What to do after your interview

The interview is over – and the temptation is to sit back and wait. But the actions you take in the hours and days that follow can have a genuine impact on the outcome.

Call your recruitment consultant straight away

If you’ve been placed into the interview by Personnel Selection, the most important thing you can do is call your consultant as soon as possible after leaving (contact us HERE). Even if you feel it didn’t go well – perhaps especially if you feel it didn’t go well. The sooner we have your feedback, the sooner we can contact the client and begin to manage expectations or address any concerns on your behalf.

Tell us honestly how you felt about the role, the interviewer, and the organisation. Did the job match what you expected? Were there any surprises? Do you still want it? All of this helps us advocate for you effectively.

Reflect on your performance

Take a few minutes to write down what went well and what you’d do differently. Which questions did you answer confidently? Were there any you struggled with? This isn’t about self-criticism – it’s about continuous improvement. Even a strong interview will have moments you can learn from.

Make a note of any questions you were asked that you weren’t fully prepared for. That way, you’ll be ready for them next time.

Should you send a thank you note?

In the UK, formal thank you letters after interviews are less common than in some other countries, and your consultant will typically handle the communication with the client on your behalf. However, if you applied directly or built a particularly good rapport with the interviewer, a short, professional email the same day can help you stand out. Keep it brief – a couple of sentences is enough.

Managing the wait

Waiting for feedback is one of the most frustrating parts of any job search. Try to resist the urge to follow up every day – it can come across as pressurising. If you’re working through Personnel Selection, we will chase the client on your behalf and update you as soon as we have news.

In the meantime, keep your search active. Even if the interview went brilliantly, it’s unwise to put all your eggs in one basket until a formal offer is made.

 

💡 Quick tip

If the role doesn’t come to you this time, ask for feedback. Constructive feedback from an employer (directly, or via a recruitment consultant) can be genuinely valuable – don’t be too proud to ask for it or too disheartened to take it on board.

 

 

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