How can you effectively follow up after a nursing job interview?

1 Send a thank-you note

One of the simplest and most courteous ways to follow up after a nursing job interview is to send a thank-you note to the interviewer or the hiring manager. This shows your appreciation for their time and interest, and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role. You can send a thank-you note via email or mail, depending on your preference and the company culture. Try to send it within 24 hours of the interview, and keep it brief, professional, and personalized. Mention something specific that you discussed during the interview, restate your qualifications and fit for the position, and express your eagerness to hear from them.

2 Update your references

Another important step to follow up after a nursing job interview is to update your references on your status and the details of the position. Your references are your allies in the hiring process, and they can provide positive feedback and recommendations to the employer. Make sure you have their consent and contact information, and let them know when and by whom they might be contacted. You can also share some highlights from your interview, the main skills and qualities that the employer is looking for, and any questions or concerns that you have.

3 Track your progress

To stay organized and proactive, you should track your progress and keep a record of your follow-up actions after each nursing job interview. You can use a spreadsheet, a calendar, or a notebook to document the date, time, and outcome of each interview, the name and contact information of each interviewer, the thank-you notes that you sent, the feedback that you received, and the next steps that you need to take. This will help you avoid missing deadlines, sending duplicate messages, or forgetting important details.

4 Stay in touch

Depending on the hiring timeline and the communication style of the employer, you may want to stay in touch with them until you receive a final decision. This can help you demonstrate your continued interest and professionalism, and remind them of your value as a potential employee. However, you should also be respectful of their time and avoid being too persistent or pushy. You can follow up with a polite email or phone call every one or two weeks, depending on the situation. You can also use this opportunity to ask about the status of your application, restate your interest in the position, and provide any additional information or documents that they may request.

5 Handle rejection gracefully

Unfortunately, not every nursing job interview will result in a job offer. If you are rejected, you should handle it gracefully and respectfully. You can send a thank-you note to the employer for considering you and giving you feedback, and express your appreciation for the opportunity. You can also ask for permission to keep in touch with them for future openings, and request any suggestions or advice on how to improve your skills or qualifications. You should also reflect on your interview performance and identify your strengths and areas for improvement. This will help you learn from your experience and prepare for your next nursing job interview.

6 Celebrate your success

If you are offered the nursing job that you interviewed for, you should celebrate your success and be proud of yourself. You have worked hard to showcase your skills, knowledge, and personality, and you have impressed the employer with your qualifications and fit for the role. You should also respond to the offer promptly and professionally, and negotiate the terms and conditions of your employment, such as the salary, benefits, and start date. You should also inform your references and other employers that you have accepted an offer, and thank them for their support. Finally, you should prepare for your transition to your new job, and look forward to your new career journey.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?