Okay, the interview is over. You've shook hands and politely said goodbye, but now comes the real test… the wait!
It may sound silly, but what you do after a job interview can be just as important as the interview itself.
No matter how you're feeling about it, this guide will teach you the right steps to take and what to avoid so you can keep the great impression you just made intact.
What to do after your job interview to prepare
Reflect on the interview questions
It's important that post-interview, you truly think about the questions that you were asked and how you answered them. Are there any questions that you left a little bare? Were you not confident in certain answers? These are all areas that you can improve for the next stage interview.
You might find it helpful to revisit what not to say in a job interview (and what to say instead) to fine-tune your language and confidence for any future interviews.
Make notes while it's fresh
If you keep key points from the conversation, including who you spoke to, the topics that came up, and anything you learnt about the company, it not only helps you look switched on and enthusiastic, but it can also help you in future communications with your possible future employer.
Research more
Now that you have a better understanding of the company, you can use this time to revisit its website. With this deeper understanding, you can seriously learn their true values and goals.
Harvard Business Review recommends using the post-interview period to reflect on whether the role and company culture genuinely align with your goals.
Prepare for the next stage
Now is the perfect moment to start thinking ahead. If you have been told what the next step looks like, Whether it's a task-based assessment or a second interview, being one step ahead can help you feel more prepared and confident.
A great way to stand out is by asking thoughtful follow-up questions. Take a look at our guide on the best follow-up questions to ask after a job interview for ideas that show genuine interest.
What not to do after a job interview
Don't spam your recruiter
In some cases, a follow-up email is good; it keeps you front of mind, but if we have put you forward, we are already fighting your case. Give us and the employer space to complete all our processes without pressure.
Avoid overanalysing
We've all been there, replaying the interview in our mind, trying to work out what every facial expression meant. It's genuinely a complete waste of time. The truth is that most interviews aren't perfect, and employers know that.
Don't stop your job search
No matter how well the interview went, it's important not to put all your eggs in one basket. The hard truth is that not every interview will lead to a job. Until you receive an official offer, we won't judge you for continuing to apply for roles.
But don’t just take my word for it. An even bigger company than us ‘Indeed’ says the same thing. Continuing your search shows resilience and forward-thinking.
Avoid venting online
It's 2025, and it's never been so easy to go online and vent all your frustrations, but just like your parents probably said, you never know who's watching. The world is now a smaller place than ever, and if that leaks to the employer, it will, for obvious reasons, reflect poorly on you.
Don't ghost the employer if you're no longer interested
If you've decided the role isn't for you, that's fine; it happens more than you think. All you have to do in this situation is let us or the employer know. It shows maturity and leaves the door open for future opportunities.
What to do after a job interview if they don't respond
Wait a reasonable amount of time
I've basically already said this earlier in the guide, but if the employer gave you a timeframe, it's important to wait until that has passed before checking in. We're not going to be angry if you send a polite follow-up after 5-7 working days, but I promise that we will let you know no matter the outcome.
Stay professional
I would probably stick my neck out here and say that nothing hurts your chances of getting a role more than if you send a snippy or aggressive follow-up email.
Believe me, we, as recruiters have seen a lot of people do this, and it doesn't benefit anyone. Your follow-up should be short and polite, and it should show just how much you're looking forward to the possibility of starting this job.
Continue searching
Life doesn't wait, and now is the perfect time to keep applying for roles, improve your CV, or, if you want to be really proactive, grow your LinkedIn.
Know when to move on
If you've politely followed up and still haven't heard back after a couple of weeks, moving on is perfectly okay. As I said before, not every interview leads to a job, but every interview is a learning experience.
Eventually, with any luck, you'll find an employer who wants you as much as you want the job.
Final thoughts
We've all been in the situation you're currently in; just stay prepared and keep growing no matter the outcome.