Job interviews are the perfect way for you to get to know a company and find out if it offers a great working environment for the next segment in your career journey. Although there’s a lot of things employers do that turn great employees off, applicants should also be wary of actions that could potentially nix a great opportunity. Here’s 10 things you should NEVER do after an interview (if you want the job).
Post-Interview Tip #1
NEVER send an unprofessional follow-note: although it’s important to follow up with a thank you note after an interview (which many candidates fail to do actually), I’ve seen the mistake of candidates sending a poorly written or unprofessional (aka too casual tone) note. In an interview process, you’re being judged at ever encounter, from your interaction with the receptionist to your email grammar. Don’t send off a thank you note without having a friend (or your trusty recruiter!) take a quick look. It’s easy for spelling or grammar errors to slip by!
Post-Interview Tip #2
NEVER quit your current job over a “perfect” interview: It may seem obvious, but until you have a written offer in hand, don’t give notice or let your current employer know you’re considering leaving.
Wait, the offer went to another candidate? Yeah, let me just pick this desk right back up.
Post-Interview Tip #3
NEVER send list of demands: negotiating is best left for after an offer is on the table, however, some candidates decide to follow up after an interview with a list of things they want, like stipends for home internet, specific computer choice, etc. It’s ok to ask questions like “Since this position requires I work from home, do you cover any reimbursements for home internet” instead of phrasing it as a demand “Since this position requires I work from home, I need at least $75 a month to cover my internet.” The first will likely get you a reply with list of benefits, the second makes you look difficult to work with.
Post-Interview Tip #4
NEVER try to initiate a romantic connection after an interview: Looking for love in all the wrong places? Although it may be tempting, asking out an interviewer on a date is never a good idea. And as good measure, it’s not a good idea to solicit dates on LinkedIn either.
Oh, you think I “have a nice smile” and you “want to get to know me”? Why yes, I find your unprofessional message on a business site perfectly appropriate.
Post-Interview Tip #5
NEVER actually show up to follow-up: A couple days goes by and still no word? An email or a phone call will suffice, whereas stopping by their offices is never appropriate, although it does make for a funny video below.
That being said, common courtesy is that no update is still an update, so hiring managers that don’t respect your time to at least let you know there hasn’t been any change might not be the best place for you to grow.
Post-Interview Tip #6
NEVER send an angry email if you are rejected: Don’t take a rejection personally. Sometimes a role is filled by someone with an internal connection or has background that’s simply a better fit. I’m thankful for the jobs that turned me down because looking back they wouldn’t have been a good match anyways. However, sending an angry email is a great way to get blacklisted from the company AND for any roles that hiring manager may have at future companies. Burning bridges is a great way to get stranded with a poor reputation.
Post-Interview Tip #7
NEVER stop looking/interviewing: You might have nailed the interview, but there’s a long list of reasons they may not hire you. Sometimes internal referrals take preference or maybe you’re too high level for the current need. Either way, why limit yourself to one opportunity? Having other companies interested and/or offers on the table can speed up the interview process.
Post-Interview Tip #8
NEVER give a list of unaware references: Good news, the interview went so well they’re asking to speak with your references. Many companies ask for references prior to making an offer, especially if they’re on the fence, others it’s just part of their process. Either way, make sure you check in with your references prior to a job search to make sure they are reachable (aka still a current number) and willing to lend an honest reference on your behalf. Having good references, and not ones that don’t remember who you are, can be critical in landing the position.
Post-Interview Tip #9
NEVER post about the job, company or hiring manager online: It may be tempting to brag and/or vent about a job interview, company or even a hiring manager on social media, however, in today’s era, expect everything you post to be seen your potential boss. Freedom of Speech doesn’t mean you can post whatever you want online without any real-life repercussions. In fact, this tip should be extended to being careful what you post online in any capacity, especially if your remarks might be seen in poor taste.
Post-Interview Tip #10
NEVER cyber-stalk your interviewers: Whether before or after an interview, there are professional boundaries. While I feel it’s ok to take a peek at a hiring manager’s LinkedIn profile prior to an interview, adding them immediately after an interview (unless of course they invite you to), following them on Twitter, poking them on Facebook, or liking an obscure Medium post they wrote 3 years ago won’t win you any favors.
At PROTECH, we’re focused on all things tech. Do you have any job hunting tips? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
-Elizabeth Becker, Client Partner and Marketing Manager at IT Staffing Firm PROTECH. Looking for an engaging job or new technical hire? You can reach me at 561–953–8800 ext 227 or elizabethb@protechfl.com.
