After the Interview - What to Do to Move to the Next Step

Posted December 15, 2019

It's common knowledge that you need to do a lot of prep work ahead of a job interview. What's less well known is that you ought to be doing some work after the job interview ends, assuming you want to move forward in the process.

The following steps can help you move on to the second interview and get an offer you're willing to accept.

Assess Your Performance

Soon after wrapping up the interview, jot down a summary of what you were asked and your responses. This document of your performance can be a valuable resource if you land a second interview. It can also help you step up your game moving forward, if you don't get the job.

Also, write down anything you didn't get the chance to bring up during the conversation. If you get a second interview or a follow-up email from the hiring manager, you can use that opportunity to mention these overlooked items.

Follow Up With the Hiring Manager

Because decisions about individual candidates can be made quickly in a hiring process, it's important to follow up with a hiring manager within 24 hours.

The best way to follow up is with a quick email. Start out by thanking them for their time and reiterating your interest in the position. Then, explain how the interview made your feel even more confident about your fit for the open position. Try to mention a specific exchange during the interview where you did particularly well. Address any lingering concerns you think the hiring manager may have about your candidacy, and close by expressing your appreciation for their consideration.

Keep Your References in the Loop

If you were asked to submit a list of professional references for the position, you should have contacted your references and confirmed their willingness to vouch for your abilities. You should have also let them know about the type of job you're seeking and what they ought to mention to give you the best chance of getting the job.

After the interview, reach out to your references to let them know they might be getting a call or email in the near future. Also, reiterate your case for getting the job and remind them of any points you would like them to bring up in their conversation with the hiring manager.

Connect With Your Interviewer on LinkedIn

If the interview went well and you connected with your interviewer on a personal level, maybe over a shared interest or experience, go ahead and connect with them over LinkedIn. Be sure to keep your connection request as professional as possible and remind them of the common ground you share.

Even if you don’t end up getting the job, making this connection could lead to good things down the road.

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