After the Interview

Making Notes

As soon as you are home, make notes about the interview. If you have thought of any additional questions, write them down. Then relax, take a moment to gather your thoughts, and reflect on what you learned in the interview. Are you still excited by the prospect of this job? More so or less so than you were before the interview? Remember that you are interviewing the company as well; both you and the employer are looking for a good fit.

Following Up

Within one day, follow-up with a thank-you note. (If you were interviewed by more than one person, see “Group Interviews” below.) Reiterate your interest in the position and mention one or two points or items that particularly impressed or intrigued you. Include how you could make an immediate contribution.

You can send the note either by mail or by email. Use your judgment based on the formality of the company and how your prior correspondence has been. What works best in one company might not work best in another.

If you have not heard back from the company within two weeks, follow up with an email or even a phone call reiterating your interest and the fact that you are looking forward to hearing from them. Realize that there might have been any number of things that slowed their process down; just because you haven’t heard from them doesn’t mean you are out of the running.

Will you be told if you have not gotten the job? Possibly, and possibly not. Some companies will inform all candidates when someone else has been selected; others will not. If, after two follow up contacts at least a week apart, you still do not hear back, assume that the job has been filled.