5 things to do after a job interview (and 3 big no-nos)

After you have already conquered your interview anxiety and walked out of that interview room, it's essential to take some time to reflect on the experience.

Assess how well you prepared, how effectively you communicated, and how you handled unexpected curveballs. A healthy self-assessment can help you identify your strengths and areas for improvement.

Here are some self-evaluation questions that you can ask yourself after the interview:

• Did I make a strong first impression?
• How did I respond to the interviewer's questions?
• Did I maintain good eye contact and body language during the interview?
• Did I highlight my abilities, successes, and skills?
• Were there any challenging questions I need to work on?
• What do I think of the company and the position?
• Is this the role I had in mind when I submitted my application?
• Did I end the interview on a positive note?

However, it's crucial not to overanalyze your performance. You don't want to fall into the trap of self-doubt. Instead, approach it with a constructive mindset. Think of it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Take Elon Musk, for example. He's known for his intense self-reflection. He once said,

I think it's very important to have a feedback loop, where you're constantly thinking about what you've done and how you could be doing it better.

Now, let's delve into the art of crafting the perfect thank you email after interview. Sending a thank you note post interview isn't just a polite gesture; it's a strategic move that can significantly influence the outcome of your job application. Sending your email as soon as possible following your interview is crucial. Try to follow up with the hiring manager within 24 hours of your interview.

The post-interview waiting period can be incredibly stressful. A study by G2 highlighted that a whopping 73% of job seekers consider the job search process to be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences in life. So, if you're feeling the pressure, know that you're not alone.

The first thing to keep in mind is that uncertainty is a part of the journey. It's natural to feel anxious while awaiting that phone call or email. The key to managing this stress is practicing patience and self-care.

One powerful stress management technique is meditation. Take a few moments each day to sit in a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Exercise is another excellent way to alleviate stress. Whether it's a brisk walk in the park, a yoga session, or an intense workout at the gym, physical activity releases endorphins, your brain's feel-good chemicals.

And, of course, there's comfort food. We all have our guilty pleasures when it comes to food. A bowl of warm soup, a slice of your favorite cake, or “Maa ke haath ka khana” can be a source of solace during the waiting period. Just remember, moderation is key!

The important thing is to find what works best for you. After all, the better you take care of yourself, the better equipped you'll be to handle whatever the future holds.

Here's a crucial nugget of wisdom: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. It's all too tempting to focus solely on that one perfect job, but the job market can be extremely volatile and unpredictable. So, even if you feel like you aced the interview, it's wise to keep your job-hunting momentum.

Because let’s be honest, until you have a written job offer in hand, you technically don't have the job. It might sound harsh, but it's a reality check that's worth repeating. This means continuing to network, keep your options open, and apply for other positions.

Think of it this way - the worst (best) case scenario is that you receive multiple job offers. Now, that's a fantastic problem to have. It puts you in the driver's seat, giving you the power to choose the opportunity that suits you best.

But, you might wonder, how can you efficiently manage your job search? In the digital age, utilize AI-powered job sites like JobTatkal to boost your job search. With features like automatic profile creation, AI-based job recommendations, and CV enhancement, you increase your chances of finding a role that matches your skills, passions, and ambitions. 

In essence, don't limit yourself to a single opportunity. Embrace technology, keep your job hunt active, and maximize your chances of landing your dream job. Your next big career move could be just around the corner, waiting for you to seize it.

Lastly, approach the outcome with a positive mindset, regardless of what it may be. Think of it as a cosmic “win-win” situation. If you land the job, that's absolutely fantastic! You'll be on your way to exciting new horizons and career growth.

But what if the outcome isn't what you expected? Well, it's crucial to remember that it's not the end of the world. In fact, it might be the start of something even better. Life is full of opportunities; sometimes, rejection can be a blessing in disguise.

Think about the story of J.K. Rowling. Before becoming a household name with the Harry Potter series, she faced a series of rejections. However, she persisted and eventually found a publisher who believed in her work. So, when things don't go as planned, channel your inner J.K. Rowling and see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Candidates are often plagued with the question of how to send a follow up email after an interview. Sending a follow-up email after interview can be tricky. Timing is everything. If you follow up too soon, you might come off as pushy. While not following up after an interview might push you into obscurity.

Imagine you gave multiple interviews and are fortunate enough to have a job offer from one of the companies. You should absolutely inform the other interviewers about this. Chances are this will urge them to fast-track your application. However, if they do not respond, you must consider the offer in hand.

However, DO NOT bluff your way into a job offer. While it might seem like a clever tactic, it can backfire spectacularly. For starters, the employer might catch on to your bluff and decide that they don't want to continue with your application. They may even give you their blessing to go ahead and accept the other offer, promptly crossing your name off their list.

But here's the real kicker: Even if you manage to secure the job through this untruthful tactic, you're setting yourself up for a rocky start in your employer-employee relationship. Starting a professional journey with a lie is never a wise move. If your dishonesty is discovered down the line, it could jeopardize your job security, leading to potential termination.

It's tempting, right? That exhilarating feeling when you're certain you aced the interview, and you can't wait to share it with the world. But here's the scoop: even if you're convinced you've secured the job of your dreams, DON’T go overboard on social media as companies these days conduct comprehensive background checks, including candidates' social media handles, before offering them a job.

Let's take a lesson from Naomi, who learned this the hard way. She lost her coveted NASA internship because of an ill-advised social media post, and you definitely don't want to be in her shoes.

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Remember to stay humble and grounded. The hiring process isn't over until you have an official offer in hand. Announcing your triumph prematurely can lead to embarrassment if things don't pan out. So, be cautious, and let your celebration come after you've got that official job offer.

You should also keep your cool if the company decides you are not the right fit. Resist that urge to vent your frustrations on social media or to your friends online.

Badmouthing a company or the people you interviewed with can have serious consequences. It's a small world, and you never know who's connected to whom. Your words can come back to haunt you.

Instead of venting, exit gracefully without burning any bridges. It's a professional approach and ensures you leave the door open for future opportunities.

In the world of career building, maintaining a positive reputation is essential. Don't let a moment of frustration lead to long-term regret.