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Six things you must do to land the job

Landing an interview can take preparation, persistence, and a little luck. Make it count by following these six post-interview tips. 

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Zachary Kaufman/AP/File
In this Sept. 22, 2011 photo, applicants wait in line for an interview at a New Seasons job fair at Life Point Church on NE 192nd Avenue, in Vancouver, Wash.

You've created a flawless resume. You've networked like a champion. You've managed to get noticed by the right people. And you just aced a three-hour long group interview without so much as a nervous twitch. Don't stop there; here are six things you can do after the interview that will help you land the job of your dreams.

1. Send a Thank-You Note

Send a brief, but detailed thank-you email within 24 hours. Refer to the topics discussed in the interview and include the email address of every interviewer, regardless of title or job level. Though many career consultants suggest following up an electronic thank-you with the hand-written variety, it's not necessary and can often be interpreted as overkill.

2. Send a Personalized Follow-Up Email

A few days after the thank-you note, send a follow-up email that reinforces how your skills and experience directly related to the requirements of the position. Respect your readers' time by being specific and concise, but don't be afraid to mention relevant accomplishments or important points you didn't have a chance to cover during the interview.

3. Alert Your References

If your interview went well, it's likely your references will be contacted in short order. Both as a courtesy and a means of preparation, give your references a heads-up. Let them know a bit about the role and the skill set required. Advance notice will help each of your references craft their best pitch for you and stress the experience and qualities that matter most. (See also: How to Get Great Job References)

4. Keep Researching

Research shouldn't end when the interview is over. Keep learning about the company and the position you've applied for. If there's an impromptu follow-up call or a second interview, your deeper knowledge will help inspire ideas and generate insightful questions.

5. Tap Into Your Network

Sometimes who you know is just as important as what you know. Leverage the power of your professional network to increase your chances of getting hired. If you know someone inside the company who can tilt the scales in your favor, reach out to her and tactfully ask for assistance. (See also: 10 Best Networking Tips for People Under 40)

6. Gracefully Accept Rejection

Rejection is part of every job hunt, but knowing how to gracefully accept rejection can sometimes help you get a job. Remember, not all new hires work out. In order to differentiate yourself at this final stage of the interview process, thank your interviewers for their time and wish them well. If new positions open up or if the person they hired turns out to be a bad fit, you're much more likely to be top-of-mind.

I get it; job hunting can sometimes feel like a full-time job (and an exhausting one at that). Avoid feeling overwhelmed by breaking the process into a series of action phases. By the time you get to the face-to-face interview, the uphill slog is nearly done. Pat yourself on the back; your skills have been noticed. Now, enjoy the downhill slide by executing each post-interview task mindfully and thoroughly.

This article first appeared at Wise Bread.

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