Clients frequently express dissatisfaction after completing their interviews for a desired position. "Why doesn't the company call me back?" is a common complaint. or "I feel powerless; all I can do is wait for an answer," or "Can't I do anything to get the employer to say YES?"

"After many years of working as a top-level Career Consultant and guiding thousands of clients through the "interview maze," I can tell you that there is no "secret trick" or "magic bullet" that will get the employer to offer you the job!," says an expert.

However, you'll be relieved to know that there are some strategies you can employ to INFLUENCE the employer's decision and FINESSE the process. Changing many of your small actions and approaches can have a significant impact on the outcome of your interviews.

Here are ten pointers for navigating the interview process and following up:

• Set the stage for successful follow-up.

The first strategy is to start with a structured follow-up system (which most candidates do NOT). You should have a strategy in place before going to the interview! This way, you'll be able to "set the wheels in motion" right away without having to think about it! This step alone will alleviate your stress and anxiety. You'll also feel more prepared, proactive, and in command. Creating a follow-up strategy BEFORE the interview will improve your performance DURING the interview.

• Present yourself as a consultant rather than an applicant.

Don't spend all of your time at the interview trying to "sell" yourself. Instead, ask insightful, probing questions about the employer's business needs, problems, and concerns (like a good consultant would). These questions should be based on your prior preparation and study. Take notes on the interviewer's responses, which will serve as the foundation for your next steps. Give specific examples (Accomplishment Stories) from your work history that are directly relevant to the interviewer's stated challenges whenever possible.

• Don't accept an offer too quickly.

Professional-level job offers almost never come at the first interview. So, don't rush things! The goal of your initial interview is not to be offered a job, but to be invited back for a second meeting, most likely with a higher-level employee of the company. Ask more questions during each interview to uncover the employer's primary needs and problems. The more of these difficulties you identify, the better prepared you will be to submit your "proposal for service" at the appropriate time.

• Determine the next steps.

Make sure to plan and confirm next steps at the end of each meeting. Remember that an interview (or ANY meeting) is only as good as the actions that result from it. Don't settle for "We'll let you know" or other passive-aggressive statements. Assume a more active role and obtain an employer commitment for "what comes next!"

• Follow-up quickly and persuasively.

Once your interview is completed, send your thank-you letters as soon as possible. These should be tailored to each individual (rather than generic) and include specific references to each person you met (something they said or contributed). Make sure your correspondence, whether via e-mail or "snail mail," is as professional and clear as possible. If you promised to send the employer additional documents or information, please do so as soon as possible.

• Make every follow-up contact an opportunity to increase your value.

  Following the interview, go over your notes carefully to highlight the company's most pressing needs, problems, and challenges. Identify specific areas in your career where you have successfully addressed similar issues. Include brief synopses of these accomplishments in your thank-you letter, tying them directly to the company's stated challenges (usually in a side-by-side chart format). You can even back up your "claims" by sending actual samples of your work to the employer. Most companies want employees who can solve problems, so this will demonstrate that "you have what it takes" and that you can add value to this organization.

• Be consistent and punctual.

This "strategy" should not even be mentioned, but some candidates sabotage their chances for the offer by arriving late for the interview or "dropping the ball" in the middle of the process. So, always call when you say you will call and do what you say you will do! Be meticulous in your business etiquette, which includes consistent, regular phone and e-mail follow-ups. Be persistent in expressing your genuine interest in the opportunity, but avoid being a nuisance.

• Make use of outside resources.

  If you have contacts and connections with anyone who could influence the hiring decision, or who knows the interviewer personally, ask them to "put in a good word for you" after the initial interview. However, proceed with caution because this can be a sensitive or highly political issue at times. At the very least, send the employer letters of recommendation from respected professionals in your industry.

• Accept rejection with grace.

  Assuming you've done everything you can reasonably do to get the job, you must accept the employer's decision. If you get the message (directly or indirectly) that the company isn't interested in you, or if they actually reject you, you have no choice but to move on. No matter how "perfect" you thought the job was for you, you can't "force" the interviewer to make you an offer.

• Turn defeat into triumph.

The first thing you should do after being rejected is (ironically) send a thank-you letter. If you send this type of polite, professional letter "after the fact," you can really set yourself apart from the other rejected applicants. Express your sincere gratitude for being considered for the position, and best wishes to the new employee. Declare that you would be delighted to be considered for the position again if the chosen candidate is unable to work out for any reason. (You'd be surprised how often the "new hire" does not work out.) When the employer needs to find a quick replacement, YOU will most likely be at the top of their list.

In some cases, the employer may be so impressed with your grace and professionalism that he or she will offer you a different position at the company as soon as one becomes available! If you liked the company, keep in touch with them in the long run. Other opportunities will arise, so make it as simple as possible for the employer to contact you and eventually hire you.

By implementing these post-interview follow-up strategies, you will increase your chances of receiving more offers, as well as feel more empowered and effective throughout the hiring process!