How do you deal with post-job-interview jitters?

November 5, 2008 12:56 PM

I was in an interview a week and a half ago for a job that I really, really want. Is there anything I can do to make sure I don't mess things up?

I think I'm really qualified for it but I have no idea if I'm going to get it or not. I sent a thank-you e-mail to everyone I interviewed with, but only heard back from one of them, the one who seemed to like me best, who said they would keep me posted. Since then, nothing. This was an eco-friendly firm so I thought that e-mail would be better than sending in an actual letter, but should I do that too (Is it too late)?

I've heard that now is the time to send a follow-up letter but all the examples I've seen seem like really hard sells, and I'm not sure I want to come across that way.

I tend to say whatever comes into my head and I worry that I somehow messed up the interview by being too upfront at times. What are some dealbreakers during an interview, and if I made them what are some things I can do now to make up for them?

And, like I said, I really, really want this job. How can I deal with the fact that I'm going crazy waiting to find out what happens, and how do I deal with the possibility of not getting it?

posted by anonymous to work & money (9 comments total)

Take a deep breath. Stay optimistic - hiring decisions can take a good while, especially in competitive fields or with many candidates. Take the interviewer's offer to keep you posted at face value. Hiring can be a tough task for an employer because it is generally a distraction from their real work. Even dedicated HR departments have to get the input of the managers and leads.

But if you're genuinely interested in the work, can you do any "extra credit?" As in, forward some supporting documentation about things you discussed in the interview:

"Mrs. Smith, we talked about exciting project XYZ. I've been researching this week and found sources ABC that reinforced your point about XYZ. I'd enjoy implementing ABC in your company and am totally stoked about project XYZ." In other words, subtly communicating that you're devoting time to task of their job whether or not they hire you: "This is what I do. You should pay me to come do it for you."

Good luck.
posted by GPF at 1:37 PM on November 5, 2008 [1 favorite]

Oh, and...

I tend to say whatever comes into my head and I worry that I somehow messed up the interview by being too upfront at times. What are some dealbreakers during an interview, and if I made them what are some things I can do now to make up for them?

You're planting the seeds of regret, which stem from faulty memories. You gave it a shot - take heart.

Dealbreakers? That's a broad and highly specific concept. I don't think I could venture a general guess about all the ways an interview could go bad, let alone a potential cure. You know how it went. If one of them "seemed to like you" then you probably didn't do or say anything to immediately disqualify you.
posted by GPF at 1:47 PM on November 5, 2008

If they tell you that a decision should be made by such-and-such a date, and you hear nothing for a few days after that, I wouldn't think it remotely unreasonable to follow up. Sometimes letters sent via snail mail arrive late or get lost (which is why I don't think e-mail rejections are tacky, but instead helpful, in allowing you to move on as quickly as possible), and you have competing offers to worry about, or alternative plans to begin seriously considering. Otherwise, sending more information in, or a new relevant work sample, could be helpful to you as well as a potential employer.
posted by raysmj at 1:52 PM on November 5, 2008

If it is any comfort, I once got a phone call 3 and half months after the interview, just to tell me I didn't get the position. Makes me wonder if the sucker that got the job had to wait that long too.

Just hang tight, there's nothing you can do now.
posted by MagicEightBall at 1:57 PM on November 5, 2008

Go on more interviews.
posted by rhizome at 2:39 PM on November 5, 2008

I know this isn't really scientific, but it seems to be how the universe works. Every job I've ever gotten I've received the phone call/email or letter after I had given up on the position and started looking for other jobs (and often, after just starting another job). So try to move on! (I think dating seems to work the same way)
posted by ChloeMills at 4:44 PM on November 5, 2008

I'll try to answer your specific questions:

Thank you email vs. thank you snail mail: don't send a paper letter. Sending email is more conventional at this point. Sending snail mail now would just be weird. (If someone sent me mail, I wouldn't get it, since I only check my mailbox every couple months.)

You only heard back from one person: that is not typical, in that you actually heard back from someone! I would interpret this as a very favorable sign. The person who responded said they would keep you posted; trust them (it's only been a week and a half).

Dealbreakers: "I tend to say whatever comes into my head and I worry that I somehow messed up the interview by being too upfront at times. What are some dealbreakers during an interview, and if I made them what are some things I can do now to make up for them?" You are requesting tickets for a train destined to Paranoia-ville. People interviewing for a job generally lack candor; employers end up interviewing people who have a pat answer for everything. As a result, candor is a rare and valued quality. At my current position, I had a couple people tell me that the upfront way I answered questions put me on their yes list. Not to mention, let's say you did do a "dealbreaker" (I can't imagine what that would be, short of personally insulting the interviewer or admitting you lied on your resume): to bring it up now just calls attention to it.

"How can I deal with the fact that I'm going crazy waiting to find out what happens?": Remember that the people who interviewed you have other responsibilities besides filling this position. In fact, they're probably very busy because they don't have you yet! A week and a half seems like eternity to you because you're not saddled with projects, meetings, and way too much email. For your interviewers, it probably seems like 5 minutes ago.

How do I deal with the possibility of not getting it?: You distract yourself by interviewing for other jobs. Besides the obvious safety net benefit, you will be less invested in this position and thus more relaxed in any negotiation.

I hope this helps and good luck to you.
posted by sfkiddo at 10:33 PM on November 5, 2008

I just wanted to follow up with my earlier comment about when you move on things happen.

I am supposed to start a new job Monday. I just got an email today from a place I interviewed at 5 months ago wanting me to interview for an even better position than I originally interviewed for.


WHY does that always happen?
posted by ChloeMills at 10:36 AM on November 6, 2008

OH also - I disagree about the snail mail. I always send a nice real card - I think it makes you stick out from all the other people who just send emails.

It definitely can't hurt to send a real card. Send one made of recycled paper since it is an environmental job.
posted by ChloeMills at 10:38 AM on November 6, 2008