We all know how important the face-to-face interview is in relation to the hiring process. If you perform well, you’ll increase the likelihood of receiving an offer of employment from the company.
But what you do after the interview is just as important as what you do during it—especially if you’ve partnered with an experienced recruiting firm for your job search.
Your recruiter, just like the company for which you might work, is evaluating you throughout the process. That includes the face-to-face interview.
The number-one thing that your recruiter needs following the interview is feedback.
Specifically, they need timely feedback. That’s because timely feedback is an indication of a candidate’s interest level in the position. If you provide feedback quickly, the recruiter (and by extension, the company) will assume that your interest level is still high.
Let’s say your recruiter suggests that you touch base following the interview, so they can get your opinion before speaking with their client. At this point, you should already have their office phone number, and quite possibly their cell phone number.
Then you show up for the interview, and it goes well. What happens next? You should definitely follow up with the recruiter, but what’s the protocol?
Ideally, you should call the recruiter directly following the interview. By being proactive about the call, you can effectively communicate what you are thinking. If you’re still interested, that’s great. If you’re not, that’s okay, but the recruiter will need to know this information in a timely manner.
If you’re not sure what you think after the interview, and you delay calling the recruiter, then they’re likely to suspect that your interest level has waned—even if it really hasn’t. That’s why prompt feedback is so crucial. You should be honest with your recruiter, and if you have any concerns, you should tell them.
What is considered prompt feedback? Within an hour or two following the interview.
You should also be prepared to answer this question: “On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the highest, what’s your interest level in the position after the interview?”
The bottom line is that you should NOT be afraid or apprehensive to talk with your recruiter. On the chance that your interest level is not as high as it once was, they’re not going to be angry with you. However, they need to know what you’re thinking so they can help their client make the correct decision regarding the position.
The hiring process is definitely a two-way street, and your recruiter is directing traffic in both directions. They want to do what is in the best interests of both you and the employer, but to accomplish that, they need feedback from both parties, and they need it in a timely fashion.
So don’t just focus on the interview. Also do what’s necessary after the interview to ensure you put yourself in the best position you can . . . and also quite possibly receive an offer of employment.
We help support careers in one of two ways: 1. By helping to find the right opportunity when the time is right, and 2. By helping to recruit top talent for the critical needs of organizations. If this is something you would like to explore further, please send an email to stacy@thevetrecruiter.com.