Career Preparation

After the Interview

While the interview may have concluded, you are not yet finished with the interview process!  How you interact with a potential employer after the interview can make a critical difference in being hired versus being overlooked. 

Next steps

A thank you note can set you apart from other candidates after an interview.  Recruiters will be evaluating your interview shortly after you leave, so send a thank you note within 24 hours to make a strong, final impression.

In the message, thank the employer for their time and reference specific parts of the interview that you enjoyed talking about or hearing about from them.  Stress how the interview confirmed your desire to work at the company and reiterate where you can be reached. 

This is a good time to connect with company contacts on LinkedIn and see what Mizzou alumni may work there.

References

If you haven’t already, please notify your references that you are interviewing. It’s very helpful to send them the job description or information about the company and position. Additionally, update your references about the interview so they can expect to be contacted. Be sure to share and celebrate the news once you have been made a job offer!

Salary requirements

While interviewing, you should consider the wages you’ll need to earn to support yourself, pay bills, and begin saving. The Office for Financial Success can help you learn more about budgeting and financial goal setting. To research salaries, use the following resources to see salary ranges based on job title, skills, and job location.

Ghosting

So, you’ve interviewed for the job, anxiously awaited a response, checked your inbox and voicemail…. and you’ve been ghosted. 

We encourage you to follow up with an employer if you do not receive a response in the time frame given. Follow up with HR or company contacts who arranged your interview. Be polite, positive, and professional by reiterating your interest in the position and asking whether there have been updates on the status of your application. 

If no definitive word comes, don’t lose heart! Continue your search process by applying and interviewing for positions with other employers. Being ghosted isn’t a reflection of your qualifications. There are many reasons why an offer doesn’t come (budget, internal candidates, personnel changes, etc.), so don’t take it too personally or doubt your abilities!

Ready for what's next?

If the phone rings and you are offered a job do you know how to respond? Always ask for time to review the terms of an offer. Learn about the monetary and non-monetary aspects of a position and how to carefully consider the things that are of greatest value to you!

If you need ongoing support for your job search, consider career counseling.

Seek out advice for your next steps!

Career Coaching

Peer Career Specialists

Our trained Career Specialists can help you practice interview questions, review your Big Interview recordings and offer advice to any undergraduate major. Make an appointment or stop by the Student Success Center.

Graduate Student Career Services

The Career Coaches in Graduate Student Career Services work with graduate and professional students from all disciplines to prepare for interviews in diverse career pathways open to them.

School/College Career Centers

You can schedule an appointment with a staff member in your school or college career office for interview guidance specific to your major and career interests.