The interview's done. Now what?

Interviews can be one of the most nerve-wracking steps of the job search process. Instead of kicking back and waiting for a response, you can take this opportunity to reflect and follow up with employers. Here are some post-interview steps you should consider to make sure you’re a standout candidate.

Evaluate your interview performance

After the interview, take some time to think about the questions that were asked and how you answered them. It can help to write down the questions and responses to see if you said everything you needed to say, and more importantly, things you shouldn't have said.

Remember to reflect with a positive attitude; don't be overly critical of yourself. The goal here is to recognize your strengths and weaknesses in answering questions. This activity will help you in future interviews as you'll be better prepared to answer tough questions.

Write a thank-you email

It’s recommended that you write a thank you email to the recruiter within 24 hours of the interview. The aim is to help your interview stick in the minds of the interviewer. This can be done by recalling a specific question or notable moment. You should also thank the interviewer for taking the time to chat with you and reiterate your interest in joining their organization.

To avoid being generic, refer to one of the questions asked in the interview. For example, if a question about teamwork was asked, you could write something along the lines of:

“I enjoyed answering the question about teamwork. It shows how much value you put on your team. I stand by my answer regarding having a growth mindset is what I practice in and hope my future team practices in as well.”

Send over any requested documents

If an employer asks for your references, make sure to send them right after the interview. Many jobs may require forms or documents to be submitted, such as a letter of recommendation, a portfolio, transcript, writing samples, etc. Make sure to get those completed/submitted promptly, giving the employer ample time to review those documents.

Contact your references

The best time to contact your references is just after an interview. Don't delay; even if your references know they’re on the list, it's important to give them a heads up. You should also mention the specific role you've interviewed for so they can cater their recommendation around the role. Give ample time for your references to be prepared to answer any employer questions. Likewise, you want to give the employer time to make calls and collect information.

Make sure to keep your references in the loop. If you land the job, then congratulations to those individuals are in order. A good reference can go a long way in helping you secure the job!

Waiting to hear back from an employer can be stressful, especially for a job you want. The hiring process can take between 10 to 60 days depending on the industry. After completing some of the activities above, you can now relax knowing you've gone above and beyond in the interview process. Good luck!