So you just completed an interview, the first one you’ve had in about a month or more.  You’re probably feeling anxious about your chances of landing the job or at least getting a call back. What can you do to calm your nerves and make sure that you play it cool with the employer? Let’s take a look at a few tips:

1. When your interview has ended, casually ask the interviewer when they expect to make a hiring decision.  For example, you might ask, “When are you planning to hire someone for this position?”  Don’t ask, “So when can I expect to hear from you? Today? Tomorrow?”  That type of question may come off as desperate. Plus, you don’t want to corner the interviewer and put them on the spot.
2. Make sure that you follow-up with the interviewer within a few days.  Send a thank you letter and make sure that the name and title of the interviewer is correct. If there were multiple interviewers, send each an individualized thank you note.  If you haven’t heard from the employer within 7 to 10 days, feel free to do a follow-up call.  And then wait.  Avoid calling multiple times and asking the employer why you haven’t heard from them.  While you may be ready to start working, your anxiousness could be off-putting or annoying.  Remember, the employer is probably interviewing other candidates and dealing with other issues related to their job.  So, give them time to respond.
3. Don’t become so obsessed with your latest interview that you stop your job search. Make sure that you continue sending out resumes and booking interviews even if you feel confident that you will be hired. Remember, the more options you have as a job candidate, the more leverage you will gain when it comes to negotiating salary and benefits.