confident conversation about your career. By combining research, clear communication, body language awareness, problem-solving, thoughtful questioning, stress management, and effective follow-up, you create a strategy that distinguishes you from other candidates. The next step? Practice deliberately and reflect on your progress.

Consistent effort and self-improvement are the cornerstones of long-term success. Interviewing is as much about emotional readiness as it is about tactical preparation. Developing these skills over time not only boosts your confidence but also sharpens your overall effectiveness as a job seeker. For instance, practicing your STAR responses out loud can help you feel more at ease and polished. Regular self-assessment can also highlight your strengths and pinpoint areas where you can grow.

Before each interview, take time to identify your key strengths, achievements, values, and professional experiences. This ensures you can communicate them effectively. Reviewing your preparation notes and company research can help you stay grounded, while techniques like deep breathing can calm your nerves when anxiety creeps in. Use your STAR stories as a tool to consistently evaluate and refine your approach.

Preparation, strong communication, and thoughtful follow-through are the building blocks of a successful interview. As Paul J. Meyer famously said:

"Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success".

Your ability to connect authentically with interviewers often carries as much weight as your technical expertise.

To keep improving, reflect on each interview experience. Analyze what went well and what could be better. While 94% of job seekers want feedback after interviews, only 41% actually receive it. Don’t rely on external validation - be your own best evaluator. Use the STAR method to pinpoint specific moments where you can make adjustments for future interviews.

Create an actionable plan with measurable goals for each skill. For example, if your research felt inadequate, dedicate more time to learning about the company’s culture and recent developments before your next interview. If you struggled to maintain confident body language, practice making eye contact and maintaining good posture in everyday interactions.

Even after the interview, your professionalism in follow-up communications is crucial. Gracefully handling rejection and committing to continuous learning are traits that enhance your long-term career prospects. Every interview - whether it leads to a job offer or not - provides an opportunity to refine your strategy and build the kind of confidence that employers value.

The skills you sharpen for one interview will make the next one easier. The communication abilities you develop through practice will serve you in salary negotiations, workplace presentations, and beyond. By treating interview preparation as an ongoing process rather than a last-minute effort, you’re cultivating skills that will support your career growth for years to come.

FAQs

What’s the best way to research a company and role so I can stand out in an interview?

To get ready for an interview, start by diving into the company's official website. Focus on the "About Us" section to get a feel for their mission, values, and any recent updates. This insight can help you craft answers that align with their culture and goals. If they've been in the news lately, bring it up - it shows you're paying attention.

For larger companies, take a look at their financial reports or investor updates to understand their performance and current priorities. If it's a startup, platforms like Crunchbase can give you valuable information about their growth and funding. Also, take time to familiarize yourself with their products or services, even if your role doesn’t directly connect to them. This allows you to ask smart, thoughtful questions and show genuine interest in what they do. A little extra effort in your research can leave a lasting impression!

How can I stay calm and confident during a job interview?

Feeling jittery before a job interview? That’s completely normal. But there are a few easy ways to calm those nerves and walk in with confidence.

Start by practicing your responses. Whether it’s with a friend, family member, or even just your reflection in the mirror, rehearsing answers to common interview questions can make you feel more at ease. Plus, it’s a great way to fine-tune your body language and delivery.

Another trick? Deep breathing and visualization. Take slow, steady breaths to help calm your mind, and imagine yourself acing the interview. Shifting your mindset can also work wonders - try thinking of your nervousness as excitement. This subtle reframing can keep you focused and upbeat.

Lastly, preparation is your secret weapon. Research the company, study the job description, and plan your route to the interview location ahead of time. Knowing you’ve covered all the bases can help you feel more in control and ready to impress.

Why is it important to send a thank-you email after an interview, and what should it include?

Sending a thank-you email after an interview is a smart move that highlights your professionalism, gratitude, and genuine interest in the role. It’s also a great way to stay on the hiring manager’s radar while reinforcing why you’re a strong fit for the position.

In your email, make sure to thank the interviewer for their time, reference a specific topic or detail you discussed during the interview, and express your continued enthusiasm for the role. Keep your message short, polite, and customized to reflect your conversation. A well-crafted follow-up can leave a lasting impression and might even tip the scales in your favor when decisions are being made.