how to follow up after an interview.
This one is for everyone who still hasn’t figured out how to go through job interviewing without getting their heart rate up.
Days before an interview is scheduled, anticipatory stress kicks in. We dream up all sorts of scary scenarios and forget how sleeping works. On the actual day of the interview, nerves take over, hearts racing, palms getting sweaty. And then, when the interview ends, the stress doesn’t just disappear. No, that’s when post-event stress sets in—where your mind is playing a highlight reel of the interview over and over again, making you second-guess every one of your answers and worry about the outcome.
It’s quite the journey. So, after sharing everything I learned as a recruiter about how to emotionally and logistically prepare for an interview, it seems best to share what a post-interview routine could look like, too. It’s likely not going to calm you down completely, but at least you’ll have done some practical bits and taken care of yourself—which, to me, sounds like a lot to get done after an interview.
Treat yourself. Before you do anything else, pat yourself on the back. Well done, you! With some rare exceptions, interviews are stressful—and you just made it through one. How about you hydrate first and then do something grounding and rewarding? Maybe you’d like to buy yourself flowers? Or go for a stroll through the park to look at the cute doggies? How about signing up for a yoga class in the evening? Anything that helps you unwind is a go here. And hey, you did it!
Follow up and stay in touch. Once you feel like yourself again, send a quick thank you note to your interviewer (or the recruiter who’s guiding you through the process). I suggest mentioning something that resonated with you about the conversation. This highlights how attentive and genuinely interested you are. If you don’t hear back from them for a few days, feel free to politely ask for an update.
Connect with people. Regardless of what the interview's outcome will be, it’s always a great idea to expand your professional network. Send a LinkedIn connection request not only to the recruiter you spoke with but to some team members too. Make sure to share a brief note about why you’d appreciate being in touch, whether it's to follow their career paths within the company or to learn more about their professional journey.
Learn and regroup. Schedule some time on your agenda to reflect on how the interview went. Identify topics that you approached confidently and others where you felt less secure. Be kind to yourself and see the interview as an opportunity to refine your skills more than a test. If you receive feedback from your interviewer(s), separate it from your self-worth and take on what feels constructive. Focus on the process—embracing a growth mindset is the best thing you can do!
Lean on your support crew. Reach out to supportive friends, dialed-in family members, or maybe even a professional—whoever you trust for moral support and a pep talk. Getting reassurance can make a big difference while you wait for feedback. And remember that feeling overwhelmed or exhausted after an interview is absolutely normal. The more you open up about it, the more you’ll find others feeling the same—and you’ll soon have new finger-crossing friends surrounding you.
about the author:
Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.
