Post-interview etiquette
You're free, your nerves have calmed for the first times in days and you can finally stop rehearsing your answers. The interview is over- now what? It can be tempting to just sit back and wait but there are still a few steps left to take to maximise your chances of landing your dream job.
• Follow up
You should always send a short thank you note after an interview; it is polite and shows enthusiasm. My preferred method is email as it allows the hiring manager to read it in their own time. Keep it simple- there is a fine line between showing interest and looking desperate! If the recruiter doesn't reply- take this as a hint, don't panic and be patient.
• Analyse your performance
Interviews are never a waste of time- even those that you feel were a disaster. Each experience is unique and there is so much that can be learnt from an interviewer's style and the types of questions they ask. Like anything, the more practice you have the better you will get. Write down all of the questions you were asked and think about how you could improve your answers if you were to be asked them again.
• Keep applying
After a great interview it can be really hard to carry on the search if you have already mentally moved into the position but it is essential that you keep applying for other jobs. Keeping your options open also helps to keep you busy as waiting for a response after an interview can be agonising.
• Accept the decision in a professional manner
It can be incredibly tough to be turned down from a role but it is essential that you remain professional in order to keep your options open. When you've been rejected you may be tempted to ignore the email and move on but by responding in a professional manner and thanking the hiring manager for the opportunity you leave a positive impression.
• Keep in touch
You should never add the hiring manager on networks such as LinkedIn before they have made a decision as this can appear pushy and overly confident. However, after a decision has been made this can be a really useful way of keeping in touch with the company whether they have decided to hire you or not. Should any other opportunities arise in the future you will be the first to hear and if you are set to be a new starter this can be a great first step to getting to know your new employer.
• Follow up
You should always send a short thank you note after an interview; it is polite and shows enthusiasm. My preferred method is email as it allows the hiring manager to read it in their own time. Keep it simple- there is a fine line between showing interest and looking desperate! If the recruiter doesn't reply- take this as a hint, don't panic and be patient.
• Analyse your performance
Interviews are never a waste of time- even those that you feel were a disaster. Each experience is unique and there is so much that can be learnt from an interviewer's style and the types of questions they ask. Like anything, the more practice you have the better you will get. Write down all of the questions you were asked and think about how you could improve your answers if you were to be asked them again.
• Keep applying
After a great interview it can be really hard to carry on the search if you have already mentally moved into the position but it is essential that you keep applying for other jobs. Keeping your options open also helps to keep you busy as waiting for a response after an interview can be agonising.
• Accept the decision in a professional manner
It can be incredibly tough to be turned down from a role but it is essential that you remain professional in order to keep your options open. When you've been rejected you may be tempted to ignore the email and move on but by responding in a professional manner and thanking the hiring manager for the opportunity you leave a positive impression.
• Keep in touch
You should never add the hiring manager on networks such as LinkedIn before they have made a decision as this can appear pushy and overly confident. However, after a decision has been made this can be a really useful way of keeping in touch with the company whether they have decided to hire you or not. Should any other opportunities arise in the future you will be the first to hear and if you are set to be a new starter this can be a great first step to getting to know your new employer.