After an interview, I try to determine what I did right and wrong and how I will do better on the next interview.
I also continue to look for other jobs and not put all my eggs in one basket. Until you actually start working at the new job, you don’t have a job yet. So it is important to keep looking and do not let up. Even a sure thing can turn out to be a red herring. Hoping that the hiring manager will select you is not a good job search strategy. Replace hope with action and determination. And never give up.
Interview Assessment
As soon as possible after completing an interview, write up a summary of the questions you were asked and your answers. This way you will have a record of your responses for future reference should you have any follow-up interviews with that employer.
It's much easier to remember what you said immediately after an interview than it is later on. Also note what you wish you had said, but didn't get the opportunity to mention.
In addition, this assessment of your interview will also help you to identify any problem areas in your presentation for improvement in future interviews or to address in your follow-up communications.
Get Names and Contact Information
If you have been interviewed by multiple people, record any useful information or particular concerns raised by each person. Make note of the names and contact information (email address and phone number) of your interviewers or ask the person who coordinated the interview for that information before leaving if you don't already have it.
When you didn't get contact information while you were there, it's acceptable to email or call to get the information. Email works best, if you have an email address for your primary contact, because the person providing the details won't have to spell out names over the phone.
Follow Up With Your Interviewer(s)
Decisions about candidates are often made quite quickly so it is important to forward your follow up email and/or letter immediately.
Your communication should contain these elements as relevant:
1. An assertion that you believe the position is an excellent fit and that you would welcome the opportunity to join their organization. Include a brief summary of one or two sentences regarding why the position is an excellent match given your assets and interests.
2. Supply any additional information to address any areas of concern which you were unable to fully address in the interview. This might even include a work sample demonstrating your competence in a key area of employer concern.
3. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to meet with them and if possible compose slightly different emails noting some helpful information which each individual shared.
In addition, you may want to forward a separate communication expressing your gratitude to any helpful support staff person. Those staff people have more influence than you might imagine when it comes to hiring decisions.
Notify Your References
If you haven't already done so, alert your references that they might receive a call and summarize your case for the job and any angles you see for their recommendation. If any of your strong supporters has a contact within your prospective employer, you might explore their willingness to make an unsolicited endorsement of your candidacy.