What to do After the Interview

Feb. 2022
By NTI

You are done with the job interview. Now you can take a breath and wait for a phone call about whether you got the job or not. 

“Not really,” said Alan Hubbard, NTI’s Chief Operating Officer. “The time after the job interview can really play an important role in whether you get the job or not. How you follow up after the interview will make an impression with the hiring manager.” 

After you are done asking and answering questions, make sure have to the hiring manager’s contact information, and have an idea about the timeline for the hiring and how and when should you follow up. 

"How you handle the post-interview process is just as important as how you performed during the actual interview," said Amanda Augustine, a career-advice expert for TopResume, in a Business Insider story. "I know clients who point-blank were told they didn't get the job because they didn't follow up after the interview. Don't be that person." 

While the interview is fresh in your mind, this is a good opportunity to review it and decide whether you want to work at the company, or should you pass on and take another opportunity. 

“Don’t waste the hiring manager’s time if you aren’t interested in it,” said Hubbard. “It might not be the right fit for you and there’s nothing wrong with that. You can drop them a note to tell them your decision and they will appreciate that.” 

Speaking of notes: When you are done with the interview, it is a good practice to send a note thanking the interviewer for his or her time and briefly express your continued interest in the position.  

"A quick thank you is expected by most hiring managers," said Rosemary Haefner, Chief Human Resources Officer for Career Builder in a Business Insider article.  "Chances are you won't win the job based solely on sending a thank you note, but you will stick out like a sore thumb for not sending one. Don't be that person." 

If you were interviewed by multiple people, make sure you are sending different emails to all of them. Another suggestion would be to send a thank you letter to the headhunter or recruiter you worked with and let them know how it went and thank them. Often the recruiter will hear feedback from the hiring manager or be in contact with them. 

“There is naturally a lot of focus on the job search and getting ready for the interview, but after the interview is just as important,” said Hubbard. “By sending the thank you note, you are keeping your name in their minds. This is also a good opportunity for you to mention why you think the company will be a good fit.” 

NTI helps Americans with disabilities and their caregivers find at-home employment with free training and job placement services. You can register at www.nticentral.org.