Despite it being a friendly job market for workers looking to score that next big gig or move up the corporate ladder, it is still important to set yourself apart even after the application and interview process. Do not make the mistake of thinking that you have done all that you can to secure the position once you have left the interview. What you do in the hours and days after you have submitted the application or interviewed may be the little step that gives you that extra edge over the competition.

After Submitting the Application

It is never too early to show your sincere interest in a job. It is always a good idea to reach out to the appropriate person after submitting an application. In today's automated climate, there is a good chance that your application is not immediately reviewed by an actual person. If you submit an application online, it will likely go through a tracking system before it lands in the hands of the individual responsible for taking a pass at it.

Although it may take a little effort on your part to find the right person to contact, this act can put you ahead of the competition. Finding somebody who can flag the resume and speed up the process for you may be just what it takes to put you in front of the pack.

If you are not certain who to reach out to, be sure to check the company's website or LinkedIn page as a resource. Anybody listed in human resources, recruiting, or hiring is generally a good place to start.

Once you find the appropriate person to reach out to, your note should state that you have applied for the position and state why you believe you would be a good fit for the role and the organization. You want to keep this note brief, simply highlighting the key points of your resume so that they are intrigued to look further into your qualifications.

After the Interview

A thank you note is never a bad idea, even in a climate where workers have the upper hand. You would be surprised at how few people take the time to write a thank-you note. Doing so yourself will immediately put you in a favorable position.

While a hand-written note is always a nice touch, you may want to opt to send it via email if you think time is of the essence. The goal is to send the thank you note within 12 hours of the completion of the interview. Use this opportunity to thank the interviewer for meeting with you. Personalize the note by mentioning one memorable part of the interview that stood out to you.

This note should convey that you are not sending a generic message to everyone. Lastly, if you are interviewing with multiple people on a team, each individual should get a personal thank-you note.

After Time Has Passed

You are within your rights to inquire about the status of the application if a substantial amount of time has passed since the interview and you have not heard anything. This is particularly true if the hiring lead had stated that you would hear by a certain date and that deadline passes by with no word. Note that this is also why it is important to inquire about the next steps during the interview process.

While this can be a tricky subject to approach, honesty is always the best course to take. Simply reach out to reiterate your interest in the position and inquire if a decision has been made.

After the Notification

If you are offered the position that you are gunning for, this part of the follow-up cycle is complete. However, if you are not offered the position, you can use this experience to learn more about what you can do to be successful in your next endeavor. Thank the interviewer one more time for the opportunity to speak with them. Most leaders will be receptive to providing you with constructive feedback should you ask them for it.

You never know when that last extra push will be the thing that keeps you top of mind for the next opening.