Are you a web developer searching for your next career opportunity? You may have mastered the steps to job applications and interview preparation. However, you still have some next steps to take for post-interview success.
Many interviewees will do anything to stand out and show they are the right person for the role. Yet, there are only five key steps you must take to increase your chances of getting a job offer.
1. Promptly Send a Thank-You Note
Once you have had an interview, one of the first things you should do is send a thank-you letter. A general rule of thumb is to send it within 24 hours post-interview. However, many people like to send it almost immediately after the interview because it expresses your interest in the role.
Sending a thank-you note soon after the interview demonstrates that you care. It signals to the employer that you are diligent and eager for the next phase. Secondly, you ensure you are still fresh in the interviewer’s mind. This helps you stand out from other candidates, highlighting your promptness and courtesy.
A thank-you letter is vital because it offers a chance to showcase your professionalism. It also displays your gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity they gave you. To ensure you send your thank-you letter on time, start by preparing in advance.
Think about the key points you wish to mention in the letter before your interview. Then, once your meeting is over, you can personalize your letter by adding specific details from it. This will make your note more unique and relevant.
Lastly, while email is the most immediate and commonly accepted method, handwritten letters also add a personal touch. Although more traditional, it can leave a lasting impression and showcase your dedication to the role.
2. Connect on LinkedIn
Connecting with your interviewer on LinkedIn is strategic because they are more likely to remember you. Statistics show a profile makes an applicant 71% more likely to get an interview. If candidates can get an foot in the dor by making connections on LinkedIn, they may have a higher chance of getting the role.
They may be more likely to get the job because an accepted connection shares more about your professional journey. From the content you share to others’ posts you’ve engaged with, these activities show how proactive you are in your industry. The interviewer can learn more about your professional background and take more of a liking to you for the role.
Additionally, connecting with an interviewer expands your network. Even if you end up taking a different path, you still have that person in the circle of people you know. Every connection is an open door to opportunities. You never know if there will be other openings in the future.
When connecting with your interview, send a personalized connection request. Tell them how much you enjoyed talking with them and mention any mutual interests. That way, you make your request more compelling.
3. Follow Up With Additional Information
In post-interviews, your goal should be to stand out as much as possible. Today’s job market is exceptionally competitive for individuals in the creative and technology fields. That is why it is important to follow up your interview by providing additional information about your skills and expertise.
Doing so provides more depth to your work. You offer more details and provide proof of how proficient you are for the job. It is the difference between saying you can do something and showing you have done it.
For web developers, they can share a wealth of materials post-interview. This can include portfolio links to web design projects you have recently worked on. You could even share pieces of code, especially those relevant to the job’s tech stack.
This will give the interviewer insight into your technical skills and coding style. Yet, be sure the information you share relates to the job you are applying for. For instance, if you have interviewed for a front-end developer role, you could share your proficiency with frameworks like React or Vue by providing samples.
4. Maintain Communication and Stay Engaged
Once your interview ends, your role as a candidate continues. You must stay in communication with the interviewer for several reasons. For one, keeping those lines open establishes rapport.
An ongoing dialogue often builds a professional relationship, enhancing your standing in their eyes. Additionally, regular touchpoints show your commitment. When you maintain communication, you subtly show your enthusiasm for the role and display your interest.
While staying engaged is crucial, it also benefits you in the end. In addition to maintaining a door open at their organization, you also gain access to their wider network. They may not need you for the job, but know one that’s perfect for you with one of their partners.
When staying in touch with the organization, consider following up in a respectable amount of time. Staying engaged is always essential, but be respectful of the hiring timeline. The interviewer may have shared a specific date or how long it may take to hear back from them. If they gave you this information, let the time pass and wait at least a day to reach out.
5. Reflect On Your Interview Experience
No matter the outcome of an interview, each one offers an opportunity for introspection and growth. As a web developer, reflecting upon your experience can help refine your technical and interpersonal skills for future interviews.
To fully assess yourself from the interview, start replaying it in your mind. Were there questions that caught you off guard? Was there a technical query you could have answered better? Identify these moments to understand where you excel and may need additional practice for next time.
In addition to a self-assessment, consider asking the interviewer for feedback. Some are open to providing constructive criticism, while others may skip the response due to their shortage of time.
If you can receive feedback, the outside perspective will give you a different view of your performance. More often than not, interviewers appreciate the proactivity and professionalism displayed in asking for feedback. Their insights show areas where you can make improvements.
Taking the Steps for Post-Interview Success
If you applied for your dream job and the interview went exceedingly well, now is your time to shine. Many candidates miss out on a job offer because of what they do not do post-interview. Instead, they anxiously await an answer and try nothing to distinguish themselves from other web developers.
If you follow the steps listed here, you can set yourself up for success. Increase your chances of getting hired by using these tips to prepare for your next job interview.
Eleanor Hecks is editor-in-chief at Designerly Magazine. She was the creative director at a digital marketing agency before becoming a full-time freelance designer. Eleanor lives in Philly with her husband and pup, Bear.
