After an Interview

How can Career Services help?

After an interview it is important to do the following:

Evaluate the interview to see where you could improve the next time. Write a thank-you letter or e-mail within two days. Follow up if you do not hear. If rejected, ask for constructive feedback and work on weak areas.

Evaluate the Interview

Right after each interview it is important to think about how you did. What questions caught you off guard? What answers were you happy with? How can you be better prepared for the next interview?

You should also evaluate the company. Does this seem like a good opportunity for you? What additional information would you need before you could decide to work there?

What you want to avoid is to dwell on any mistakes you made. The interviewers knew you were nervous and expected some mistakes. They will probably not judge you as harshly as you may judge yourself.

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Follow up

If you do not hear from the company when you expected to hear, it is a good idea to follow up. They may have a good reason why they are delayed in making a decision and it will put your mind at ease to hear that and to get a new date by which you should expect to hear. You can call or email them to follow up. Ask them where they are in their hiring process and if they need any additional information from you. Do not ask why they have not contacted you. Your goal is to show them that you are interested but not to imply that you are impatient.

If you have an offer from a company but are still waiting for your first choice company to respond, it is OK to tell both companies as long as you are respectful and truthful.

To the company who made you an offer:
Find out when they need an answer. If you need more time, ask them for more time because you are waiting to hear from other opportunities as well. They may say no but it is never a problem to ask.

To your first choice company:
Tell them that you have another offer but you are very interested in working for them. Ask them when they might be able to give you an answer.

Do not tell either company who else you are awaiting offers from. Also, do not pretend that you have an offer which does not exist. That is not ethical.

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Dealing with Rejection

During the interview process it is likely that you will be rejected by some companies. Unfortunately, this happens more often than not. The important thing is to not take it personally. Companies interview several people for each job and need to disappoint most of the candidates. Often they really like several of them but can hire only one. If you are not chosen, and you feel that your presented yourself well at the interview, most likely you did not have the best combination of skills for this specific position.

If you feel you are being rejected frequently and are concerned about your interviewing skills, you can approach one of the interviewers and ask for constructive feedback. You do not need to do this but it can be helpful. Realize that when someone offers you constructive criticism, they are trying to be helpful. While it may be difficult for you to hear criticism, try not to become defensive. After all, you did ask for their feedback.

Don't be discouraged. It can take some time to find the right job. One of the main reasons why people do not find a job in their chosen field is because they give up too soon. Stick with it and you will find the right job for you.

How can Career Services help?

Schedule a Mock Interview
View our presentation on interviewing
Check our list of workshops

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Contact Us
Science Library G-50	Phone: 518-437-4900
Fax: 518-437-4906	Email: career@uamail.albany.edu