After the interview: Follow-up
After each interview, take the time for small actions to increase your chances of achieving your goals. This may include a thank-you email, a follow-up or an evaluation of the job and company.
Thank-you email
After the interview, thank your hosts by email, either that day or the next.
Set yourself apart by showing imagination. Don’t copy the example below! Recruiters have already seen it many times from HEC Montréal students.
EXAMPLE OF THANK-YOU EMAIL
Dear Mrs. Sauvé,
It was a pleasure to meet you during my interview last Thursday. I am even more interested in your company after learning of the challenges involved in the analyst position and the work environment that seems to prevail in your department.
If you hire me, you can be sure I will bring my knowledge and energy to the table to contribute to your company’s success.
I look forward to hearing from you, Madame Sauvé.
Sincerely,
Do a follow-up
At the end of the interview, the employer tells you the date they will get back to you. Wait until that date to follow up. If they do not keep their promise, contact them the day after.
No date set? There is no rule on this. For example, you could send an email or call after five business days.
Evaluate the position and the company
The recruitment interview is a chance for you to evaluate whether the position is right for you. For example, it is not a good idea to accept a job if you can already foresee risks such as health problems, burnout, resignation or being laid off.
Take the time to reflect on the conversation you had with the people you just met. Ask yourself a few important questions.
- Did you like what you learned about the position, team, company or challenges of this position?
- How did you feel about the proposed training and support and the work conditions?
- Did you like your interactions with the people you met, particularly the manager?
Gauge your performance
It is important to evaluate yourself quickly after each interview. This will help you improve for your next interviews. See our page Evaluate Your Interviews.
What about recruiter feedback?
It may be useful to ask for the recruiter’s feedback on your performance during the interview. You can ask them for feedback, but keep in mind that most employers prefer not to give it.
Please note! If the recruiter tells you why they did not select you, don't always take it at face value. Some employers will give you a quick answer that is not necessarily well thought out.
Moreover, if the employer says it was due to your lack of experience, you should take that to mean that you did not manage to convince the recruiter. They already knew the extent of your experience before the interview because they had your CV.
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Need help?
Career Management Services offers many individual services and workshops to help you prepare your job interviews.