Post-interview question

[shellebelle]

I graduated from school a week ago, and had an interview on Tuesday. I got the interview through my school's portfolio show, and two of my good buddies from school are interviewing there too. One already has a solid offer from another company that he will likely take, and the other has a few more interviews. This job is doing exactly what I want to do, and what they do there will give me tons of experience if I ever work in other markets. Pay is good as well. The only downside is that it's 60 miles each way, but I've been driving that for school and work for the past year with no problems, and I do have the option of taking the train up. Relocating is not something I'm interested in, but that's a completely different thread. I've had absolutely no luck finding a job in my area, and it's fairly common for people in my area to commute to where this company is.

After my interview the company's president did say he was interested, but was concerned about my commute in the long term. That's completely understandable, and I'm ready and willing to take the necessary steps to keep it from being a problem (i.e. leaving earlier to allow for extra traffic, getting my car tuned up, etc.). He said he'd have to think about it. I don't know if there's other people interviewing for the job other than my two friends.

My mom (who helps out with the hiring now and then for her company) suggested I send in a nice, short note tomorrow to just reiterate that I'm very interested in the position and that I'm prepared to take the steps necessary to keep the commute from becoming an issue. I did send in a thank you email after the interview. My question is this, would any of you guys see this as being obnoxious? I'm one of those "blue" personalities; I'm always concerned about what people think and how my actions reflect upon me. I don't want to hurt my chances.

[budafist]

No, a thank you note and reiterating a point that he seemed concerned with is great IMO.

I just can't imagine having to travel that distance every day. I hate wasting time on travel. It takes me precisely 8 minutes to walk from my house to work. I guess I am one of the lucky ones...

[shellebelle]

Yeah, you're very lucky. I used to have a five minute commute and had plenty of time to run home for lunch when I only had 30 minutes. It was great! I would have walked it if I didn't have to be presentable at the other end (it was up a big hill).

[urstwile]

Shelle, I agree with Buda. I'm guessing that there's no mystery that you're a recent grad interviewing for this job, so I don't think you need worry about coming off as overeager or anything like that. I think it would show incentive that you've given it some thought and feel that you can handle the commute. Did you raise the point that you've already been doing a similar commute to and from school?

[Godders]

I think to follow it up would be a good idea. Don't put all your eggs in one basket though. Try for other positions and keep your options open. Good luck and I hope you get it!

[morea]

^ as Godders said, in this situation you can't count on *anything*, so keep sending out resumes like there is no tomorrow.

But in the mean time, a brief, polite note showing the company how interested you are would be a good idea - it shows them that you are serious about working for THEM, not just finding "a job". And that will set you apart from the crowd!

Best wishes, shelle.

[vtwin_gary]

agreed and incorporate this line
working for THEM, not just finding "a job".
i gotta remember that one if i ever have to be on the look again.

[steve-o]

I've been doing 110 miles round trip a day for almost nine years now. I rely on the train for about half the trip.

I know this can be a concern with employers. I think a note reiterating the point that the commute is not an issue would be good to do.

Good luck!