After The Job Interview

There are many things in this world that erode our self-esteem. A job interview is one of them. To begin with, there is a lack of trust between the applicant and the potential employer. Applicants lie to get the job and employers lie to be more appealing. Another discomfort is the actual interview process. Whether your interview is one-on-one or with a panel, being judged by a stranger is weird and uncomfortable. Still, it is a requirement for securing employment.

So we dress our best, hand over a resume that took longer to write than a college term paper, and give our most professional interview possible. The interviewer(s) smile and shake our hands before leaving us with a heightened sense of hope. Then the waiting game begins, making us feel smaller and more dejected with each passing day. Sometimes, there is a rejection letter that is vague and impersonal. It sends the message, "you weren't selected and are therefore not worth a phone call to be told directly that you were not selected." In most cases, there is nothing.

What do you do when there is no response? Do you call? How many days do you allow to pass beforehand? Will you look desperate? It's high school all over again, and for many of us high school sucked. Nowadays, many employers require an online application. This places a greater distance between you and them. So make sure you nab a couple of business cards at the interview. It makes this next step easier.

After a job interview, it is important to find out why you were rejected if you can. The information you receive may help you in your next interview or may restore your self-esteem. Using the same format you use when writing a cover letter, be sure to write a post interview inquiry letter. Be polite, and thank the interviewer by name for the opportunity. If you do not have their name or names, address the letter to the Human Resources department. There are six bullet points you want to cover.

1. Thank the interviewer(s) for the opportunity to interview for their company. 
2. Compliment the company. Give one strong sentence that illustrates what attracted you to the company in the first place.
3. Ask three post interview questions: What were the strengths of your interview? What were the weaknesses? Is there any information received from your background check or references of which you should be made aware?
4. Thank the interviewers in advance for their responses. 

What if they still don't respond?

     

If the company still doesn't respond, be glad you don't work there. No human resources department or hiring manager is so busy they don't have time to send you a notification regarding your interview. 

What if they give me a bad review?

This is actually a great thing. If they took the time to tell you what went wrong, then they are more likely to give you a second chance. Do your best make considerable improvements on your weaknesses before applying again. If you lack experience, you know where to volunteer or whether or not you are seeking employment outside of your skill set. 

What if they give me a good review but still don't choose me?

In all probability, someone in house was hired over you. There's no defeating nepotism. You can try to befriend a person that works there to give you a way into the company. But that takes time and can be quite shallow.

If you're uncomfortable with sending a letter and hoping for a response, keep these questions near your phone. Be sure to ask them to the person who calls you regarding your application and interview. Remember, you're offering them a service for a fee not begging for a job. If they don't choose you, someone else will. Don't allow yourself to be defeated. Take on a salesperson attitude. It isn't "no" it's "not yet".