Recent GCSAA career posts explored how to use the STAR Method to share your experience in an interview and how to prepare for a salary negotiation. This month, the focus is on what happens between those conversations: following up. A short, thoughtful message can reaffirm your interest and give an employer one more reason to remember you.

After you apply

If you have a way to contact the hiring team, consider sending a concise follow-up email within a few days of submitting your application. Mention the position, express your interest and briefly connect one or two of your strongest qualifications to the role. Thank the recipient for considering your application.

Erin Wolfram, GCSAA’s director of First Green and workforce development, emphasizes making post-interview messages brief and personal. That same approach can help guide an application follow-up: write something specific to the opportunity instead of sending a generic message or repeating your résumé. If the posting gives applicants instructions about communication, follow those instructions.

After you interview

Wolfram recommends sending a thank-you after every interview, whether it takes place by phone, video or in person. That includes an initial screening interview as well as a final interview.

Aim to send it within 24 hours. An email is often the most practical choice, especially if the employer plans to make a decision soon. A handwritten card or typed letter can also be appropriate if it will arrive in time, but don’t let the delivery method delay your thanks.

What you say matters more than the format. Thank the interviewer for their time, identify the position and, if you remain interested, say so. Then mention one or two specific things you appreciated or learned. Perhaps you discussed an upcoming course renovation, heard how the maintenance team approaches a challenge or learned more about the facility’s goals. A detail from the conversation makes your message more meaningful and helps the interviewer recall your discussion.

Keep it brief. A thank-you message should sound like a continuation of the interview, not a second cover letter.

If the position isn’t right for you

An interview may also help you realize that a role isn’t the right fit. Wolfram advises letting the employer know promptly. You can still thank the interviewers for their time and the information they shared while politely withdrawing your application. That allows them to focus on candidates who remain interested.

Following up takes only a few minutes, but it’s another opportunity to show professionalism and genuine interest. Make the message timely, specific and sincere, and let the conversation you had guide what you write.

Find additional guidance on GCSAA’s "Career" page, and contact Career Advantage Golf for one-on-one assistance. GCSAA members receive a 20% discount on all services.

Catch up on career tips with "Ace your next interview" and "How to negotiate salary with confidence."