A Guide to Post-Interview Sanity

You've done it! You survived the job interview, remembered to unmute yourself on the video call (mostly), and only had one minor coffee mishap before the big moment. Now comes the truly challenging part – waiting for the result. Here's your survival guide for maintaining your sanity during this peculiar limbo period.

Step 1: Stop Stalking Your Email

I know it is hard to believe, but checking your email every five minutes won't make a response appear any faster. It's like watching a pot of water boil, except the pot might take days or weeks to get there. 

Step 2: Keep That Job Hunt Rolling

Remember the old saying, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket"? Well, this is especially true when those eggs are potential job offers. Keep applying, networking, and interviewing. Go back and update your resume again, polish your LinkedIn profile, and keep applying for positions that catch your eye. Who knows? You might stumble upon your dream job while waiting for the first one to get back to you. 

Step 3: Continue Living Your Best Life

Yes, this job could be "the one," but your life and your current job growth shouldn't go on pause while you wait. Dive back into your daily routine. Keep:

• Working on any side projects you have going
• Having network coffee catch ups
• Exercising and keeping yourself healthy
• Catching up with friends and going to work events
• Wowing people with the work you are currently doing
• Learning new skills - online courses are plentiful now
• Seek out stretch projects at work

Step 4: Maintain Perspective and Stay Positive

Remember that no matter what happens, this is just one opportunity of many. If this door closes, another will open. While it’s easy to spiral into a vortex of “What ifs,” try to channel your inner optimist. Think of it this way: every day you wake up is a new opportunity and your worth isn't determined by one interview outcome.

Step 5: Keep Networking

Instead of overthinking every answer you gave in the interview, redirect that energy into expanding your network. While your mind is firmly focused on the future it is an ideal time to reach out and connect with others in your field. Attend networking events (virtual or in-person), join professional groups on social media, or even just grab coffee with someone who works in your industry. Not only does this keep you engaged, but it also opens up new opportunities.

Step 6: Practice Patience (And Deep Breathing)

Waiting can be tough! Consider adopting some mindfulness techniques to help ease anxiety during this uncertain time. And let me give a plug to the Positive Intelligence Mental Fitness program I run. The calmness, positivity, productivity, and relatedness skills you learn will set you up for success whether it is in a new role, or continuing to flourish where you are.

The Bottom Line

The post-interview waiting period is like being stuck in a very boring episode of your favorite show – you know something's going to happen, but the pacing is terrible. The key is to keep moving forward while maintaining a healthy balance between hope and realism.

Embrace this time as an opportunity to focus on yourself and explore new avenues—after all, life is too short to spend it stressing over what might be. So go ahead and enjoy those Netflix marathons, polish that resume, and keep those positive vibes flowing! You’ve got this!