Most people understand the importance of making a great first impression at a job interview. You dress smartly, act professionally, and try to be the best version of yourself. Then, you get back to your car after the interview ends, and you think it’s time to relax.
One of the most critical mistakes a job seeker can make is believing that the end of the in-person meeting is the end of an interview. It’s not. You still have a chance to impress them, even from a distance.
Are you struggling to make it past the interview phase? Here are a few things that can help you stand out from the crowd.
Ask This Question When the Interview Ends
“Do you have any questions for us?”
Even if your understanding is crystal clear, it’s helpful to ask at least one question about following up. Ask your interviewer what the next steps are, who you should check in with, and when you can expect an answer.
If you’re working with a recruiter, further feedback will come from your agency.
Use this as an opportunity to get contact details for a thank you note. If the process is moving quickly, send a quick thank you email, but if the hiring decision is drawn out, don’t be afraid to send it by snail mail. Something tangible will leave a more lasting impression.
Take Time to Relax and Process
Interviews are stressful, even when they’re easy. It’s important not to over-analyze the interaction, but you also want to learn from it.
After the interview, go somewhere else and think about what was said and how you felt about it. If you’re deciding between two jobs, write down your thoughts while they’re still fresh so you can compare experiences later. Make sure you also note how you felt about both the company and the hiring manager (if you met them).
Get in Touch with Your Recruiter
Are you working with a staffing agency, call or email your recruiter and let them know how you think it went. Share your notes with them and ask them for feedback. They will probably also have feedback for you from the client.
If you sent a thank you note to your interviewer, let your recruiter know so that you’re both on the same page.
From here on out, let your recruiter take the lead. They know their client well and will have a better idea of the next steps for you, whatever way it goes!
Take the Next Steps
While your performance in the interview is the crucial step in determining whether you’ll get the job, what happens next is also important. The time you spend reflecting, following up, and improving will not only improve your chance of making it through the second interview but wowing your future employer.
Are you ready for your next role?
At Energi Personnel, we help place job seekers like you into professional placements, including temporary staffing, temp to hire, and direct placement. Get in touch for our complete list of available jobs.
