What comes next after your job interview?
Follow-up steps that can strengthen your chances
What should I do after my job interview?
Post-interview do’s and don’ts to follow
You’ve done the hardest part: the interview. But what you do after your job interview can still influence the outcome. How you follow up and conduct yourself in the days that follow helps reinforce your professionalism, interest, and attention to detail.
There are a few key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind to ensure you leave a strong final impression while respecting the hiring process.
Do's
Speak to your recruiter soon after the interview
After your interview, contact your recruiter while the details are still fresh. Share how you think it went and reinforce your interest in the role so they can represent you effectively. If possible, ask whether any feedback is available or when you’re likely to hear about next steps.
Send a brief thank you message
If you had direct contact with the interviewer, send a short thank-you email to acknowledge their time. If not, your recruiter can pass this message on for you. Use this as a chance to confirm your interest and highlight that the conversation increased your enthusiasm for the role.
Let your referees know
Your referees should already be aware they may be contacted, but a quick heads-up helps them prepare. Ask them to keep an eye out and thank them once they’ve been contacted.
Be patient and professional while you wait
Hiring timelines can vary, so avoid over-following up or applying pressure. Staying polite, patient, and professional while you wait reinforces the positive impression you made during the interview.
Don'ts
Lose visibility over your interview progress
Keep track of the roles you’ve applied for, who you’ve spoken with, and where each opportunity is up to. Having a clear record helps you stay organised and avoids confusion when following up or responding to calls and emails.
Pause your job search too early
Even if an interview feels promising, don’t stop exploring other opportunities. Keep your momentum going and use the experience to better target similar roles rather than cancelling upcoming interviews.
Let your current performance slip
A potential new role isn’t a reason to disengage from your current job. Stay professional, focused, and consistent, as your reputation matters and may follow you into future opportunities, including references.
End communication with your recruiter
If you’re unsuccessful, don’t disappear or cut contact. Thank your recruiter for their support, ask for feedback, and apply those insights moving forward. A recruiter is a long-term partner in your career, not just a one-off contact.
What are the signs that your interview went well?
Waiting to hear back after an interview can be the most challenging part of the process. With little feedback and no immediate outcome, it’s easy to overanalyse how things went.
While no sign can guarantee a job offer, certain indicators may suggest the interview went well. These signals are not definitive, but they can point to a positive outcome and provide some reassurance while you wait.
Extended discussion
The interview ran longer than scheduled.
Natural rapport
Discussion felt relaxed and flowed naturally.
Future-focused language
You were spoken to as if the role was already yours, with explanations like “you would be responsible for…” rather than “the successful applicant would…”.
Strong engagement signals
The interviewer appeared genuinely interested, shown through their engagement and body language.
Positive first impression
You left the interview feeling enthusiastic about both the role and the organisation.
Thorough responses
Your questions were clearly and thoroughly answered, indicating they were keen to highlight the opportunity.
Team exposure
You had the chance to meet people you may be working with.
Leadership visibility
You were introduced to senior leaders involved in decision-making.
End-stage indicators
You were asked end-stage questions, such as your availability, notice period, or potential start date.
Clear process clarity
The interviewer clearly outlined what would happen next in the process.
Recruiter affirmation
Positive feedback was shared with your recruiter after the interview.
What to do if your interview went badly
Steps you can take to recover and move forward
Leaving an interview feeling that it went badly can be frustrating, but it doesn’t automatically rule you out. Many candidates focus on one awkward answer or moment, even though hiring decisions are rarely based on a single detail. Before writing it off, it’s important to pause and recognise that the outcome may still be undecided.
How to recover from a bad job interview:
Reflect honestly
Why?
Taking time to reflect helps you process your thoughts and emotions while the interview is still fresh.
How can it help?
Writing things down makes it easier to spot what could be improved, helping you prepare more confidently for next time.
Recruiter Feedback
Why?
Your recruiter can best support you when they understand how the interview felt from your perspective.
How can it help?
Working with your recruiter allows them to offer advice, clarify next steps, and represent you accurately to the employer.
Constructive Insight
Why?
Recruiters have experience gathering and interpreting interview feedback from employers.
How can it help?
Their insights can highlight both strengths and areas to refine, helping you improve and stay confident.
Stay Focused
Why?
Waiting to hear back after an interview can be stressful and emotionally draining, especially when outcomes are uncertain.
How can it help?
Continuing your job search maintains momentum and reduces pressure on a single opportunity.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to common questions candidates have during the job search and interview process.
How long does it usually take to hear back after a job interview?
The time it takes to hear back after a job interview can vary depending on the organisation, role, and number of candidates being interviewed. Some employers respond within a few days, while others may take one to two weeks or longer. Delays do not necessarily indicate a negative outcome, as internal approvals and scheduling can affect timelines.
What does it mean if the interviewer hasn’t followed up yet?
A lack of immediate follow-up does not automatically mean an unsuccessful interview. Employers may still be interviewing other candidates, finalising decisions, or managing internal processes. Candidates should remain patient and wait until the expected response timeframe has passed before following up.
Is it a bad sign if the interview felt short or informal?
Not necessarily. Some interviews are designed to be concise, while others may feel informal to assess cultural fit or communication style. A shorter or more relaxed interview does not reflect the outcome on its own. Hiring decisions are typically based on multiple factors beyond interview length or tone.
Should I continue applying for jobs after an interview?
Yes, it is generally recommended to continue applying for other roles after an interview. Keeping momentum in the job search helps manage uncertainty and reduces reliance on a single opportunity. Continuing to apply does not negatively impact your chances with any employer already in progress.
What should I do if I realise I forgot to mention something important in the interview?
If a candidate realises they omitted important information, it can be appropriate to briefly include it in a follow-up message. This should be done concisely and professionally, focusing on how the information adds value to the application. Avoid sending multiple messages or lengthy explanations.
How should I handle a rejection after a job interview?
Receiving a rejection after an interview can be disappointing, but it can also be an opportunity for learning. Candidates can reflect on the experience, request feedback if appropriate, and apply insights to future interviews. Maintaining professionalism helps preserve relationships for potential future opportunities.
What does it mean if I am asked to provide references after an interview?
Being asked for references is often a positive sign, as it indicates the employer is progressing the application. However, it does not guarantee an offer, as references are typically one step in the final decision-making process. Candidates should ensure referees are informed and prepared to respond promptly.
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