If you haven’t heard back a week after your interview, or on the day they said they would contact you, chase it up. There is no harm in showing you are interested in following up after your interview. Remember that job interviews are a two-way street – not only do you want this job; but the employer is interested enough and wants you too… that’s why they saw you!

Questions to ask after your interview

What do you think are the most important qualities for someone to excel in this role?

This can often lead to valuable information that’s not in the job description. It can help you learn about the company culture and expectations so you can show that you are a good fit.

What are your expectations for this role during the first 30 days, 60 days, year?

Find out what your employer’s expectations are for the person in this position.

What are the next steps in the interview process?

This shows that you are eager to move forward in the process. It will also help you gain important information about the timeline for hiring so that you can follow up appropriately.

Ask for a new deadline date

A simple email or phone call (leaving a message rather than asking to speak to the interviewer) shows the potential employer that you’re still interested and you are keen. It shows that you are the sort of person that will not wait for things to drop in their lap, instead you are determined and will take action. These are good traits for employers to see in potential candidates. If they are unable to confirm straight away, then don’t be scared to ask when you can expect to hear from them.

What one piece of advice would you give to someone who is about to start in this role?

Whilst not to get ahead of yourself, there’s no harm in posing such a question during converse to prepare yourself for the future.

Questions to ask if you did not get the job

From what you have seen, is there anything you think I could have improved upon, or any reason why you think I am not suitable for this role?

If you didn’t get the job then ask them if there is anything that they think you can improve upon. Ask them why they do not think you are suitable for the role or what the successful candidate had that you did not. By asking for feedback, you are showing the potential employer that you’re willing to improve. It will also tell you what they are looking for if they hire for a similar job in the future; ideal if this is a company you truly want to work for.

Expect feedback to be brief, and that’s okay

Sometimes feedback will be short and brief, so try to be as direct with your questions as possible (ie. “did I handle the question about working under pressure well?” or “do you felt I told you enough about my past experiences and how they could aid me in this position?”).

Please do keep me in mind for any future roles

A really great thing to ask after the interview if you find out you haven’t got the job is for the company to keep your details on file. This shows initiative and that you are really interested in working for that company. Just because they have kept your details on file, it doesn’t mean you have to say ‘yes’ if they offer you a job in the future. However, it means that the option is available to you. Finally, follow the company on social media to look for vacancy updates to be one of the first few they see.

If you’ve just heard you’ve not got the job from an interview then why not give the team at Recruit Mint a call? We can review your CV for you, recommend some suitable jobs we have for you and give you some interview tips too. Alternatively, please feel free to check out our current job vacancies available in Peterborough and surrounding areas.