Learn to wait expectantly
We're going to be in peak recruiting season for a while. Which means many of you are interviewing and in a perpetual state of waiting for feedback. You're replaying every detail of the interview and critiquing what you should have done differently, while simultaneously assigning new meaning to the responses of your interviewer. Take a deep breath and exhale. I want to offer a few tips to help you navigate those waiting periods while keeping your sanity intact.
Lead with positive thinking. First and foremost, it's rare to be interviewed for a role that you are not qualified for. Have confidence in knowing that you were invited to interview because you have peaked the interest of the recruiter and hiring team. Continue to remind yourself of this each time doubt starts to creep into your mind. You are more than worthy and there's no doubt that your opportunity is on its way, even if that means it isn't this one. Confident people are more clear in their decision making and communication. Your confidence will shine through in every interview, so it's critical to keep yourself focused on the positive attributes you have to offer. It's helpful to write things down to get them out of your head, so use writing as a way to manage your thoughts.
Be prepared to receive. Why not focus on hearing positive feedback instead of assuming things will not go your way? Being prepared to receive great news, the job offer, and all of the praise and excitement that goes along with positive news is the perfect way to stay focused on the positive. Even just reading this creates a sensation throughout your body, reminding you what it feels like to receive exactly what you have been waiting for and more. It's invigorating! Being prepared to receive, also means being prepared overall. What steps can you be taking right now to prepare for bigger and better things to come into your life? This can range from getting the necessary rest you need to organizing your interview talking points in preparation for the next round. All of the feedback you're giving yourself can be organized into cohesive talking points to help you prepare for the next interview. Don't delay in doing the necessary work to create the order required to receive more into your life. You have to be positioned to handle abundance before it is entrusted to you.
Exercise patience, while also following up where necessary. If you were given a time frame to expect feedback and that date has lapsed, it's completely fine to reach out to your point of contact and ask for an update. We are all human and at times, especially now when the job market is in full throttle, we fall behind schedule. Assuming positive intent will give you the push you need to just ask the question. Your recruiter wants to help you find your next great opportunity and they are happy to provide you with an update. A delayed response is almost always tied to something other than you (the candidate).
Lastly, remember that every interview is a learning opportunity. As you examine your own performance and review the feedback provided, you will be able to better prepare for the next interview. You are learning new information about how other companies work and gaining confidence in your interviewing skills. Each time you interview, you will offer stronger examples and more succinct responses. You will be a little less nervous each time and better prepared to ask the questions that are most important to you. Stand in your power and remember that you need to be diligent about properly vetting potential employers as much, if not more so, than they are evaluating you as a fit for their team.
It does get easier when you learn to wait expectantly.
*Written on a snowy Maryland morning, in the big chair.