How to handle the aftermath of a job interview

The job interview is a critical step for a job applicant. But it's not all about meeting the recruiter: knowing how to handle the period that follows the interview increases the chances of winning the job over.

Auto-evaluation as a mean to anticipate the future

When you have just finished with a job interview, the moment is nerve-racking. You think about the critical steps, your weaknesses and strengths... everything is still fresh in your mind, so make the most of it!

Take out your notepad and take notes: info about the job, the hard moments during the interview, the tricky questions, the moments when the person showed interest... Use a recorder and train to perfect your presentation and to handle your weaknesses.

This will allow you to take the necessary steps back: was your presentation clear enough? Did you manage to put forth your experience and your skills? An applicant for a job is a salesman in the labour market: take over the role to look more confident.

Show your interest... appropriately

It's time to go on the offensive: the day after your interview, send an email to the person you've met. Many applicants don't go through this step, but recruitment firms consider it's critical in the selection process. The process is useful both to give a good image and remind yourself to the recruiter.

Be careful to write a spotless email, though! After meeting your contact, you may use "Cher Monsieur/Madame" (Dear Sir/Madam) followed with his/her name. Don't be familiar. Don't forget to specify the object and to put the appropriate ending sentences, but above all, make no spelling mistake. If you respect these codes, you'll show that you understand the rules of the corporate world.

Identify responsibilities and assume your weaknesses

As to the content, start by thanking the person you met for the time he/she gave you, and repeat your interest for the job. You may also give your point of view on the interview: that's why your notes will be very useful.

Don't emphasise too much, but do show that you have understood well enough the responsibilities that come with the job: put forward the qualities you will use for this job. Give clear arguments as to why you are interested in this job, but don't deny your weaknesses: on the contrary, show that you want to overtake them. If you obviously lack one of the skills required for the job, put forward your adaptation capacity by giving clear examples in your career.

Finish your email with an open question, for example by asking how the next step of the recruitment process is done. If the recruiter doesn't reply in a 10-day time lapse, call him/her. Proceed the same way than in your email: sum up by writing what you are going to say, then be short, precise and polite.