At the conclusion of the interview, it is essential to convey a positive and enthusiastic attitude to the interviewer. Thank them sincerely for their time, and reiterate your strong interest in the position. If the interviewer has not yet specified when the hiring decision will be communicated, it is appropriate to ask directly so you can prepare accordingly for the next steps.
Upon returning home, take time to document all the questions you were asked during the interview. Maintain a dedicated “Interview Journal” to record a summary of the experience and reflect on how you might have responded differently if given more preparation time.
If you are invited to a first interview but are subsequently informed that you will not be advancing to the next stage, take comfort in knowing that the employer initially viewed your resume as strong enough to warrant an interview. This means they saw potential in your qualifications. Any change in their assessment likely occurred during the interview itself.
In such cases, carefully reflect on whether you provided compelling, concrete examples to support your strengths and demonstrated professionalism and confidence throughout the conversation. Particularly while the interview questions are still fresh in your mind, review your responses to challenging questions and assess their effectiveness.
Requesting feedback from the employer can be highly beneficial. At worst, they may decline to provide details; at best, you may receive valuable insights to guide your improvement. If you are uncertain about how to enhance your interview performance, we encourage you to consult with a career advisor from your school, the master/P.h.D. program or Career Planning and Development Office.
