Essential Things To Do After an Interview (With Do’s & Don’ts)

The interview is over, and you can walk out of the door and breathe out. You did your best and definitely impressed the hiring manager with your experience, your skills and personal traits. You used the best of interview advice to stand out and you hope that this job will be yours. However, now everything is up to the hiring manager.

Is it really so? Have you ever wondered what you should do after the interview to maximize your chances for the job? Is there any post-interview checklist? Luckily, there are. Even in today's competitive economy, the right steps taken after the interview can come handy. Today we're going to talk about professional communication after interview.

What Not To Do After an Interview

• Don't get frustrated during the waiting time
  You were interviewed, you're pretty sure the recruiter liked you, and it's been over a week, and no one has gotten back to you. Sounds familiar? In this case, thinking over the interview and assuming that you've said or done something wrong is the harmful tactics as it destroys your confidence. You can focus on preparing for other interview and looking for new opportunities - remember that you shouldn't put all eggs in one basket?
• Avoid changing salary expectations after the interview.

  Recruiters see such behavior as unprofessional. One of the biggest mistakes candidates can make after a job interview is trying to renegotiate their compensation. Many people wonder, “can I change salary expectations after interview?”—but doing so can send the wrong signal during the hiring process. Employers assess not only your skills but also your consistency and professionalism, and shifting your stated expectations after the interview assessment can create doubt about your reliability. If you already discussed salary, avoid revisiting it in your job interview follow up note, as this communication should focus on gratitude and reinforcing your interest. Changing expectations late in the process may reduce your chances for future interviews with the same company, as hiring managers may perceive you as uncertain or difficult to work with. It is always better to carefully research and set your expectations beforehand rather than attempt to revise them afterward.

• Don't follow up too often
  At the end of the interview you should ask “When do you expect to make a final decision?” Businessnewsdaily recommends. Thus, the interviewer will give you an approximate time frame upon the expiration of which you can contact them and follow up on the results. Whatever your friends or online bloggers recommend you, don't spam them with emails and call every other day to “get noticed”. They will get so much irritated by such a behavior that your candidacy will not be considered.
• Don't add the interviewer on LinkedIn
   You want to get in touch and expand your network, that's understandable. However, there is better time and place for it than right after the interview. Asking about it can be a total turnoff for the person you've probably already made a good impression on. So, don't ruin it - keep this step until the selection process is over.
• Don't get upset if you failed to get a job offer
  If you called the company and were informed that they hired someone else, it's no time to get emotional about it. Instead, thank the interviewer again for their time and consideration and wonder whether they could consider you for the job openings in the future. Handling such news professionally will add you points in the eyes of the interviewer and probably you'll be one of the first candidates for their next opening.
• Don't change your salary requirements
  It often happens that the candidates increase their salary expectations after one or several successful interviews. However, this tends to be seen unprofessional and even rude by the hiring managers. The truth is, the candidate is picked based on different criteria including the salary the company is willing to pay him. If you want the higher compensation, it's better to discuss this matter during the initial interview. Otherwise, you'll simply waste your and the interviewer's time.

How To Follow Up After an Interview

Following up after an interview is an essential step that many candidates overlook, yet it can significantly influence the hiring decision. If you are wondering how to follow up after interview email or the appropriate way to reach out, remember that timing and tone are crucial. The post interview waiting time can feel stressful, but a professional follow-up demonstrates genuine interest and keeps you fresh in the hiring manager’s mind. A well-crafted message reinforces your enthusiasm and clarifies any points from the interview, without appearing pushy or impatient. Ultimately, a thoughtful follow-up after interview shows respect for the process and strengthens your professional image.

Sending a thank you note

One of the most effective ways to follow up is by sending a thank you note. Knowing how to write a thank you note after an interview allows you to express appreciation and remind the employer of your fit for the role. Reviewing thank you letter examples can help you strike the right balance between professionalism and sincerity. The best time to send thank you email after interview is within 24 hours, ensuring your message arrives while the discussion is still fresh. While an email is the most common approach, a handwritten thank you note after interview can add a personal touch if mailed promptly. These interview follow-up tips highlight your professionalism and strengthen your connection with the interviewer, making a strong impression during the hiring manager follow-up stage.

Timing your follow-up

Timing your communication is just as important as the message itself. Many candidates wonder, how long should you wait after an interview to follow up without appearing impatient. While it is natural to feel anxious, consider the employer’s post interview window for decision-making, which may take several days or weeks depending on the role. Asking yourself, is it bad to follow up too soon after an interview? can help you avoid missteps—reaching out too early may signal desperation. Instead, waiting a reasonable amount of time before sending a polite follow-up reinforces your patience and professionalism. Proper timing also gives the hiring team a chance to complete their interview performance assessments, ensuring your follow-up is both relevant and well-received.

Signs and Outcomes After the Interview

• Recognizing signs of a good interview - Paying attention to the hours of the interview, strong engagement from more than one person, and clear next steps are all signs of a good interview and help you understand how to know if interview went well.
• Possible outcomes: second interview or rejection - Being invited for a second interview or new interview shows progress and reflects the hiring manager’s preferences, while others may be notifying candidates moving forward with rejection emails.
• Handling rejection professionally - If unsuccessful, use rejection handling tips and learn how to handle job rejection professionally. Maintaining composure supports emotional recovery after job rejection and preserves future opportunities.
• Following up and seeking feedback - A smart step is knowing how to politely ask for feedback after interview. This shows initiative, helps with interview performance improvement, and is often recommended in interview follow-up tips.
• Staying motivated and preparing ahead - Even if you don’t land your dream job, job seekers should stay positive and focus on immediately preparing for the next application, ensuring steady progress throughout the hiring process.

