Job interviews can be a nerve-wracking experience, but once it’s over, the anxiety doesn’t stop. You may be wondering about what the next steps should be. Here are 5 tips to help you navigate the post-interview process.

 

Send a Thank You Note

After a job interview, sending a thank you note is a professional and courteous gesture that can leave a good impression on the interviewer. You can send a simple email expressing your gratitude for their time and reiterating your interest in the job, but we’ve found that a handwritten ‘thank you’ is a cut above and a lost art. This also gives you another opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm and professionalism. Here are some tips on what to include in your thank you note:

 

1. Express Gratitude: Start by thanking the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you and for considering you for the position. Let them know that you appreciate the opportunity to discuss your qualifications and learn more about the company.
2. Highlight Key Points: In your thank you note, mention specific topics or points that were discussed during the interview. For example, if the interviewer asked you about your experience with a particular software program, you could mention how you enjoy working with it and have had success using it in your previous job.
3. Reiterate Your Interest: Use the thank you note as an opportunity to express your continued interest in the job. Let the interviewer know that you are excited about the opportunity to work for the company and that you believe you would be a great fit for the position.
4. Personalize Your Message: Try to personalize your thank you note by mentioning something that you learned about the interviewer or the company during the interview. This can help you stand out and show that you were engaged and interested during the conversation.
5. Keep it Concise: Your thank you note should be brief and to the point. Avoid going into too much detail or repeating information that was already discussed during the interview. A few sentences or paragraphs is usually sufficient.

Remember to proofread your thank you note carefully before sending it. Spelling and grammar errors can detract from the professional tone of the message. Sending a thank you note can help you leave a positive impression on the interviewer and increase your chances of getting the job.

 

Follow Up

It’s perfectly fine to follow up with the interviewer after a few days to ask about the status of your application. This shows your interest in the job and also gives you a sense of where you stand. You can send a polite email inquiring about the hiring timeline and when you might expect to hear back from them. Remember, a follow up and a thank you are not the same thing! 

Evaluate the Interview

Take some time to reflect on the interview and evaluate how you think it went. Consider the questions that were asked and how you responded to them. Did you showcase your skills and experience effectively? Did you communicate your interest and enthusiasm for the job? This self-reflection can help you identify areas for improvement and prepare for future interviews.

Continue Your Job Search

While waiting to hear back from the interviewer, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Continue your job search and apply for other opportunities that align with your career goals. This ensures that you have other options in case this particular job opportunity doesn’t work out.

Stay Positive

Job searching can be a frustrating and time-consuming process, but it’s important to stay positive and maintain a healthy mindset. Don’t let a rejection or a lack of response affect your confidence or motivation. Remember that every interview is an opportunity to learn and grow, and you will eventually find the right fit.

 

These steps can help you stand out, stay informed, and maintain a positive outlook while navigating the post-interview process. Good luck with your job search! Reach out to your Employment Coordinator for any questions or help navigating your interview process.