What should you do right after a job interview?

So the interview has ended, you’ve done all you can, now all you have to do is wait (for what seems like an eternity). There are a few things to consider during this time to help ease the tension, further your chances of success and if that works, negotiate the best deal possible.

Follow up!

Firstly, as soon as you leave the interview, send a follow up email thanking your interviewer for their time, expressing your interest in the role and how much you enjoyed visiting the office. Finish the email with an open ended question, this will prompt a reply and means you continue the conversation post interview. This is common courtesy but you’ll be surprised how many people don’t do it. For me, that’s an instant turn off – I am more likely to forget someone who hasn’t bothered to get in touch after.

The waiting game

One of the most annoying things about the interview process is waiting for an answer. Sometimes you can wait 3-4 weeks to hear back from an employer. Try and look at the positive side of this, don’t just assume no news is bad news. The employer is obviously thinking very carefully about choosing the right candidate which is a sign of a credible business.

If your potential new employer has given you a specific feedback date and it passes or you’ve waited for over a week, I think it’s completely fine to chase. Give them a call, not to ask if you have the job, but to check a time period of when you are likely to hear anything – there’s nothing wrong with a little eagerness!

A reader on my last blog asked if, whilst playing this waiting game, he should still pursue other things. I’d say absolutely. You never know what’s around the corner. There is no harm in being open to opportunities and a counter offer could give you some bargaining power when it comes to negotiation.

Supply the right references

The right reference is crucial. I have seen many people lose their chances of success because of poor referee planning. You should have spoken to your chosen referee and given them the courtesy of letting them know in advance you have provided their details and to expect a call. Avoid the surprises. Keep them updated.

The employer will want to know how they know you, what kind of person you are, your work ethic and strengths/weaknesses. I always ask a referee what they think I can do to get the best out of a new employee and specific questions tailored to the role advertised. This can catch them off guard and means I get real feedback.

You did it!

Fantastic, it worked. You’ve been offered the job you really wanted. Congratulations. But before you celebrate too much, negotiate a deal that works for you.

Whenever you get offered a job, there is always room for negotiation. It’s easy to get carried away with the adrenalin rush of acceptance, especially when you weren’t expecting such a great response. With the job offer in hand, it’s time for you to evaluate the factors involved. They want you, that’s plain and simple. The key thing here is to negotiate your value; what do you think you are worth? What salary do you think you deserve? You need to be prepared to answer these questions.

Do you research – see what the market rate is and be really clear about your ability to add value. Always wait for their first offer and compare your personal analysis with this. If financially, it’s not quite what you thought, you don’t necessarily have to accept it.

If the employer says they don’t think you’re at a higher level yet, why not reply; ‘Okay, if I came to work with you for three months and proved my value, would you be prepared to give me a review after three months and increase my salary accordingly?’

With that kind of pitch, the chances are you would get it. Most employers have some flexibility on salary. Make the most of it.

If you’re happy with the offer and have accepted… all you need to do now is plan an exit strategy from your current position…

This article is published in collaboration with LinkedIn. Publication does not imply endorsement of views by the World Economic Forum.

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Author: James Caan is a Serial Entrepreneur. He is CEO of Hamilton Bradshaw Group.

Image: A manager interviews a candidate at offices in downtown Madrid. REUTERS/Susana Vera.