You've prepared seriously for your job interview but once it's over and the pressure is off make sure not to rest on your laurels. In this article, you'll discover what you need to do after a job interview to make a good impression and stand out from the other candidates.

   
Before the interview is over, find out what happens next in the recruitment process. When will you be called again for a second interview? Is it best to recontact the recruiter by e-mail or by phone? You can also ask for their business card. These questions will demonstrate your interest in the job and help you with the next steps in the process.

After the interview remember to make a quick note of what you remember from your discussion. Don't wait too long. Do it the same day or the day after to avoid forgetting important details. This exercise will help you to take a step back, to think about your performance, your motivation, your strengths and weaknesses for this job. Evaluate yourself and also write down all the information you gleaned about the job and its tasks, as well as what you learned about the company. This will also help you to write your follow-up e-mail and/or cover letter, if you are asked to do so.

One or two days after the interview (or even the same day if it took place in the morning) we recommend that you send a thank-you email. Concise, clear and short, this message is primarily aimed at thanking the recruiter for his welcome. Start by providing the context of your message, then continue by reminding them of your motivation for the job. Next make sure to highlight your application by emphasising your key skills and your significant experience. You may add additional information, for example, your availability or a new telephone number. You may also attach a letter of recommendation, etc.

The answer is yes! You can refresh the recruiter's memory and confirm your interest in the position, whether by e-mail or by telephone. But when should you follow up with a recruiter? The answer to this question, which many candidates ask themselves, depends on the information you obtained during the interview. Recontact your recruiter 7 to 10 days after the interview if you were not given any information concerning the follow-up of your application. If, on the other hand, your potential employer told you that they would contact you on a specific date but you still have not heard from them 2-3 days after that date, be sure to check in with them by e-mail or telephone.

In any case, as mentioned above, it is important at the end of the interview to ask about the next steps in the recruitment process and whether the recruiter prefers to be contacted by email or by phone.

Usually recruiters who are expecting a cover letter will ask for it directly. However, if they don't mention it you can always bring up the topic at the end of your interview. Writing this post-interview cover letter is a difficult exercise, as it must be in the company's style, demonstrate what you understand about the job and, at the same time, enhance your application. It is also obviously an opportunity to reassure the recruiters of your motivation and to distinguish yourself from your competitors.

You should also think of this letter as a meeting report and not as an inventory of your skills. This document is an opportunity to position yourself already in a work relationship and no longer in the position of a job seeker.

In this letter, first of all remind yourself of the context and then your motivation. Then go over the points discussed during your meeting and show that you have understood the challenges of the job (hence the importance of taking notes after the interview). Talk about the tasks that are important to you and highlight your assets. Finally, you can talk about the company culture and explain how it suits you.

The letter should be kept short and should not exceed one page. Moreover, this letter is an opportunity to make a good impression, so pay attention to the spelling. It is best to have one or more proofreaders read over your letter.

Even if you are particularly interested in the job and feel optimistic about the final result, it is important to continue your job search. Nothing is set in stone, so anticipate a possible rejection and continue to look for a position that matches your expectations. You do not need to tell the recruiter about your ongoing job search. However, if you do eventually decide to accept another offer then it is best to inform them promptly of your decision.

The first thing to do after a rejection, even if you are disappointed, is to thank the recruiter for their time and consideration. If you wish, you can ask the recruiter the reasons for their rejection, so that you can learn from your mistakes and bounce back better. This information will be precious during your job search and future interviews!

Looking for a new job opportunity? Check out our offers on hays.lu.