What you do after an interview is just as important as the interview itself. Here are some tips to navigate this phase, starting before you’ve even said goodbye to your interviewer.
1. Thank them
Seems obvious, but some applicants forget this in their haste. Don’t. If you liked what you heard, tell them.
2. Ask about the next steps in the process
Some companies have many rounds of interviews. Some are more deliberative in their decision making. Some companies will ask you to do a coding challenge or complete some kind of form. Most interviewers won’t give you a yes-or-no before you walk out the door, but any information they can give you on what comes next can help. If the next step is a long onsite interview you need to squeeze into your busy schedule, start thinking about how you’ll make that work.
3. Get the names of everyone you met with
These may be your coworkers one day, so it’s good to remember them. This is especially true if the interviewer would be your direct supervisor or peer. Plus, you may come across them at the next networking event (or your recruiter may!).
4. Write down some notes
This follows the previous step, and it’s vital. It helps you gather your thoughts. If you’re interviewing with multiple places, it helps you keep track of everything. It can also help you prepare for your next interview or even your first day on the job. If they mention a tool you’ve never heard of or a product they’re working on that seems interesting, look it up! Walking into your next encounter with them and telling them you’ve done some research shows that you’re an inquisitive employee and reaffirms your interest in them.
5. Call your recruiter
When my candidates interview for a role, I’m almost as anxious and excited as they are. Don’t keep me in suspense! Recap everything in as much detail as you can. It will help me prepare you for the next step in your process, myself for the next conversation with the hiring manager, and future candidates who (if all goes well) want to ace their interview for the next position on the team you’re about to join.
Be honest with me. If you liked what you heard, tell me. If you have questions or concerns, I want to know those too. Some questions I can answer directly, others I may forward on to the hiring manager. Obviously, I want to be the one to get you your next position, but I don’t want unhappy candidates to take jobs they aren’t excited about. Let’s have the conversation sooner as opposed to later.
6. Write a thank-you email
You may forget to write Aunt Sally thanking her for that sweater she got you for Christmas, but don’t forget this thank-you note! For it to be effective, it should be sent within 24 hours of your interview. Get it to your recruiter for them to forward on. Your note should include the following things (each 1-2 sentences):
7. Be patient and responsive
The waiting game is tough and hard to predict. It could be a day or a couple weeks before you hear back, depending on things that are entirely out of your control. As your recruiter, I’m just as eager to get fast, positive feedback as you are! As soon as I hear something, I’ll let you know so you can get a jump on whatever scheduling or paperwork comes next. So, pick up when I call. And, keep me posted on what’s going on with you. If other positions come across your radar or things change at your current job, I want to know about it. Communication is key!
The post-interview phase can be nerve wracking, but there are some things you can do to get through it. Remember, your recruiter is there to help at every step of the way. Good luck!