The Essential Guide to How to Act After an Interview: If waiting for a post-interview response was a sport, many of us would be Olympic athletes by now.
The game, however, isn’t about merely waiting; it’s about knowing when to act and how.
The period after a job interview is important for a few reasons.
First, it provides you the opportunity to, again, present yourself as a professional. You have the chance to do this during your interview, but you can reinforce it in the post-interview follow-up by following the practices outlined in this article.
Second, it is a chance to elevate yourself as a candidate by keeping your name fresh in the interviewer’s mind.
Third, taking the right steps after an interview shows eagerness for the job which can be a deciding factor if you’re being closely considered against other candidates.
Ask for the next steps and contact information
When finishing an interview, it’s critical to get the contact information of the hiring manager and ask for the next steps.
This may result in learning the window of time for decision-making.
Rather than waving a vague, “So, what happens now?” think of it as ordering at a fancy restaurant.
Be specific!
Instead of asking for “something tasty,” try, “How long do you age this steak?”
Similarly, trade the “What are the next steps?” for a more detailed, “How many sleeps until you decide on the perfect candidate?”
or
“Is there a sequel to this interview? And when will the invites for the grand premiere be sent out?”
Be punctual
If you tell the interviewer you’ll send a list of references tomorrow morning or the answers to some questions you didn’t know how to answer during the interview., make sure you do it.
Keeping your word and answering requests in a timely manner speaks volumes about the type of employee you might be.
Think About How Your Interview Went
After an interview, it’s normal to have lots of thoughts.
Did I say the right thing?
Did I explain that well enough?
A good way to think about all of this is to take a cozy moment with a cup of tea (or coffee, if that’s your jam), and write everything down.
Think of it as going over the main parts of your interview. Write what questions you remember and what you said.
Did you nail it, or did you mess up a bit?
It’s also good to think about things you didn’t say but wish you did. Maybe you forgot to mention something cool you did or a skill you have.
You can bring these things up into your follow-up communications or even serve as icebreakers for future discussions.
Why do all this?
It’s not to be hard on yourself. It’s to learn and understand better. Knowing why you missed something or messed up helps you do better next time. Keep aiming to improve and learn from each interview.
After all, you’re your best teacher!
Write down anything you want to remember
If there is anything you want to remember, outside of how you answered the questions and what you did and didn’t say, record that too.
Perhaps you met with more than one person; jot down their names.
Write down insights you gleaned about the office environment that you have further questions about, should you get a second interview, or things you want to remember about the interviewers.
The Importance of a Follow-up Email
Every job aspirant knows the agonizing wait after an interview. Think of your follow-up email as a gentle nudge, a subtle reminder.
Not too hard (you don’t want to come off as desperate or annoying) but just enough to say: “Hey, I’m still interested!”
According to research on the power of thank-you emails after a job interview, 1 in 5 recruiters dismiss candidates who haven’t sent one.
Shocking, right?
Benefits:
Reminder: Amidst a sea of applicants, be the lifeboat of memory for your recruiter.
Second First Impression: Ever wished for a do-over? Here’s your shot.
Momentum: Sometimes conversations stall; give it a slight push.
Signaling Interest: You’re not just keen, you’re eager.
Decoding The Timing
The Timing Game: Sending a follow-up is like planning the steps in a dance.
Post-Application: After you’ve tossed your hat (or CV) into the ring, give them a week.
This period allows them to sort through applications and maybe even conduct a few initial interviews.
Post-Interview: This is your quick thank-you message.
It’s best to send it within 1 to 2 days. You want to be fast, but not look too impatient.
Extended Silence: Sometimes, even after your initial thank you, you’re met with silence.
After a week, it’s perfectly acceptable to check in again.
Remember, patience is a virtue, but initiative is valued.
If they’ve given you a timeframe in which they’ll be making their decision, be sure to follow up if that time has passed.
The intention of this follow-up is to check in with the interviewer and to put your name at the top of their inbox.
Include the fact that you’re still interested in the position and offer to provide them with any more information they might need, such as a sample of your work or answer further questions.
Constructing Your Follow-Up
Crafting a follow-up email is like building a house. Each component has its place and function.
Subject Line: Your doorway.
It should be inviting and clear. Examples: “Following up on [Your Name]’s interview” or “Post-Interview Thoughts from [Your Name]”.
Brief Reminder: The living room where initial pleasantries are exchanged.
Recap your previous interaction with clarity. Discuss the position, the date of the interview, and maybe even a memorable moment from your chat.
