Finally, you have just walked out of an interview. The challenging part could easily be over, but your quest for getting the job is not over yet. It may come as a surprise as to how much weight is put on the actions the candidates for the position take in the hours and days following the interview. In order not to give you any decision out of sympathy, here are tips on what to do after an interview.
Sending a thank-you note is the most important part of the interview process. You could greatly impact the hiring manager by making this little effort. It is important to send your email within 24 hours from the time of the interview. In your note, thank them for their time, say that you still want the position and give a brief overview of one of the elements of the discussion that you found particularly interesting. It indicates that you are courteous and detail-oriented.
Take some time and think about how the interview went. Did you do or give out your best while responding to the question? Were there instances when you found it difficult? There is no doubt that you can improve your performance in an interview by determining what worked well and what did not during the interview. Write down the questions that you found difficult so that you can practice your answers and become comfortable reacting to them in the future.
While the majority are busy trying to show how the interviewer should be impressed, there is an aspect of one’s self that has to be pondered upon whether the job is really worth accepting. Ask questions such as: Did the company's operations resonate with you? Is the job going to help you achieve your career goals in the future? Some of this self-analysis will then inform you whether you want to proceed with the offer or search for a different position.
If you have not done so yet, you may want to send an invitation to the person who interviewed you on LinkedIn. This is helpful in expanding your professional connections and retaining your name on the list of their minds. However, do not forget to keep the invitation to connect with professionals by stating why you sought to connect and thanking them for the interview.
Waiting after an interview to hear back can be simultaneously strenuous, but it is important to keep cool. If the person who interviewed you stated a deadline within which they will decide, do not rush them. After that identified period, however, sending a nicely worded follow-up email is well within reason. Restate your interest in the position and inquire whether there have been any developments in the recruitment undertaking.
You felt the last interview went very well, so there is no reason to search for a new job. Do not do that. It is always good advice to continue seeking out ‘alternate employment’ and making yourself available for additional interviews. This way, you will always have options and not put all your eggs in one basket if one does not pan out.
It is crucial to understand that every interview is a learning experience. No matter the interview's outcome, let the knowledge acquired be used to sharpen the interview skills. After an interview, reflect on what went well, what you could have done better, and how the same can be done in the next opportunities.
If you stick to all these tips, your post-interview strategy will be improved; you will certainly leave a great impression on employers and elevate your success. Always remember that it is not only a question of the interview that matters for one to get the job; the pre-and-post-interview performance is equally as important.
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