The waiting game: What to do as you wait for interview feedback

So you did it! You battled the nerves and preparation to complete your interview, or maybe even a second stage interview. We hope it went pandabulously for you. Now what? What should you do as you wait for interview feedback? Twiddle your thumbs, stare at your phone or check your inbox every ten minutes? The pandas will judge you harshly if that’s your plan of action.

Do not place all your eggs in one basket, and follow these rules…

What to do as you wait for interview feedback

A quick thank you

Following the interview, send a very quick follow up email to thank the hiring team for their time. Look forward to their future response and click send. Appreciation is often much appreciated.

Keep searching

Until you receive an offer, and accept it, you are officially on the job market. Remember your potential employer is interviewing a handful of candidates, and has much to consider before a decision is made. The job might be one you really want, but there are others out there just waiting for applications. Why miss out on an equally perfect role, just in case you get a call back?

Don’t break the routine

We previously spoke about the importance of a fresh routine during a job search. This needs to be maintained to ensure your job search rhythm never falters. We fully understand that awaiting feedback is nerve wracking and exciting, but keep the routine you established going. This includes your normal hobbies, and general things to take your mind off the post interview blues. 

Don’t leave 5,000 emails requesting feedback

So the figure above is an exaggeration, but let the hiring team do what they need to do. You may think lots of emails will demonstrate your eagerness, but it could show impatience (and desperation) towards the employers. They have other candidates to consider, signing off all the necessary paperwork for a new employee and still doing their own job. Wait until the date you were given, even a few days after that, before you send a polite email for an update.

Other factors to consider

• As mentioned, you are not the only candidate. You are shoulder to shoulder with top talent, so there are lots of people to be contacted for the role.
• Many issues can arise internally; the hiring managers have to change salary details, change their planned start date or are awaiting a decision maker to consider the applicants. This is a rare circumstance, and you would be informed of such matters. Any delay in the process does not have any reflection on your chances, so relax and let the process flow.
• Hiring a new employee is a big deal, just like getting a new job. You are all in the same boat, so you will be updated!

So remember, no news is not bad news in this case. Always appreciate that you were considered for a role you were interested in, and the interview practice will always be great going forward. But, if you get that offer…congratulations!  

Need more interview tips and advice?

You'll find it all in our career advice hub!