There’s nothing better than finishing an interview and feeling confident that it went well. You love the company and the people you met, the culture seems to be a great fit for you, and the pay is competitive.
You may feel great, but how did the interviewer feel about the experience?
Post-interview excitement often turns to anxiety when the employer takes a while to give you the news — good or bad. You’re left in limbo until the company follows up with you, so what should you do to calm your nerves in the meantime?
Here are some steps for handling that uncomfortable place in the middle, when you've already interviewed but you're waiting to hear back.
Keep your options open.
Don’t stop your job search just because this interview went well. If it’s a job offered by a leading company with good pay, you’re probably facing stiff competition. Dial down the enthusiasm (just a little, for now) so you can continue searching for something just as good, or maybe even better.
Send a follow-up email to your interviewer.
If you haven't heard back in awhile, there's nothing wrong with sending a quick, brief follow-up email. Ask if they need anything else from you to make a decision, or perhaps ask a thoughtful question about the position or company. Showing interest can help you stand out.
Leave it in their hands.
You don’t need to reach out more than once. If you do, you risk coming on too strong and becoming an annoyance. They haven’t forgotten about you, and may just be waiting to interview the rest of the candidates or tie up loose ends before they contact you.
Relax and let fate take care of the rest.
If you’re the best candidate for the job, they will reach out soon enough. You don’t want to be anyone’s second-best, so treat the waiting game as an opportunity to find a job where you’re No. 1. If it helps, take a day off from the job search and do something to distract your mind from the stress.
Looking for a new job is exciting and nerve-wracking. The search often takes you out of your comfort zone. Relax, enjoy the journey, and remember that you’ll find your dream job soon!