Top Five Things to Do After Your Interview

The job application doesn't end after the job interview. Here's a dilemma: Show interest or move forward. If you show your interest, then you have to perform a delicate act. How can you show your interest without sounding desperate (for a job)? On the other hand, moving forward can be interpreted as indifference. You might have been shortlisted for the vacant position, but your silence could change the recruiter's mind.

What happens after the job interview is as important as how you prepare for the (job) interview. You're not looking for another (job) opening, not even thinking that you have blown up your chances (of getting hired). You should ask for the company's contact details. You detach yourself from the interview, and then assess it. You make the most of the waiting game, thinking of your next move. You must get in touch with a reference. You should consider the possibility that another applicant is more qualified for the vacant position.

How to Handle the Post-Interview Process

Ask for the company's contact details. You're not doing it to stalk someone. You'd rather do a follow up, which is the proper way of showing your interest in the position. Ask the name of the contact person if it's not the recruiter. There's nothing wrong about asking the specific date for a follow up. You should do it once unless there will be a second interview. Doing it repeatedly will ruin your chances. (If you're a charismatic person, then you can take the risk. You might get away with it.)

Forget about the job interview. You prepare for it, so you deserve a breather. Take a long walk, as distractions are most welcome at this stage. It's useless to beat yourself (if you didn't handle the interview well). It will be better to be hopeful about the coming days. If you can't stop thinking about it, then you must look at it objectively. Recall your best moments, which could help you on your next job application. If you stumble on one or two instances, then charge it to experience. There will be another chance.

How to play the waiting game? This is not an excuse to indulge in idleness, as you have many things to do during this stage. You can do a further research on the company, even checking the people working for it. One or two might be your connection (in LinkedIn). It might be the right time to do a follow up. Don't forget to thank the person for the opportunity. You must be genuine about it. (A personal touch will be appreciated.) You can also look at other vacancies, as you don't want to hope too much for it. There's a possibility that this will last longer than you plan for. You can take your sweet time, but prepare for a good explanation (during the next job interview). There might be a week-long training course, if not a seminar during the weekend. Does it relate to your field? Don't hesitate, don't even avoid it. Bigger things may await you.

A reference could help you. A smart (job) applicant wouldn't be too confident about the work experience, as a reference or two could lead to hiring. If you happen to know that individual, then you shouldn't be ashamed to ask for a favor. A reference could put a good word for you, even persuade the recruiter that you would be the best applicant. You could go further by proposing something. Think yourself as a consultant, where you have studied the company (during the wait). You should know the strengths and weaknesses, of how it can be done. It's not foolish as you think at first. (It's a competitive world.) This is networking at its best.

Be graceful and professional about the outcome. Nothing will be taken against you if you don't respond to the outcome of your application. It's far from what you want to happen, and it would disappoint you. Ice cream will help you get over it, but there could be a better way to do it. You should thank the contact person, which reflects your professional attitude. It's not about taking the high road, as there's a possibility that you would come across that individual again. And don't discount a collaboration with that person.

How to deal with the rejection

There's no other way but to look for another vacant position. You'll modify your resume (depending on the requirements that the company is expecting from applicants). Pay attention to the small details, which can make a difference.

The post-interview process should have taught you many things, one of which is how you can do better on your next (job) interview. You must have done a thorough research, as you may have ample time to look at your connections (in LinkedIn). One might be a reference.

A better version of yourself should come out of the experience. You have to get over the pre-interview jitters, as you are eager to go through the process again. And you would like your chances this time.