Interviewing for a job can be one of the most daunting parts of the job search. If done properly, hours of research can go into preparing yourself for every conceivable question – only to be hit by a curve ball. Needless to say, no amount of preparation can fully prepare you for on-the-spot answers to difficult (and sometimes bizarre) questions. That said, you can prepare yourself for the post-interview game. To prepare for this, read these three steps and set yourself up for success in the job hunting game.
Send a Thank You Note
This first step is often overlooked even though it is probably the most important way to set yourself up for success in the post-interview game. You can absolutely set yourself apart from the pack by send a quick, but personalized, thank you note to your interviewer(s). This thank you can be done by mail or hand written note, but it is recommended to do so by email for reasons of speed.
Again, this note does not have to be long. After the salutations, a short paragraph or two describing your experience and gratitude is all that is needed. If appropriate, mention some items that came up during the interview. These could include your skillset, a trait of the company you admire, or perhaps a more human element like a personal story that was shared. When you send this note, you should the potential employer you care, and, perhaps more importantly, why they should care about you.
Establish a Connection
Even if you do not get the job, you still interacted with the hiring team in a professional setting. While this might offer you growth opportunities to reassess your game plan, it is also a chance to network. It might seem small, but this a great way to grow your professional network. By doing this, should another opportunity arise (perhaps even the same one) you will be top of mind for the interviewer, not to mention easy to connect with.
A simple single paragraph reiterating your meeting and personalizing the connection is all it takes. Send the message on LinkedIn if you can, but do not be afraid to email, either. You never know what opportunities await you if you don’t put yourself out there.
Manage Your Expectations
The final part of the post-interview game is to establish your expectations and boundaries. Since you have done your research, you should have a good idea what the salary range for this position is. Likewise, it is highly recommended you ask about the range and benefits package during the interview. This is one of the most important aspects of the job – it helps to determine your satisfaction, future, and maybe even performance.
Set your boundaries firmly. For example, if you expect to be paid a certain hourly rate, state that clearly (but always professionally!). But know those expectations may not come to fruition. It is your responsibility to determine if the job is still a good fit.
By completing these steps, you will not only prepare yourself for the post-interview game, but set yourself up for success. By growing your professional network and setting your boundaries clearly, you grow yourself.
