What to Do the Week After an Interview

Nothing beats the thrill of landing a job interview for your dream job. After the interview, you check your voicemail messages and email inbox constantly, hoping for a positive response, but unfortunately hear nothing. Don't take it personally: according to a 2013 CareerBuilder survey, 60% of job seekers behave similarly. To avoid this the next time, read on for some tips on what to do after the interview.

This first tip involves what to do before the job interview is over. Near the end, the interviewer asks "Do you have any other questions?" This is your opportunity to ask the right questions. "Be sure to determine, specifically, the next steps in the process prior to closing the meeting. This way, you have an idea as to when the employer should respond, and if they don't, when you should mobilize a more proactive approach," says David Parnell, legal consultant, author and communication coach. It is perfectly reasonable and expected of you to ask your interviewer what the next steps are after the interview and within what kind of time frame you can expect things to progress. Asking this question also sets up a perfect opportunity for you to schedule your follow-up attempts according to the employer's promises.

Send a personalized, handwritten thank-you note to the hiring manager right away after the interview. Even if your interviewer may not be your potential new boss, he or she is your gateway into the company, and it is imperative you make a positive and unforgettable impression. Taking the time to craft a handwritten thank you note specifically addressed to him or her and thanking him or her for the time and consideration will give you an advantage over other candidates, even if their credentials are a bit stronger. You will come across as professional, courteous and gracious, and hiring managers remember that.

If you haven't heard from the company within the timeline provided during the interview, don't be afraid to follow up with a polite phone call or email to the hiring manager. "In today's market, it behooves job candidates to take the bull by the horns and follow up," advises Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and author. As long as your follow-up lines up perfectly with the company-imposed timeline, you will appear professional and prompt. Follow up too early after the interview and you may appear overly eager or annoying; wait too long and you might seem indifferent or lazy. .

If you've aced the interview, sent a thank-you note and followed up, there's not much else to do besides trust your instincts. Sometimes no response is the response. Don't panic: "For all you know, the job may have been reduced in responsibility, salary, time frame, or even eliminated," says Taylor. Pick up your resume and keep going. Remember these tips on what to do after the interview and your next interview might be your last.

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