Emailing Interview Solutions After the Fact: What to Know

In the fast-paced world of job interviews, it's natural to feel nervous and to occasionally have moments of doubt. If you find yourself unable to answer a question during an interview, you may wonder whether sending the correct solution after the fact could help your case. This article explores the implications and best practices of email follow-up after an interview, focusing on the guidelines and expectations from both candidates and interviewers.

The Pros and Cons of Sending a Solution via Email

One approach is to email your interviewer with the correct solution to a question you struggled with after the interview. While this can be a positive action, showing your commitment and problem-solving skills, doing so does have its drawbacks:

Professional Conduct: Sending a follow-up email demonstrates a strong work ethic and a commitment to the role. It can leave a positive impression on the interviewer. Highlighting Problem-Solving Skills: It provides an opportunity to showcase your ability to think critically and solve problems, which are valuable traits in any candidate. Appreciation for the Opportunity: Expressing gratitude for the interview provides a courteous and professional closing to the interaction. Time Sensitivity: The solution should be correct and well-thought-out. Incorrect solutions can reflect poorly on you and appear as an attempt to deceive. Professional Tone: The email should be concise, polite, and to the point, avoiding any tone that could be perceived as desperate or excuse-seeking.

The Business Perspective: Limited Impact and Interview Regulations

From the perspective of a business or organization, the practice of sending interview solutions after the fact is not encouraged and can be seen as problematic. Here's why:

Controlled Process: Larger companies have strict interview and evaluation guidelines designed to provide all candidates with the same treatment. This includes standardizing the process to avoid any form of favoritism. Feedback Timing: Interviewers are typically directed to provide hiring feedback quickly after the interview. Emails sent afterward could unduly influence their decision, which goes against the impartiality of the hiring process. Replicatability: Solutions given via email may be easily found online or through other sources. This does not reflect the candidate's genuine problem-solving abilities in a real-world scenario. Desperation Signal: Attempting to send a correct solution after the interview may be interpreted as a sign of desperation. Interviewers understand that some questions are difficult and may not reflect the candidate's true abilities.

Company Size and Flexibility

The flexibility of the approach can vary depending on the size of the company:

Small Companies: Smaller companies, with fewer resources for structured interviews, might be more open to follow-up emails, provided they are done thoughtfully and professionally.

Larger Companies: In larger organizations, strict adherence to process and guidelines makes follow-up emails less likely to be well-received or beneficial.

Conclusion: Importing Correct Solutions into Thank You Emails

If you feel that the interview went well despite the missed question, it might be appropriate to include a brief mention in your thank-you email. However, this should be done carefully and tactfully, only if the solution you provide is correct:

Correctness is Key: Ensure that the solution you provide is accurate and well-thought-out before sending it. Context is Important: Use the email as a complement to a thorough thank-you message, rather than as a standalone solution request. Appreciation for the Opportunity: Always express your gratitude for the interview opportunity and for the chance to provide further context.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can maintain a professional demeanor while also demonstrating your problem-solving and communication skills, which are highly valued traits in any candidate.