After the Interview...What to do?

So...what should one be doing after the interview process, during the waiting game? One thing is for sure, don't stop applying to other jobs, because putting all of your eggs in one basket is not a good idea.

The one interview that I have had went really really well, but since then, I have been involved with the waiting game. I've been crossing off each day that passes, anticipating the day that they told me they would be contacting me. All I can say is that this game is kinda tough. I pretty much did put all of my eggs in one basket and it may have backfired. So, I myself have been looking for some advice on what to do during this so-called waiting game and I thought that I could share it with all of you. In this article, "The Waiting Game," Caroline Levchuck shares some after the interview advice.

The real test after the interview, she says is...waiting for an offer. "Companies can take a long time to make a job offer. And some will conduct a second, third or even fourth interview before choosing a candidate." Here is how you should conduct yourself between the interview and the final decision.

You may be asking questions, such as, "How often should you follow up?" "What can you do to keep yourself in contention for the job?" "And is there any way to speed up the decision-making process?" The answer is simple...Stay in Touch.

But how does one stay in touch without coming across as being annoying?

Levchuck says that there is a fine line between being conscientious and being annoying. "Don't wait for the recruiter to contact you. You need to keep in touch not just to stay informed about the interview process, but also to stay fresh in the recruiter's mind."

After the interview, candidates should wait one week before following up. And when you follow up, remind them of your interest in the position. Ask them what the next step is and find out when the company anticipates making their decision.

Levchuck's next major point...Don't Stop Searching

Don't put all of your eggs in one basket

Don't take a break from your job search, this is one of the biggest mistakes that job seekers make, in the hopes that an offer is certain.

It is hard to predict if you'll be offered a particular job, so even though you may be confident, keep looking.

If the offer does come, you won't lose your momentum, and you'll also increase your chance of getting another offer, which will helpful when negotiating.

Next...Strategize

If your job search is going pretty well, and if you're lucky and ambitious, you may get other jobs offers while you're waiting for others.

You could use your other job offer to your advantage, especially to speed up the hiring process, but be careful. If you're a top-candidate for the job, then the company may speed up the process in order not to lose you, but if you're not, it may be unsuccessful.

Let the recruiter know that you have recieved another job offer and are seriously considering it. Give the recruiter a certain date that you need to respond to the other job offer and if it would be possible for them to give you an offer by then.

Don't expect a decision in 24 or even 48 hours. Make sure that you give the recruiter a reasonable amount of time.

And finally...Don't Think It's Time Wasted

Put yourself in this position (and maybe even in my shoes): You don't get the job and you have been waiting for weeks, counting on an offer. Don't think of it as a waste of your time. You have made valuable contacts throughout the process within the company and within the industry.

If you have established a good relationship with the recruiter or the hiring manager, send them a brief note, thanking them for their time and how much you have enjoyed meeting with them and ask them to keep you in mind for future positions.

Take Caroline's advice and good luck with getting offers! But in the meantime, don't forget about that job search, it's crucial!

Countdown to Graduation...26 days!