How to behave after a job interview

Once the curriculum vitae and the cover letter have created an opportunity for an interview and the interview is now over, there is nothing for it but to wait patiently for the result. We can imagine that it’s not easy to do nothing but wait for the outcome of the interview with the adrenaline you had during this period. Here are some tips to help you manage better this situation.

How to understand if an interview went well or not?

There are some signs that can help us understand if the interview went well or not.

Well, it is not 100% like that, but usually, if a recruiter likes a candidate, he will spend much more time with him, discussing and answering his questions, explaining the company, the type of work, the responsibilities...So, if the interview lasted longer than expected, this is probably a good sign because nobody wants to waste so much time if the candidate is not interesting. Of course, the duration is not a sufficient indicator.

Here are other positive signs:

• the recruiter starts discussing with the candidate about the future plans of the company, about the possible improvements to be made, the projects to come and the challenges to be faced.
• the recruiter or the manager takes you on a tour of the company and introduces you to the team members. Obviously, you can't do it with everyone because it would take too long. But if that happens, you can be sure that you have impressed the recruiter.
• when you are asked about your availability and your salary expectations.

Finally, you can also get some useful information by paying attention to the body language of the recruiter. If his non-verbal behavior is positive, such as with many smiles, nods of assent and constant eye contact, it means that the recruiter has appreciated your application. If you feel the recruiter making the interview fast, not asking you many questions and with an uninterested attitude, it is obvious that the interview won’t have a good outcome.

After the interview: do’s and don’t’s

At the end of the interview, you should ask the recruiter about the deadline for the selection process. Consider the follow-up as a necessary strategy of your new job search. An organized and appropriate follow-up can make you outstand among the other candidates.

We suggest you call or send an email to the recruiter to continue showing your enthusiasm and your interest in the position you applied for, without exaggeration.

Do not forget to remind those who provided you with a reference letter, because they may receive a call from the recruiter.

Do not stop the job search, even though you are sure that you are getting a job offer, you must continue to prepare for other interviews and look for other employment opportunities.

If you don't get the job, you don't have to cut off the contact with the company. Instead, try to reverse the situation and turn it into an advantage by generating more contacts and developing your network.

Waiting time after a job interview

First of all, consider that the time to give a feedback is variable depending on the company. The required time to reach a final choice can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of the search and the number of CVs received for the open position. We recommend you to ask about the selection process and the time for a feedback during the interview. This question is absolutely legitimate, and it will allow you to ease the anxiety of waiting and to better manage the contact with the company after the interview.

Does the interview fail? Discover the best ways to react!

The interview went wrong and you are really down now? Big mistake! First of all, you don't have to lose heart. Having done the interview is already a positive sign: in fact, the recruiter has considered your profile interesting for the position. However the choice depends on many factors, some objective but others subjective. They are not necessarily linked to you or the interview.

Furthermore, participating in an interview is always a useful exercise that allows you to improve for the next time: so it is good to keep in mind the moments when you have been in difficulty, the questions that have been asked, the moments when you were convincing and self-confident. Everything will be useful for the next interview.

Besides, not getting the position does not mean not fitting in this company. The recruiter can keep in mind your profile and the interview, and call you back in case of any job opportunities or open positions.

How to respond to a negative outcome of an interview?

A thank you letter is the easiest and smartest way to leave a good impression.

By sending a simple thank you letter with the two, three things that you carry with you about the experience in the company will make you top of mind in case a similar position will open.

But remember: honesty first. So neither copy-paste or a standard message (if everything goes well, the words will be as simple as the impressions you get from this experience), nor a group emailing in the case you met several recruiters during the selection process (in the situation, try to create several personalized emails expressing the same feeling: originality usually pays).

How to refuse the job offer after the interview?

We all know it’s not easy to find a job nowadays, but we do not have to accept every proposal. Refusing a job therefore should not be considered as a reprehensible choice. Here are the main reasons why you tend to refuse a job:

• Distance
• Non qualified position
• Contract with another company
• Company too small or little-known brand

Remember to thank for the courteous and professional opportunity offered, and to thank the recruiter for the time he spent with you. Refuse the job offer politely, it is important to leave a positive impression of you.