Congratulations for completing your interview! You’re excited and anxious and you aren’t sure what to do while you wait for their offer.
Your phone could be ringing any moment now. Check your email. Nothing., Check again. Still nothing. Mmm… come to think about it, how long will you have to wait?
What many people don’t know is that you can in fact make contact with your interviewers. Especially if this is the job you really want. On one hand, you want to increase your chances, but on the other you want to avoid sabotaging your chances by coming on too strong. The line between these is starting to look super thin…
Use these guidelines to ensure you get it right:
Please DON’T:
DON’T update your Facebook status. In fact, forget about updating any of your social networks by sharing your opinion about your interview experience. No matter what you share, the company could get nervous about what and how much you share online.
DON’T stop looking for another job. You do not know yet if you’ve landed the job. No “feeling it in the bones” or “6th sense” suffices. Besides, you might find a better fit elsewhere.
DON’T do nothing. You shouldn’t leave your fate in another’s hands. The company may take long on purpose, just to see which candidate will follow-up – to see who is most hungry for the position.
DON’T harass the company. Making contact with the company to ask how far along the process is, is okay. But too many calls and mails will annoy the hiring manager and potentially ruin your chances.
See point 5 here for how NOT to harass a potential employer...
Please DO:
DO ask when they’ll get contact you. . This should be done at the end of your interview. It is important to enquire when the employer expects to make the hiring decision. If you haven’t already done this, be sure to include it in your follow-up mail.
Here are a few more questions you should have asked...
DO make a note of everyone’s correct titles and names of all the people who interviewed you. It might be easier to ask for their business cards. This will give your follow-up mails a personal touch.
DO send a thank you note directly after the interview. This shows that you’re enthusiastic and organized. It will also make you a memorable candidate. Only phone again if they haven’t contacted you after the deadline.
DO take mental notes about what went wrong, what went right, and how you’re going to change for your next interview. If you do get the job, try to remember everything that was said to give you an added advantage from day one.
You are the Captain of your job hunting ship and putting in the effort will set you ahead of your peers. Therefore, arm yourself with our Career Advice tips and steer your ship to the career of your dreams.
