What to Do After the Interview

Imagine walking out of an interview for a great job where you spent hours tailoring your resume and cover letter to perfectly match the job description.  You think the interview went well and you really want the job. You finally get to sit back, relax, and wait for the employer to make their decision… right?

If this sounds like an approach you have taken with your job search, you may have missed out on that great job opportunity that you interviewed for.  The goal of so many job seekers is to procure an interview that many people fail to follow the appropriate steps once the interview is over.  Here are some winning tips to follow after the interview:

1. Write a Thank You Note – Be sure to write a thank you note within 24 hours of your interview and address the notes to anyone you may have met or interviewed with.  Try to reference a major topic discussed in the interview or include a link to an article that may support what you discussed.  Your thank you letter should be brief, but specifically tailored to each individual.
2. Follow Directions – This may seem obvious, but following the instructions of the HR representative or hiring manager is very important.  If they tell you to email them in two days with a follow up, be sure to do just that.  If they ask you to send supplemental information about your previous employment, do that promptly.  Finally, if they ask not to be contacted unless you haven’t heard anything in one week, hold off on emails or phone calls until the one week is up.
3. Stay Persistent – If you have followed steps one and two and still haven’t heard anything back, make sure to send a follow up letter.  At this stage you have nothing to lose so craft another brief letter to your interviewer that reiterates your interest in the position and reminds them of who you are and what you bring to the table.
4. React Professionally – Sure you wanted to hear good news confirming your employment, but how you react to rejection is very important.  It’s possible that you’ll be considered for a future position or be recommended for another role if you’re able to graciously react to the bearer of bad news.  Be sure to express gratitude for the opportunity and ask for any feedback that may explain the decision or help you in future interviews.

So after your next interview, don’t underestimate the importance of what you do next.  Consider that every open position has multiple candidates interviewing and that sometimes how you follow up will be the difference maker.  For more tips and suggestions, be sure to ask a question in the comments below.