You’ve spent all this time researching, preparing, and practicing for your interview. It was over in a flash, so what happens now? Commence: The waiting game. This time-frame can feel unsettling and unnerving. Even if you felt confident in your interview performance, the final outcome is unknown. Do you have to spend this waiting period passively sitting by your email account or phone? No, in fact you don’t. Have no fear, for there are couple of ways for you to actively wait by following through in your interview process.
- Send a follow-up email: As soon as you get home after your interview, make a point to sit down and write a message to your interviewers. You should have gathered business cards for each person involved in the interview process. This doesn’t have to be a long and drawn out email. If you felt that the company was a strong fit, then express your continued interest in the position. Thank the interviewers for their time and for the opportunity to be considered for the job. This email message only needs to be a few sentences to convey your interest in the role after the in-person meeting, to reiterate your fit for the position, and how they can contact you.
- Call your references: If you haven’t already notified your references of your in-person interview opportunity, now is the time! It’s very important for them to know where you interviewed and a bit about the position. Your references may be asked questions about your expertise in certain areas, and the more they are informed of the position, the better they will convey your fit. You can also ask your references to articulate what they plan to say about you, to ensure they portray your background and capability in the best light.
- Send a hand-written thank you note: You might think that the email you sent already covered your follow-up, but this is an extra gesture that will leave a lasting impression with the employer. The immediate email will keep you fresh in their mind, while a handwritten thank you note that arrives a few days later will remind them of your performance. You can also keep this note on the shorter end, but try to write something different than in your email message.
The waiting process can feel long, but adding these few active steps can help you stay engaged. Stay positive and good luck out there!
Some references drawn from:
Written by: Rachel Kent, Employer Relations Specialist, Baylor University
