Thursday, July 23, 2015

Post Interview Tips

 

After an interview I know many students can feel lost in regards to what steps they should take next. How long should they expect for a call back? Should they provide a thank you note to the employer? Well here are some tips below to ensure you can improve your skills after an interview.

How Long Should I Wait?
Typically majority of employers may call you back within 1-2 weeks of the interview date. However, time periods can vary, for example some government employers may take months to get back to individuals. However, you shouldn’t just sit around waiting for their call; be proactive in your job search. Keep on searching for jobs even though you may be 99% sure you’ll get hired it’s always smart to have a backup plan. Also right after the interview consider reviewing what you felt you did good on and what you can improve on for next time. If the job may not pan out then you can at least be well prepared for your next interview.

Say Thanks:
A simple thank you can go a long way, especially with an employer. By writing a thank you letter you are not only being courteous but also showing initiative and motivation for wanting the job. You may also want to include a few points of information about the interview that you found interesting. For example, if it was for a research position and explain why you are interested in working there in relation to the job position you applied for. By reinstating this point in your thank you note the interviewer will then be able to be remember you more easily when they consider potential candidates for the job

Accept Rejection and Stay Positive:
In the end you may not get the job, and that is okay if you don’t. Look back and review your skills and qualifications and see if you need to build upon them. Try and seek out more relevant work or volunteer experience so you would be better suited for the position. Think about the interview as a whole and critically analyze what you excelled in or improved on as stated above. If you are finding that you need a mock interview to help prepare you can book an hour long appointment with a Career Counselor at the AA&CC. By being more prepped you’ll find you not only feel more confident but are able to anticipate and properly answer any questions an employer might have. Finally stay motivated on your job search, don’t give up because you will eventually land the job that you want.


I hope these tips can help you in your future job search. Here’s a tip sheet from our website you may find helpful
         -          How to prepare for the interview 

Good luck on the Job Hunt!
          -          James Rebello