After the Job Interview: 6 Tips for What to Do Next
“Do not despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song” (Pope St. John Paul II).
Exhale.
Drop your shoulders, and roll your head from right to left.
Take deep breaths as you mentally and physically shift from interview mode to post-interview mode. Allow yourself to feel that relief before analyzing how it went and determining your next steps.
Job searching can feel like a job—a stressful one. From updating your resume to searching job postings to writing a cover letter to submitting the application to prepping for the interview and then going through the interview(s), it is an exhausting and draining process.
The after-the-interview stage is a strange one. You are a bit in limbo as you wait to hear back. As you wait, you may be considering whether you will continue to apply for other jobs or whether you will accept the position. There may be anxiety as you wonder whether you will even hear back and, if you do, whether you should accept immediately or try to negotiate any terms.
This stage is the last part of the process where the outcome is completely outside of your control. So, how can you navigate it without falling into despair? While it may look different depending on your industry, there are some general practical and spiritual steps you can take after a job interview:
Celebrate the Moment
Getting an interview is no small feat. Take a moment to celebrate getting to this stage and acknowledge that you made it to the final round(s). Whether by enjoying a small treat, doing a fun activity, or taking a break from the job search, let yourself enjoy the moment.
Send a Thank-You Email
I highly recommend sending a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview to the person or people who interviewed you. Thank them for their time, and share what resonated with you about the job and/or company. If there was something you wanted to add or expand on from the interview, you can do so in this email.
Prepare for the Next Round
Depending on your industry, you may have one or several interview rounds. If you are in the midst of a multiple-round interview, it can quickly become draining as you answer and respond to similar questions again and again. A helpful tip is to keep notes on whom you have met and what you have already discussed.
As you move forward in each round, ask how the next interview will be conducted so you can prepare accordingly. For example, it’s not uncommon for a second- or third-round interview to ask for a presentation. Carefully read the instructions you’re given, and ask clarifying questions to be sure you understand.
Consider Your Response
You know that eventually, you will either be offered a job or not. The interviewing stage is also for you to interview the employer. Can you envision yourself working there? Is this a job and/or company that excites you? Why would you accept or reject the job offer?
Look at what you know about the company, benefits, and salary. Is there something you would negotiate? It is standard to ask for a few days to consider the offer before accepting. If you’re offered a job, give yourself that time to review and pray about whether it’s a good fit for you and your season of life.
If you are rejected, ask for feedback. Though not every interviewer will be able to share, appreciate the times when you can receive feedback. After being rejected once for a job that I thought was a good fit for me, I asked for feedback. Though it hurt, it was immensely helpful in preparing me for the next interview.
Follow Up
While it’s not always the case, many interviewers will give you a timeline of the interview process and when to expect an answer. If you have not heard back from them within their given time frame, follow up with an email to the hiring manager and the person who interviewed you. Though the interviewer may refer you back to their human resources department, you can ask politely about the status of your application. If they give you the roundabout, you can make a decision either to continue waiting for a response or to move onward in your job search.
Pray
The step that we need the most is often the hardest. We need to lean on Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and St. Joseph throughout the job search. It’s important to give prayers of thanksgiving for the times we move forward and ask for consolation when we are rejected.
God has a plan, though it can be a hard truth to live in when we are in the midst of going through interviews. It can be easy to brush Him aside and rely on ourselves, but His plan really is better than what we could ever conceive of on our own.
The Father does not want us to fall into despair. He wants to lift us up and rejoice in the truth that fear has no hold on us, because Jesus has conquered the grave. This life is temporary, and Heaven is our home. That is the truth He wants us to hold onto as we live in the here and now. He can calm our storms.
The post-interview stage is an uncomfortable one. But it is a time when we can lean into our Blessed Mother’s love and ask for St. Joseph’s intercession. We can sit with Jesus in the discomfort and allow Him to comfort our hearts. Whatever the outcome, He is with us and is leading us, step by step, to the life that He has planned for us. He is patiently waiting for our “yes.”
Here’s the best part: There is no “After the Interview.” There is only Jesus sharing in our Hallelujah.
Alexandra (Alex) Harrel resides in Irving, Texas. She is a new student affairs professional within the world of higher education. In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time outdoors. Her favorite prayer is Hail, Holy Queen. You can follow her on Instagram at @2012alexandra.