Recall that the interview is a sales presentation where you are selling a product; that is, your skills, knowledge, experience, and energy. You do not want to expend the effort to present yourself as a viable candidate and then fail to get closure. For a screening interview, you want to get a commitment from the interviewer as to what action will take place next and when. If the interviewer does not provide details as to whom will contact you and when, you should ask before leaving the interview. If you have a strong interest in the employer and the opportunities presented, make this clear in your closing remarks.
You should request a business card and ask if you can call or e-mail the interviewer with any additional questions or follow-up on the status of your application. Then do it, if necessary! Since the business card provides the correct spelling of the interviewer's name and his/her mailing address, send a thank-you card or business letter to the recruiter within two days of the interview. A thank-you via e-mail is now commonly accepted. A short business letter thanking the recruiter and restating your interest for a particular position, however, is still the most effective technique.
