The business world is becoming more informal in every way. We are living in a "Me Society" and competition for the best jobs continues to be on the upswing, as we each attempt to stake out our territory and get noticed. With so much ambiguity, some of us are just plain confused about current etiquette. My stance is that good manners will never go out of style, and will, in fact, give you a leg up over your competition.

What Do Most People Do?
The fact is that most people look at the job search as a chore and take no steps to stand out or be creative. They focus on getting the interview and then waiting to see if they are selected. In fact, this is what approximately 80% of candidates do after a big interview. The follow-up steps are actually quite important and will set you apart from the crowd. View the time after meeting about a position as time to close your sale of your skills.

Before Leaving the Premises
As you finish your interview, inquire about the next steps from your key contact. By asking, you will know the exact protocol, which will take the guesswork out of the quotient. Ask if there is any reason for you not to be in the final group of candidates. Do you lack particular skills or traits they are seeking?

Next, make absolutely sure that you have the correct spelling of each person's name, as well as their title. You will be following up with each one individually.

Several years ago, I appeared for an interview prepared to meet with two parties. As it turned out, a panel of five conducted the interview. While people introduced themselves at the onset, there wasn't a comfortable means for me to confirm specific contact information during the session. When the host walked me to the lobby to pick up the next candidate, I simply lagged behind at the desk. I enlisted the support of the receptionist, who gave me complete details. In addition, she threw in several helpful comments about the selection process.

Within 24 Hours
Phone? Fax? Email? Letter? What is the best method for keeping in touch with the interviewers? Of course, the answer is all of the above. Remember when you asked your key contact for the next steps? Follow that guidance first and foremost -- and think of your response to the interview as your opportunity to reiterate what went right and recover from anything that may have fallen short of your expectations.

A letter is the most impressive form of follow-up. It takes more effort than the other options but can set you apart from the crowd. My recommendation is to hand write the correspondence if at all possible. If your writing is atrocious, stick to the computer. But it is the one way the reader knows you are writing something unique, just for them, rather than sending the same letter with a different heading to each interviewer. A handwritten letter will catch their attention the minute it hits their desk.

Include your interest in their position and your key strengths. Reinforce your value with any additional thoughts you may have about the topics discussed.

Close with a statement that you are looking forward to the opportunity to partner with them in reaching their critical goals. Do not reinforce how much they will need you. It is all about what you have to offer to them -- not how great you are.

Emails, faxes and phone messages are fine and definitely better than no follow-up at all. They just won't create the same impression. They are generally briefer and don't show the professional image that a letter does. I suggest relying on these forms after your initial, formal follow-up.

"How often can I call?" Many are unsure about the answer to this question. My recommendation is to touch base no more than once a week. A good tactic is to leave a quick message stating that you are calling to check on the status of the position. Don't ask them to call you back; they know you want to hear from them, and pushing the issue can get irritating. There is a very fine line between being a pest and being persistent -- don't cross it!

Recouping from a Rejection
If you get the dreaded rejection letter, be positive about the fact that the connection can still prove to be positive. When you receive a rejection, it is time to get out the stationery and write yet another follow-up. Express your positive impression of the organization and wish them continued success. Ask them to keep you in mind when the next opportunity arises.

Next, keep in touch with your key contact about once a month. If you see an article about the industry or a topic you discussed, forward it to the person with a short, handwritten note attached. Firms often create positions for great candidates - and you want to be in that category. They may even end up recommending you to a hiring manager at another firm.

Remember -- follow-up is your closing opportunity to sell your skills. By creating the impression of attention to detail, professionalism and above all, good manners, you just can't go wrong!