Interviews take so much preparation, they can knock the wind out of you (if you let them). You research the company and its employees, update your resume, dry clean your suit, plan your transportation and compile responses to tough interview questions. You clear your schedule for the entire afternoon in case the meeting runs long.

But what happens when the interview ends? Of course, you head home, peel off your business suit and tuck leftover copies of your resume into a drawer. But then what? Do you call a friend and gush about the salad bar in the employee cafeteria? Daydream about your new, higher salary? Blast the TV and try to force the meeting out of your head?

Here is my suggestion: Sit down for a minute by yourself. Review the interview in your mind from beginning to end. Jot down any questions that caused you to stammer or sweat. Make a note of company programs that impressed or concerned you. Before you forget, write down the names and job titles of everyone you met. If you lost track of someone, or don’t know how to spell a person’s name, call the human resources department and gather this information right away.

Once you brainstorm for a few moments, give yourself a break. Replenish your energy with a brisk walk, friendly phone call or tasty meal. Treat yourself to the night off. Just don’t stray too far away from your job search. If you really want that position, you have one more task to complete. The follow-up letter.

One day after your interview, look over your interview notes and consider the different strategies for your next correspondence. You have a few choices: Write a handwritten thank-you note and send it through the mail. Type a customized letter that addresses key aspects of the interview, and then drop it in the mailbox. Or, submit a brief but professional message via e-mail.

My recommendation? United States mail! These days, postal mail stands out; e-mail doesn’t. Also, when I worked in the recruiting field, I appreciated when job candidates took the time to write personalized letters. Their remarks often prompted me to evaluate their qualifications one more time.

I believe that handwritten correspondence has the greatest impact. A quick, neatly prepared thank-you note can solidify your candidacy for a terrific job. But, before you pull out the ballpoint pen, consider preparing a customized follow-up letter that focuses on certain elements of the interview. Remember when I told you to jot down things that impressed you or made you sweat? Think of your follow-up letter as an opportunity to explain yourself, tout your skills or bridge a gap in your experience.

Here’s a simple example: Let’s say that the interviewer frowned when you mentioned your mediocre skills in Excel. In your letter, you can say, “I understand that Excel proficiency is essential for this role, so I already signed up for an online training program. I am confident my skills will be at the required level within four weeks.”

It’s true that interviews take effort, and many people need a distraction from job hunting to revitalize their strength. Before you lose focus, wait one more day. The interview isn’t over until your letter is on its way.

Send your job-search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.