Do you ever wonder what the appropriate interview follow up is after your first interview with a company?
What if it went well? What if it didn’t go well? What if you were stumped on a few questions or there was an awkward pause? What if you weren’t as prepared as you thought? The first thing you want to do, either right after you get in the car (please drive out of the company’s parking lot), or get off the phone, is to write down any notes and questions you have about the interview, before you forget. In addition, write down the name(s) of those who interviewed you or whom with you spent a few minutes. Then, you can look them up on LinkedIn to learn more about the person, including their current job and their background and interests. Afterwards, write down specific questions and concerns each of the interviewers had; you’re going to need those pieces of information for writing thank-you notes. The second action you want to take immediately after the interview is write down any of your observations and questions because you will most likely call a friend or family member you trust to discuss the interview. Make sure this person is someone who will keep you grounded. It’s easy to be swept up in all the positive attention you received in the interview. You need someone who will ask you questions that will help you determine whether this is truly a good fit for you or not.