What To Do After an Interview
You can finally breathe; the interview is done! However, what you do after an interview is just as important as preparing!
Debrief
Reflect on how the interview went. Write down some highlights that you can refer to in a thank you letter. Consider what went well or what you might do differently with your next interview. Write down questions that stumped you and revisit before your next interview.
You are interviewing them just as much as they are interviewing you. Write down any key points that were covered and make note of any red flags you might have had. This can also help you as you compare jobs and make a choice easier if you get multiple job offers.
Follow Up
Send a Thank You: Send a thank you email or letter with 24-48 hours after your interview to everyone that participated. If possible, send separate emails to each person. Personalize your letter to show them that you were interested and listened to the conversations that took place. Restate your interest and highlight why you are the best candidate for the job. Thank them for their time and consideration. Check out the Job Search Handbook for a thank you letter template, but don’t forget to personalize it!
After a few weeks: If you were given a timeframe for a decision, be sure to follow up if that time has passed. If you do not have a timeframe but it has been a few weeks (2-3) after your interview, send a follow up message. This restates your interest and keeps you at the top of their mind. Keep the message short and sweet as a long and wordy email could have a negative impact.
It is important to reach out but then be patient! If you email too many times asking for updates or restating your interest, you can give off a bad impression. Honor the timeframes and dates they have given, and then reach out after it is a few days past that date.
What not to do after an interview
- Do not replay the interview over and over in your head- this just adds more stress!
- Do not keep calling and emailing for status updates
- Do not stop your job search or quit your job
- Do not post anything about the interview on social media
- Do not ghost the interviewer if you have decided to accept another job offer
