At its core, selling is a purely social business. Despite that, however, a surprising 44% of salespeople will give up on a sale after one negative response. Unfortunately, some people take the same approach to job interviews. 

The first step to success in any market is the interview, but just as importantly, what you choose to do afterwards. Your follow up skills could be an excellent indicator of your social skills and willingness to pursue your goals, two skills that are in very high demand for sales positions. If you follow these six tips, you’re sure to get the start you need for a career in sales.

1. Sooner is Better

The sooner you choose to follow up after an interview, the better. If you’re not in a position to send a thank you note, send an email within three hours of when the interview ended. Your timeliness will serve as an indicator of punctuality and dedication.

2. The Three-Two Follow Up Rule

Your follow up email or note should be relatively short. Sticking to three two-sentence paragraphs is generally a good idea. The paragraphs should cover “thank yous” and “nice to meet yous,” your core strengths, and any clarifications, in that order.

3. Buy Good Paper

If there’s any time to splurge on the good “thank you” stationery paper, after the interview is it. Your stationery gives the note a personal touch, as well as the appearance of professionalism.

4. Double Check Names

Sales recruiters and salespeople in general must know their clients’ names, and just as they know those individuals, you should know your interviewers. Double checking names for spelling is crucial to maintaining a professional image.

5. Avoid Faux-Pas

When writing your follow-up, you should avoid any repetition, negativity, or excessive use of exclamation points or emojis. Your follow-up should be short, sweet, and to the point. Any excessive gratitude or enthusiasm can be saved for the sales jobs you’ll be offered.

6. Don’t Call Them

This is a rookie mistake. Calling to inquire about your interview is a don’t in all industries, and implies impatience, which is not desired in a sales position.

There are over 22 million sales professionals in North America, and if you want to pursue a career in sales, you should follow these six tips for a successful interview follow-up. Even if you don’t get the job, a failed interview can still lead to important opportunities down the road.

How often have you heard someone say, “We’ll keep your resume on file”? Well, with the right follow up skills, employers actually will keep your resume on file. A friendly human touch like a thank you note can make all the difference.