Now the interview is over … how do you follow up?

Posted on by
Thank you

Image source: Flickr user vistamommy

Having shared some tips and techniques on how to prepare for an interview, and how to keep your cool at an interview – we’re putting the spotlight on what to do next.

This is a challenging time when you feel in limbo waiting to hear if you got the job. You’re probably also feeling relieved that the preparation and the interview itself is over – as well as feeling nervous about the outcome.

But is there anything else that you can do once the interview is over? Surprisingly, the answer is yes.

  • Ask when you will know if you’ve been successful  

The ‘follow up’ process begins before you leave the interview, thanking the interviewers for taking the time to meet you and asking them about the timescale for making the appointment to show you are keen.

  • Send a follow up mail

The same evening of the interview, send a short, polite email thanking them, reinforcing how impressed you are with the company – and saying how much you look forward to hearing from them. Doing this ensures your email is among the first to be opened by the interviewer the next morning.

If the company says they’ll be deciding the following week, and you don’t hear anything, it’s acceptable to send one more polite email to enquire what stage the process is at. In the meantime, keep applying for other suitable roles – it makes it easier to move on if you are unsuccessful.

  • Ask for feedback – whichever way it goes

Rejection is never easy to take, especially if it has happened more than once. Always obtain feedback – whether successful or otherwise. The best time to ask for it is immediately after the interview and, if possible, via a telephone conversation to obtain as much information as possible to find out how you performed at the interview and how you can improve in future interviews.

Not all companies will feedback to unsuccessful candidates – they are not legally obliged to do so, it is of no benefit to them – and can lead to problems if the candidate takes offence to what is said to them. If you don’t get a response, accept it and move on.

As for the companies who don’t bother to let you know that you were unsuccessful – ask yourself if you really want to work for them?

  • Take time to find the right role

Set yourself realistic goals about the time it takes to find the ideal job and avoid rushing to take the first position that comes your way. The waiting will invariably be worth the while – and conversely it may come together quicker than you anticipated. Who knows…maybe the perfect job is just around the corner!

To find out more about our opportunities please get in touch with us by visiting our website on http://www.bayfordfoundation.co.uk, call 0113 202 5129 or fill in our contact form.

Leave a comment