Let’s say you are the first interview for a position with a company. When you arrive, the interviewer is not fully prepared. It is obvious that he doesn’t interview often. These two factors often point to an ill-fated interview experience.

istock_000006916716xsmallDespite the odds being stacked against you, the two of you have instant rapport. The conversation is easy and you can see yourself working there. During the discussion, he says all the right things such as “when you come back for the second interview, you will be talking to some other people” and he proceeds to tell you about them.

At the end of the interview, it’s time to ask about what to expect for next steps. He tells you that he will be interviewing three more people and hopes to invite the second round interview candidates the following week. You leave feeling that you have nailed the first interview, send your thank you note and await a call back.

Here’s the tip I want to share with you. I recommend contacting the interviewer at the beginning of next week before the second interview call back. Here is why.

You were the first interview for the position. Your inexperienced interviewer was getting his feet wet with you. While you had great rapport, he will get better at interviewing and will ask other questions that you may not have the opportunity to answer. Some of those answers may tilt the odds out of your favor.

Send your interviewer a note or call them and leave a message to let them know the following:

You realize that you were the first person to be interviewed by him and there may be some questions that arise with subsequent interviews that are important. You are available for a quick phone call to answer any of those questions so that they have all the information available before your decision on second round interviews.

It is a good practice to close any gaps in information prior to a company or interviewer moving to the next step. If you don’t you may just find you have been edged out.