Sometimes the most trying time in a job search is the waiting period between an interview that seemed to go well and finally receiving an offer or rejection letter. Oftentimes, this state of limbo drags on for weeks. Hiring decisions that take months are not unheard of, either. Fortunately, there are steps you can take in the interim to boost your chances of getting hired, whether by this particular employer or another you’ve yet to meet.
Send an outstanding thank you note. Almost everyone agrees that a thank you note – whether by email or good, old-fashioned snail mail – is a must. So is sending it within 24 hours of your interview. However, if you want to really wow the hiring manager receiving your thanks, you need to do more than copy a generic template off the internet. Instead, find a way to add value to your message. Referencing an article related to your industry is one way to do this. So is including additional details that illustrate your ability to succeed in the job for which he or she is considering you. This may include following up on key interview questions or filling in gaps in your career narrative.
Evaluate your performance. While it’s possible you’ll receive an offer, there’s always a chance, no matter how well you got along with the hiring manager, that you won’t. Take some time to think about your experience and evaluate what worked (or didn’t work) about your approach. Should you have spent more time researching the company? Would you have benefited from preparing responses to a wider variety of questions? Make a plan to address these issues before your next interview.
Get in touch with your references. If the hiring manager asked for your references, there’s a very good chance she is going to call them. Don’t let them be caught off guard. Instead, reach out to each one with a copy of your current resume and a few notes on the skills and experiences they can speak about that best illustrate your employment suitability. This is a great time for them to endorse or recommend you on LinkedIn as well. Hiring managers often review social media profiles when considering potential employees, and glowing reviews from your references will only improve your chances.
Avoid making a nuisance of yourself. Whatever you do, don’t pester a potential employer. You should have received information about the next steps at the end of your interview. If you didn’t, it’s appropriate to ask for clarification when you send your thank you note. Then wait until the designated time before you follow up. For example, if you were told the hotel would be interviewing candidates for at least two more weeks before choosing a candidate, do not call the hiring manager until at least 14 days have passed. If he doesn’t return your phone call, you can reach out once more. If you still don’t receive a response, it’s probably time to move on.
Attend an industry networking event. Not only are hospitality industry tradeshows, association meetings, and other events a great place to meet potential employers (or people who can put you in touch with potential employers), but they also provide you with plenty of opportunities to practice your body language, talking about your industry, and presenting yourself professionally.
Stay positive, but keep searching. Whether you’re currently unemployed or trying to find a new position before you leave your old one, don’t lose momentum. It can be tempting to take some time off from the job search after a really great interview. However, doing so may cause you to miss out on even better positions that other employers are posting right now! Stick to your established job search routine – whatever that might be – and don’t hesitate to apply for additional opportunities or go on other interviews.
Use rejection to build bridges. An employer who chooses not to hire you for one particular hospitality position may still be open to considering you for another. Accept the rejection gracefully and thank the employer for her consideration. Make sure she knows that you would be happy to be considered for future opportunities that may arise, and arrange a way to stay in touch (such as through LinkedIn or the occasional email) to ensure you aren’t forgotten.