State Your Purpose: This is the heart of your home, the kitchen.
Keep it warm and direct. Whether you’re seeking clarity on the next steps or simply reiterating your interest, get straight to the point.
Call to Action (CTA): Think of this as the backyard.
A space for future actions and possibilities. Your CTA could be a line expressing your eagerness to continue the conversation, share more about your qualifications, or provide references.
Pro Tip: You could impress by including a link to something current and relevant to your interview and industry. For example, if you discussed management styles, perhaps include a link to a book that talks more about the management approach you take.
Polishing Your Message
Finishing touches can make a world of difference.
Here are some pro tips:
- Personalize: Tailor each message. Never use an impersonal template.
- Length: Keep it short and succinct. Sending an incredibly long and wordy email could come across as if you’re desperate for the job. It’s also far less likely to actually get read by the interviewer. The shorter it is, the less time it takes them to read it. You want them to read every word, so keeping it succinct ensures they’ll read through it rather than just skimming it.
- Contact Information: Even if they already have it, it never hurts to add your phone number and professional social media handles (like LinkedIn).
- Proofreading: Your content can be stellar, but a typo can detract from your professionalism. The secret? Read it backward. This forces your brain to focus on each word.
The follow-up email is more than just a message; it’s a strategic move in the post-interview chess game. It showcases initiative, interest, and your ability to communicate effectively.
Remember, while the job hunt can sometimes feel like shouting into a void, every echo, every response, is a step closer to your dream role.
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Connect on social media business networking sites
If you’re on any business networking social sites, see if you can connect with your interviewer after the interview.
If they accept your request, it could be an indicator they are interested in learning more about you.
This is an essential part of growing your personal network.
Even if you end up in a different position with a different company, growing your network is beneficial and helps you stay poised for future opportunities.
Get comfortable with waiting
Ever felt like time moves as slowly as a turtle after an interview?
Yep, that’s the post-interview wait for you.
While you’re wondering about turtles and their speed, use this time wisely. Look back at your interview. Did you hit all the high notes, or did you miss a beat?
Analyze. Reflect.
Then, put on a sassy hat (real or imaginary) and dive into acquiring a cool new skill. It might just be the edge you need for your next interview or an impressive party trick.
Do you have friends who know people inside the company? This might be a good moment to chat with them. Just be chill about it. Ask if they’ve heard anything or if they can maybe mention you to the right people.
If they can’t help?
No worries.
At least you both can have a laugh about waiting and slow turtles!
When to Move On
Picture this: You’re at a dance, looking fabulous. You’ve given your best moves, flashed your brightest smile, and even threw in a little cha-cha.
But what if the job, your potential dance partner, just isn’t feeling the rhythm with you?
There’s a fine line between being the life of the party and that person who just won’t leave the dance floor, even when the music’s stopped.
Remember, if you’ve followed up a couple of times and the only echo you hear is the sound of your own emails, it might be a sign.
Perhaps this dance wasn’t meant to be.
But chin up!
Take a bow, preferably not on the dance floor, and remember: Every boogie, whether it ends in applause or a polite clap, is a step closer to perfecting your groove.
On to the next jam!
Keep up the search
Even if you “killed it” in the interview, do not quit the job search.
Nothing is guaranteed in an interview unless they make you an offer on the spot.
If that interview went well, and you think you’d fit in well with that particular company, look at their competitors in the area and see if they’re hiring.
Accept rejection with grace
Rejection is never an easy pill to swallow, especially when you’ve poured your heart and energy into a job application.
But, let’s put things into perspective: a ‘no’ today doesn’t define your worth or predict your future opportunities. In the ever-changing world of jobs, today’s rejection could lead to tomorrow’s acceptance.
Maybe the chosen candidate decides the role isn’t the right fit, or perhaps a brand new position pops up that has your name written all over it.
So, how can you handle rejection gracefully and keep the door ajar for future opportunities?
A simple yet impactful step is to send a thank-you note after getting the news. It might sound counterintuitive, but this gesture speaks volumes. It signals your professionalism, resilience, and genuine appreciation for the chance to interview. By doing so, you’re not just showing good manners; you’re planting a seed for potential future interactions.
Keep in mind that the world of work is interconnected and leaving a lasting, positive impression can only serve you well.
Stay optimistic, keep pushing forward, and remember that every ‘no’ brings you one step closer to that ‘yes’ you’re aiming for.
