Want a Job – Get a Job
It is very frustrating when you have been for an interview – you liked the job – but you don’t get a quick response from the employer. What do you do? Unfortunately your work is not over when you leave an interview – in fact it is only just beginning. What you shouldn’t do is just sit back and wait to hear from the employer – you need to be proactive. If you want something badly then you must be prepared to work in order to get it. Here’s how…
Be in the know
At the end of any interview be sure that you ask what the next step will be. It could be a second interview or it could be an informal meeting with the line Manager. The most important thing to establish is when you should expect to hear back from them. Don’t be left dangling with no idea of what’s going on.
Don’t be afraid to be pushy
After you have attended an interview follow it up. Chase the Company as it shows you are keen and really want the position. Don’t appear desperate – no-one wants to employ someone needy – but do demonstrate how much you would like the role by chasing an answer or at least obtaining a date when an answer will be given.
Know who is the decision maker
I know this is an obvious thing but make sure you know the names and titles of the people who interview you. The ideal situation is that you should try to get each persons business card at the interview. By doing this you know who to contact or a chase if you need to.
Always send a thank you
Manners are really important in life and whilst this may not seem important its always a good idea to send a ‘thank you’ email. Don’t be afraid in this email to tell the interviewer how much you liked the job. Everyone loves someone who is polite and this might just edge you above other candidates.
Using an Agency – well chase them
If you have been submitted for the role by an Agency make sure you give them your feedback and tell them how much you would love the position. Chase them everyday, it’s their job to know the outcome of your interview and believe me they will be just as keen as you are to get a decision.
Have your ‘bits’ in order
If you really want the job you have been for and think there is a good chance of you getting the job this could be a good time to approach your referees to warn them they may get approached soon. Referees should always be previous employers in particular your last employer. Be optimistic get your life in order.
Keep up your job search
In life nothing is certain until it’s confirmed so even though you feel confident you will get the job continue looking at other opportunities. It is never wise to put all your eggs in one basket and you never know something better could be out there. So keep up your job search until you get a job offer you want to accept.
Blackmail could help
Never be afraid to blackmail a decision out of an employer here is a tip on how this can be done. It is fair game to use other job offers as leverage, tell the employer you have another job offer but would prefer theirs. Its perfectly legal to do this, you are not doing anything wrong and believe me blackmail works, if the employer wants you, you will get a quick job offer.
Remind them you are still waiting
So you’ve sent a thankyou letter and a week has gone by and you haven’t heard a thing, so why not remind the employer you are still around and would like an answer. A short email saying “any news yet on the interview we had as I’d love to work for your Company” could be a good idea. What have you got to lose? At the end of the day it is a bit rude of them to keep you waiting.
Don’t burn bridges
So you haven’t got the job, you are a bit miffed because you really wanted it. Even so don’t burn your bridges, be nice, you never know another role may come up in the organisation which is more suitable for you so keep all doors open. Whilst you may think this is an unlikely scenario let me assure you that it’s more common than you think.
Good luck I hope it works out for you.