Just when you think you can take a sigh of relief after an interview, you begin to worry about how it went, what to do next, and most importantly, if you’ve made enough of an impact to score the job or not. With all the preparation that goes into having a successful interview, it turns out there are things you should be doing afterwards as well. Follow these steps from former Monster.com interview expert Rachael Yates about how to guarantee yourself that job.
1. Write a thank you note
Following up after the interview with a thank you note is probably the most important thing to remember. Whether it’s by email or a written note, thanking the employer for meeting with you shows you’re serious about the job. “It’s crucial to send a note to the person who conducted the interview,” says Yates. “By doing so, it will further prove your commitment and professionalism. Thank them for taking the time to talk with you, but also use this as an opportunity to further build on your strengths and prove that you were paying attention to details.” A thank you note is a great way to express your enthusiasm, so make sure you include follow-up information about topics you discussed during the interview, such as qualifications the job requires and how you possess them. “I always send a handwritten thank you note after any sort of interview,” says Kasia Jaworski, a senior at Villanova University. “I've gotten feedback from employers before complimenting me based on my thoughtfulness. It doesn't have to be too long, just a simple thank you and restating your interest in the company.”
2. Reach out to your references
If the employer asks for references, make sure you pick individuals who can speak about your strengths, but also people you feel comfortable contacting. “It’s a good idea to reach out to anyone you listed as a reference and give them a heads up,” explains Yates. “Let them know about the position you are interviewing for, so they can prepare accordingly if they receive a call.” This way they can highlight specific qualities about you for a particular job or company. Even if you already got permission from someone (such as a former employer) to be used as a reference, it’s a nice gesture to keep him or her in the loop.
3. Find out more about the company or business
Just because the interview is over doesn’t mean you should stop learning about the job you’re in the running for. “Be prepared for additional interviews or surprise follow-up calls from a potential employer,” says Yates. “Come up with potential ideas based on what was talked about, or questions you may have remembered after the interview was over. By doing so it shows you are still fully engaged in the hiring process.” An interview can throw a lot of information at you in a short period of time. It’s a good idea to do more research about the company or job expectations so you’re ready when you get the call. “After an interview, I always make sure I’m prepared in case I get asked back for a second one,” says Lisa Wagner, a junior at Oakland University. “I would look over the company’s website or work they’ve created to get a better feel for what they do and their style. This also can help you come up with questions you didn’t think of the first time around.”
4. Monitor your social media
Imagine a potential employer looking into your social media accounts and seeing a tweet that reads something like “Totally bombed that interview.” You don’t want a tweet or status update to ruin the possibility of getting the job. “Posting anything on social media about the interview, company, or employer could really hurt your chances of being hired,” says Yates. “No matter how you think it went, the interviewer also had an opinion and seeing a post about it can change their perspective.” It’s crucial to monitor all your personal social media sites while going through the interview process. Just take it from Hillary Wheaton, a senior at Vanderbilt University. “I had posted some crazy pictures from my 21st birthday onto Facebook and Instagram while waiting to hear back about a possible job,” she says. “I didn’t end up getting it, and I feel like my social media updates could have been a factor in the decision.” If your social media profiles aren’t private, you can’t control who sees them. It’s best to avoid saying anything that could be considered inappropriate it at all.
5. Be patient
You may have gotten the interview over with, but now comes the hardest part: waiting. No matter how anxious you are to hear an answer, don’t bombard the interviewer with phone calls or emails. “Make sure you wait an appropriate amount of time,” says Yates. “If they say they will let you know within two weeks, wait two weeks. If you’re still waiting after that, contact them with a follow-up email or phone call.” You don’t want to push the interviewer to make a decision. Just be patient and you’ll have your answer soon enough.
Trying to impress an employer doesn’t stop when the interview is over. Keep in contact and follow up to further emphasize your interest in the job (without bombarding the hiring manager!). There is no doubt the interview process is tough, but if you follow these steps you’ll be the perfect candidate!