With a job interview over, you are wise to start planning for your next job interview. As I mentioned in a previous post in this series, your job right now is to get a job. The interview is one of several steps of connecting you to a prospective employer, and it is arguably the most critical step. But it is not the last step.
You have opportunities to write one or more of five post-interview messages. They are not mandatory, but they keep you focused on the job application process. They can all be emails, so they won't take too much of your time. And they need not exceed three or four sentences, so they require minimal effort.
1. Appreciation – Write this message within 24 hours of the interview as a thank-you note to the interviewers for taking the time they spent with you. Saying you are interested in the position can't hurt, but say it only if you are. Your word means a lot.
2. Inquiry – Write this message if the interviewers have not informed you of their decision within the promised time. While you do not want to sound pushy, you can ask if they have decided on the candidate, tell them you remain interested in the position, and again thank them for their time.
3. Interest – Write this message if you receive the bad news that you did not get the job and wish you had. You can still act gracefully for thanking them for letting you know and letting them know you still would like to be a part of their organization—again, only if you mean it.
4. Acceptance – Write this message in the happy event that you do get the job and want it. Tell them you are grateful and look forward to contributing to the organization. Of course, you do not have to overdo it, but expressing appreciation and anticipation tells the interviewers they made the right choice.
5. Declination – Write this message if you get the job and decide against taking it. You do not need to say specifically why you have turned down their offer, but be gracious. Thank them for the offer, tell them you enjoyed the interview experience as a valuable next step in your career, and wish them well.
