Before you leave your interview, ensure that you get contact details such as a business card from the recruiter and/or hiring manager. Follow up! By phone if possible; if not, via email. Reiterate your interest in the position and ask when you can come in for a 2nd interview.
A candidate should always send a thank you for the interview note within 24 hours after any type of interview.
If a candidate
doesn't hear back from the employer after being interviewed, it is okay
to follow-up one time, 1-2 weeks after the initial interview with a call
or email. You might even toss a few quick points into the conversation about why you're an ideal candidate. For example, "Nico, is it possible that we could schedule our 2nd interview? I'm quite interested in the position because of my wealth of experience in ____, _____, and ____." Keep it short and simple!
If they were to actually tell you that you're not a candidate they're interested in, ask why. This feedback can be invaluable in (1) explaining to them that you really do have that experience yet, somehow, it wasn't discussed during the interview, or (2) using that feedback to better position yourself for future interviews.
Call them and say something like, "I've given more thought to this position and have a few more questions for you".
Do not ask about the hiring process, but take the time to show that you
have insights, have done your homework and are enthusiastic about the
position.
Remember that people hire people they like so build rapport with the decision maker and influencers.
Ask them what the biggest challenge someone would face in this position
in the first 6 months and detail how you have successfully faced those
challenges before.
Finally, before getting off the phone, just ask, "Based on my
credentials, am I considered a candidate for this position?" Better to
know than wonder.
Entry level experience can be obtained via unpaid/paid internships or
even volunteer work at a non-profit organization (even if it's for only
2-3 hrs a day/week).