Once the interview is over, most candidates simply wait. A few small actions in the days afterwards can leave a better impression, keep you organised and help you improve for next time.
Straight after the interview
Within an hour or two, write down:
- the questions you were asked, and how you answered;
- the names and roles of the panel members;
- anything you were told about the timeline or next steps;
- questions you found difficult, so you can prepare better next time.
These notes are useful if you are invited to a second interview, and invaluable for future interviews.
Send a short thank-you message
In the private sector, a brief email within a day is a good practice. Thank the interviewer for their time, mention one thing from the conversation that increased your interest in the role, and confirm that you are keen. Keep it to a few lines. For public service panels, where contact usually goes through human resources, a thank-you is optional; never contact panel members privately.
Following up
If you were given a date for a decision and it has passed, it is reasonable to send a polite email or make one call to the contact person to ask whether there is any news. Ask once, then wait. Public service recruitment, in particular, can take several months after interviews because of checks and approvals.
Keep applying
Do not pause your job search while you wait for one outcome. Keep applying for other suitable posts. If you receive an offer while other applications are in progress, you can then make an informed choice.
If you get the job
Wait for a written offer before resigning from your current job. Read it carefully — post title, salary, benefits, start date, probation period and any conditions such as outstanding checks — and ask about anything that is unclear before you accept.
If you do not get the job
Rejection is part of every job search, and it rarely means you were a poor candidate — often several people were suitable and only one could be appointed. If the employer offers feedback, or if it seems appropriate to ask, request it politely and use it.
Then review your notes: which questions did you answer well, and which could you prepare better? Each interview makes the next one easier.
Stay organised
When you apply for many jobs at once, it is easy to lose track of which stage each application has reached. Our guide to tracking job applications shows a simple system, and signed-in users can track every application on this site.