Job interviews are huge. Seeing as how it’s becoming more and more difficult to get people to even look at your resume these days, having the opportunity to get your foot in the door and get to plead your case and qualifications in person is major. Once it’s over, a huge weight is lifted off your back, even if you did poorly. Now it’s time to wait. How agonizing is that? Spending too much time mourning a bad interview with your shoulda, couldas and wouldas or being too cocky about a good one is a waste of time that will leave you crazy if things don’t go your way quickly. So here are a few things you need to do to fill in that time, and to help you keep your dignity intact and your options open.
Keep Filling Out Job Applications
It’s okay to be excited when a job interview goes well, but don’t play yourself–a good, or “nailed” interview in your book doesn’t guarantee that you got the job you want, my dear. Until that employer makes a grab at you, keep filling out job applications like clockwork, re-working your cover letter for different opportunities, and staying optimistic. While you may be the perfect person for a job, know that you are probably not the only individual being brought in for an interview for THAT job, so keep your fingers crossed, but keep an eye out for other job opportunities and get to applying.
Send a Thank You Note or E-Mail
Unless you have some massive connections with the company you just interviewed with, you need to send a follow up thank you note. Even if you have connects, I’d still recommend doing it. You don’t want to look ungrateful or too sure of yourself. A quick thank you note that doesn’t seem desperate, rather grateful for the opportunity while reiterating your interest in the position goes a long way. But don’t wait too long to send that note. Don’t run straight to your computer after the interview like a hype, but drafting and sending it 24 hours afterwards is a good look. And even if you don’t get the job, sending a quick note to keep you on that employer’s mind for the future works too.
Check In, But Don’t Be Thirsty
In this economy, anybody that gets pissed about you calling and checking in on your status after an interview is a jerk. You don’t want to work for people like who trip about stuff like that anyway. But know that there’s a difference between being interested and being over-the-top thirsty. You want to stay on people’s minds but you don’t want to be there for becoming a stalker. Many encourage giving it a week before you check in. My pops used to say that it’s normal for employers not to hit you up within five to seven days of seeing you face to face. If you can hold out long enough without making a mess in your pants, call after that allotted time has passed. And if you get through, don’t be pushy, just inquire and remind the employer of your immense interest in the position.
Keep it on the Hush
Don’t be one of those people that is all talk but no action. As was previously stated, you may have interviewed for a job, but that doesn’t mean it’s yours. Therefore, I’d recommend NOT telling anyone (other than your parents and possibly your partner) about a job you’re interested in or the position unless you actually get hired. If that happens, then you can lose your mind and tell everybody and their mamas. It’s not about jinxing yourself necessarily, but saving face. So…don’t talk until it happens.
Do What They Ask You to With the Quickness
They want references? Send references. They want them by a certain time the next day? Send those bad boys early. It’s all about looking like you can be counted on to do what’s being asked of you, and be able to do so in a punctual manner. Make it a top priority of things to do when you get home, because how crappy of a candidate would you look if you sent your references or samples and clips in late? Get it out the way fast. And feel free to send another thank you out with whatever needs to be sent, as always, reiterating your interest.
Know Where You Stumbled & Do Better Next Time
Some people have gone through so many interviews, spewing out their qualifications, why they should get to work for the company, and whatever outstanding ideas they have to contribute is as easy to do as breathing. But when you’re straight out of school or have been out of a job for a while, interviews can be extremely nerve-wracking. If you know you didn’t say all of the “right” things, stuttered a few times and lost your train of thought when an unexpected question came up, take note of these slip ups. By recognizing where you could be better prepared in the future, you can save yourself a lot of embarrassment and perspiration.
Be Cool!
I’ve been there. Nearly lost my mind and nearly made my family and friends lose theirs too with my constant questions about what I possibly did wrong and what I should do next. But you can literally make yourself sick waiting for that e-mail or phone call, so get back to your routine. I recommend blowing off stress and steam at the gym, taking a bike ride in an area with calming scenery, cook, shop (or window shop when you know you don’t have it) and do the things you enjoy. If you just can’t get your interview out of your head, and the reservations you have about it, type or write down your thoughts on a blog or in a journal. But don’t fret to the nines, because bet, that employer isn’t fretting over you.
