After days, weeks, sometimes months of searching you finally land that interview. Thanks to the millions of tips you scoured over (like ones we previously wrote about), it went well. All that hard work has paid off. Now what?
Now it’s silence. So much emphasis is placed on landing and completing the interview that most aren’t ready to handle what comes next: nothing. Sitting, waiting and watching the time pass can lead to borderline madness, so it’s crucial to remain productive.
If you’ve recently completed a job interview and don’t know where to go next, here are some ideas to get back on track.
Follow-Up
Let’s say you went on a date and, although you were nervous, it went well. Now it’s been three weeks and you haven’t heard a peep. Would that make you rethink things?
After the interview is when decisions are made. Your potential employer is sitting down with colleagues and putting you side by side with the other candidates they’ve spoken with. Could there be a better time to remind them you’re out there? Make them think about what a positive experience it was to have you in the office? No.
The best way is a simple thank you. Somebody took time out of his or her busy day to sit down and talk. No matter how it went or what you’re thinking, that alone is worth thanking them for. But you need to say something. Employers who feel their candidates have ghosted them will move on.
Don’t Become a Stalker
This step is important for making your follow-up a success. Going overboard will make you look insane. Don’t do it! Thank them after the interview, then get in touch about once per week to check for updates. Any more emails and you run the risk of being passed on.
Make Some Calls
Have an insider that has access to the hiring manager’s ear? This is where you make that play. Get in touch with your old friend, former co-worker or family member and have them put in a good word.
Keep Looking
Job-hunting is a professional sport. If you get hit, you have to get back up. A good job interview can still lead to rejection for any number of reasons. There could have been a more qualified candidate or the company could decide it no longer wants to fill that role.
Being able to quickly move on will make the rejection process feel a little smoother. Sure, one company turned you down. But what about that interview next week? Taking a break while waiting to hear back makes the process longer and more difficult. Only hit the brakes when a job offer lands in the road.
The post-interview wait is a nightmare, but using these steps can keep you on track to finding the job of your dreams.
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