Networking and Staying Connected After Interview

Networking plays an important role in maintaining professional relationships after the interview process, and it goes beyond sending a simple follow up email. Effective networking after interview involves showing continued interest in the position, whether by providing further information, agreeing to submit references, or clarifying a written assessment in a timely fashion. In your formal note, make sure the subject line is clear and professional, and briefly recall answering key questions to reinforce your strengths. Many candidates wonder, is it bad to connect with interviewer on LinkedIn - the answer is no, as long as it is done respectfully, since platforms like this can become part of your personal network. Beyond waiting for a next interview, you can also consider asking for recommendation after interview or learning how to stay in touch with hiring manager without being intrusive. Even when keeping in touch after not getting the job, you preserve valuable connections and keep doors open for future opportunities.

If your friend or acquaintance works for the company you'd like to work for, the best time to ask them about recommendation is after the interview. You can ask them to get in touch with a hiring manager and highlight qualifications and strengths of you as an employee. Such a recommendation may change the hiring manager's decision in favor of your candidacy, so make sure to make use of your professional connections.
If the job was won by some other candidate, take it in a professional manner. Now it's time to offer the hiring manager to stay in touch for the future opportunities. You can offer connecting with them on LinkedIn and receive the future job offers to your mailbox. It's a good idea to follow up once in a few months to ask whether they plan to have openings for which your skills might be a good fit.

Confidence is good, however, being too arrogant won't help you in making a good impression. Remember that until you got an official offer, you're in the same position as other candidates as the interview isn't a guarantee of a job yet.

Obviously, the way you act after the interview continues having an influence on the odds you'll get this job. Avoid being annoying as the hiring managers are busy people, they deal with dozens of people every day, so your everyday attempts to ‘get noticed' will likely be seen as an unprofessional conduct. Be sure to remind the interviewer about your strengths when his memories about you are fresh to strengthen the positive impression. And, most importantly, if you've made a mistake (for example, in a thank you note), attend to it quickly to show your ability to correct your own mistakes.

Resume & Job Search Continuation

Not getting the job doesn’t mean the journey is over—it simply signals the start of your job search continuation after interview. One of the smartest moves you can make at this stage is investing in your application materials. Whether you’re seeking resume update advice, thinking “I need to update my resume,” or considering how to polish your overall presentation, the right support makes a difference. With professional resume writing services and options to order resume online, you can ensure your skills are presented with impact. From resume editing service and resume proofreading online to resume revision service and resume design help, a tailored approach highlights your strengths effectively. You can even hire a resume writer for personalized support or choose an affordable resume service for budget-friendly results. Complement your application with linkedin profile writing service and cover letter editing service, and you’ll be fully equipped to stand out in your next opportunity.

Looking for jobs online? Then, you should know the rules of the game of online resume posting. The right resume posting online will protect your private information from scammers and help you find a job faster. And make sure your resume is perfect for a job you want - contact our resume professional to get assistance with resume writing! If you didn’t get the offer, it’s the best time to update your resume or hire a professional resume writer.

What is your course of action after the interview? Do you follow the above strategies?

Post-Interview FAQ

What to do post interview?

Create a short post-interview checklist: send a thank-you email within 24 hours, note key questions and your responses, set a follow-up reminder, and keep applying until you receive an offer.

After an interview you should do what first?

First, draft and send a concise thank-you note that references one specific discussion point from the interview and restates your fit for the role.

What is the most appropriate action to take after an interview?

Send a tailored thank-you message within 24 hours and confirm next steps or timeline. This signals professionalism and keeps you top-of-mind.

Is it bad to connect with the interviewer on LinkedIn right after?

Usually wait until the process concludes. If you do connect, include a polite note referencing your conversation—avoid multiple follow-ups the same week.

Best time to send a thank you email after interview?

Within 24 hours, ideally during business hours in the interviewer’s time zone. If interviewing late Friday, send Monday morning.

Handwritten thank you note after interview: is it worth it?

It can stand out in creative or relationship-driven roles. Send a quick email first (time-sensitive), then mail the handwritten note as a thoughtful follow-up.

How often should you follow up after interview?

If you were given a timeline, follow up once after it passes. Without a timeline, follow up 5–7 business days later. Avoid repeated messages within the same week.

How to stay in touch with a hiring manager if you didn’t get the job?

Thank them, ask to keep in touch, and suggest connecting on LinkedIn. Follow up every few months with a brief value-driven update (new project, certification).

Asking for a recommendation after interview: when and how?

Ask a current employee or referrer right after the interview while details are fresh. Share the job link, your resume, and 2–3 bullet points to emphasize.

Can I change salary expectations after interview?

Avoid changing numbers mid-process unless the role scope changed materially. If needed, explain the change transparently and tie it to expanded responsibilities or market data.

Things to avoid after an interview

Don’t spam follow-ups, don’t vent on social media, don’t pressure for instant decisions, and don’t stop your job search until you sign an offer.

Recommended reading:

• Top Killer Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview Process | ResumePerk
• 10 Signs That the Job Interview Went Well
• Ace Your Zoom Interview With These 19 Tips | ResumePerk
• HR Manager Interview Questions & How to Answer Them | ResumePerk
• 11 Questions To Ask Before Accepting A Job Offer
• 20 Important Tips For Successful Job Interview