You might think that after a job interview, your work is done. You just need to wait for the hiring decision. But there are several mistakes you could be making during this post-interview period that can cost you the job offer. Here are 5 of them:
1. Not sending a thank you note.
You may think of sending a thank you note as “optional” after a job interview. But employers certainly take notice of who they get thank you notes from – and who they don’t. So immediately after your job interview, be sure to compose a note or email thanking the employer for their time and reminding them why you’d be a great fit for the job opening.
2. Not getting in touch with your references.
Strong references are a critically important factor in an employer’s hiring decision. And if you don’t notify and prepare your references, then you’re shooting yourself in the foot. Not only will your references likely be irritated with you for the surprise phone call from a prospective employer, but they also won’t be prepared to promote your positive attributes.
3. Pestering the employer.
It’s understandable that you want to know right away whether or not you got the job. But from the employer’s perspective, they have a lot of information to evaluate before making a hiring decision – so you could be in for a bit of a wait. If that’s the case, don’t harass the employer with daily emails or phone calls. You’ll likely take yourself out of the running if you do so. What you should do is ask the employer at the job interview approximately when you can expect to be notified.
4. Not providing requested information in a timely manner.
If the employer asks you to submit writing samples or to email references, make sure you do it as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’re sending a signal that you’re a slacker.
5. Talking negatively about the employer.
So you didn’t get the job. It’s ok to take a moment to feel sorry for yourself, but whatever you do, don’t trash talk the employer to anyone. Send the employer a polite email and inquire whether there was a specific reason you weren’t hired. You may have been second in line, but the candidate who got hired had a few more years of experience than you.
If the employer doesn’t get back to you, then simply shake it off and move on. Keep in mind that if you always act with dignity and respect, the employer will look at you in a positive light and be more likely to hire you in the future if a job opens up.
And if you need some helping finding a job, please contact Future Force Personnel. As one of Miami Lakes leading employment firms, we know where the top jobs are and we can help match you with one that’s a great fit for you. We can make your job search easier! Contact us today to learn more.