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3 Steps to Take After Your Interview

After your nerves have settled and you’ve taken time to celebrate getting to the interview stage, take some time to reflect on the experience and note how you can improve your interview skills in the future.

   1.  Write down your interview questions and responses

Keep a running note or document to write down the questions you were asked and how you responded, especially any that you had a hard time answering.  You’ll likely be asked similar questions if you are applying to similar roles and you can practice your responses for the next time. Also make note of anything you wish you told your interviewer but didn’t – success stories or specific examples to a question.

  2. Send a “Thank You” email within 24 hours of the interview

Sending a “thank you” email is a way to demonstrate your sincere interest in the position, briefly mention any of your key qualifications, and show your attention to detail in recounting what you learned from the interview.

Things to include in your email:

  • Say “thank you” for the opportunity to interview
  • Include the date of when you interviewed and the position title you interviewed for
  • Remind them of your interest and/or qualifications
  • Mention something you learned, appreciated, discussed, or enjoyed about the interview–the more specific, the better!

Here’s an example:

In the subject line of the email, you should list the position title (e.g., Graphic Designer) and the words “Thank You.”

Good Morning Andrea,

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the Graphic Design position at Walters & Associates.

It was a pleasure meeting with you and I enjoyed learning more about the role and the employer. After our conversation, I believe I would be an excellent fit for this position, and I am confident that my skills and experiences are a great match considering the need for creativity and advanced skill in building Excel spreadsheets.

I am excited about the possibility of joining your team and would greatly appreciate a follow-up as you move forward with the hiring process. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
Robert Smith
(520) 621-2588

  3. Reflect on your fit with the employer

While you wait to find out if they think you’re a match for the job and the employer, spend some time considering if the employer’s culture is a good fit for you. Consider: what are the employer’s visions, goals, and behaviors, and how do you fit within them? After all, career is a two-way street!

Reflecting on your Experience

  • What did you notice about the culture and the environment?
  • Did other employees seem satisfied and comfortable?
  • Does that work that you would be doing align with your values and ambitions?

Forecasting for the Future

  • Will you be happy in this environment?
  • Does the employer meet your needs for a work/life balance?
  • Will your salary cover expenses?
  • What types of opportunities are there for advancement in the organization?

You can repeat these steps for each interview you have to prepare yourself for a second interview if you’re offered one or use what you’ve learned to prepare for any future interviews!