Not so fast.

The employment-search process shouldn’t stop the moment the interview ends. There are still steps you can take to boost your odds of getting the job. Consider these tips:

Quickly offer your gratitude. Manners matter. In a survey by Accountemps, 88 percent of executives said that sending a post-interview thank-you note elevates a candidate’s chances of securing the position. Send your letter within a day or two of your meeting while your conversation is still fresh in the interviewer’s mind. In addition to offering your appreciation for the opportunity, use the thank-you note to re-emphasize the key skills and qualifications that make you the perfect person for the job.

Get personal. Despite the speed of delivering a message via e-mail, it’s best to send an old-fashioned thank-you note through the mail. (In fact, 52 percent of the executives we surveyed said they prefer receiving handwritten notes over e-mail.) And don’t be stingy. If you met with multiple managers or employees, send a short note to each one to thank them for their time. After all, you never know who will have a say in the hiring decision.

Consider initiative. Hiring processes can take a lot of time for any number of reasons. If several weeks have gone by since your interview and you’ve not heard from the company, consider contacting the employer to ask if a decision has been made. You’ll not only find out where the process stands, but you’ll show that you’re A) seriously interested in the position and B) not afraid to take initiative. That said, be brief, tactful and extremely nice when you touch base. Remember: You want to come across as “determined” not “demanding.”

For more advice on management and career issues, listen to The Management Minute, Robert Half’s podcast series at www.rhi.com/podcasts.

Accountemps is the world’s first and largest temporary staffing service specializing in the placement of accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The company has more than 360 offices nationwide and offers online job search services at www.accountemps.com.