AFTER THE INTERVIEW
Presented by Kelly Services

You need to take a systematic approach to this. Record your notes on each interview, for example

  • who you met
  • what they asked you
  • what you feel about the job and
  • the interview process.

All this will come in useful especially if you get offered the job. We often meet applicants who are torn between two jobs. Such is life...when you get offered one job, you usually get another one soon after! Your prospective employer will expect you to give them an asnwer soon. You need to make decisions based on your impressions and not the interviews you attend.

If the interviewer has requested you to call him/her, make sure you do. Even if you have decided that you do not want the job, it is only courteous to call the interviewer to inform him/her of your decision. You may never know when you need their assistance again.

Write a short thank you note to the interviewer for his/her time and reiterate a couple of your strengths, which makes youa highly suitable candidate. Very few candidates do this. The discreet aim of a thank you note is to get him/her to take a 'second look' at your application and assist in 'recalling' you as a short-listed candidate.

Some useful pointers to think about:

  1. Do you like the job?
  2. Do you like the company?
  3. Can you do the job?
  4. Do you thnk the company needs someone like you to do this job? Why do you think they are hiring you?
  5. Do your values match those of the company? Mentally put yourself through a day in the job in that company, what will your typical day be like?

TRUST YOUR GUT FEEL, your first feelings about a situation or a job is probably right

Do not compromise yourself and accept a hob just for the sales of a job. You are going to spend a major part of your life working ... make it work for you!

What if you get turned down?

Do not put yourself down. Remember that there will be something better waiting for you out there.

If you want to, you may wish to ring up the company and ask the interviewer why you were not selected, but very few employers will be honest. You can only do this with those you feel comfortable with.

  1. Think about possible areas that may have caused a problem for you at the interview. Could it be something you said or did during the interview?
  2. Be in touch with how you feel about the rejection. Clear out any negative feelings before you go to your next interview.
  3. Speak to your friends and ask for advice if you feel the need.
  4. Engage a career coach for guidance.
  5. Keep looking for you perfect job, never give up!

 

The article is extracted from a publication by Kelly Services' called "Best Foot Forward". It is a 52 page guide for job seekers on job search tips. To obtain your very own copy of "Best Foot Forward", please send an email to marcom@kellyservices.com.sg.

Kelly Services is a Fortune 500 company offering human resources solutions that include temporary services, staff leasing, outsourcing, vendor on-site and full time placement. With more than 2,500 company owned and operated offices in 26 countries, Kelly provides nearly 800,000 employees annually.