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No matter how well a job interview goes, it seems the interviewer always ends it with some variation of "We'll be in touch."

Does that mean you should just go home and wait for the phone to ring? Definitely not, career coaches advise. On the other hand, the appropriate follow-up depends on the circumstances.

HIRED, a Twin Cities provider of job-skills and employment training for low-income adults, dislocated workers, welfare-to-work and disadvantaged youth, has some standard tips on follow-up for entry-level job seekers:

Send a thank-you letter the same day thanking the employer for the opportunity to interview for the position. Restate your interest and let them know that you will be following up.

Call at the pre-arranged time to learn of the employer's decision.

Don't wait to hear about one specific job - continue to apply for other jobs.

Follow-up is vital

Barbara Parks, career coach, is the owner of Green Career Tracks. As the company name implies, her clients are usually looking for meaningful environmental work, and often they are in career transition. In that situation, following up on an interview requires a little more strategy.

Following up is vital, Parks advises. "It is your responsibility to actively influence the decision-making process and convince the employer of your competence to do the job," she says. As for the content of the follow-up, Parks says, "'Thank you for the great interview!' is good for a start. Then, you need to demonstrate how you can match the prospective employer's needs."

Sometimes, Parks says, what you learn about the job requirements in the interview is different from or in addition to what you knew when you applied. That information can help you highlight your unique qualifications for the job.

Parks suggests ending the interview with something such as, "I like what I've heard today. If I'm in the running for the job, I'd like to check-in in a few days with a brief follow up call." The interviewer's response will help you evaluate the success of the interview and whether a call would be accepted.

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Laura French is principal of Words Into Action, Inc., and is a freelance writer from Roseville.

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