Tracking your job search is essential, especially when it comes to applications and interviews. This becomes even more critical if you're working with an external recruiter. Keeping a detailed list helps you stay on top of where your resume has been sent and ensures you’re aware of each opportunity. I’ve seen candidates who let recruiters send their resumes out without keeping track, leading to confusion and missed opportunities. By staying organized, you can avoid these pitfalls and maintain control over your job search.

To keep track of your interview status and feedback, use a platform you're already comfortable with. * Excel is great for organizing dates, contact info, and next steps. * Trello offers a more visual approach with boards to track progress. * If you're looking for something tailored to job searches, consider JibberJobber, which helps manage multiple applications and follow-ups. JibberJobber used to offer more for free, but sadly, they've scaled back the free version. The key is not reinventing the wheel; use something that already helps you stay organized.

I once called a candidate during our scheduled interview and she said: Would you remind me of the name of your company and the position I applied for? EEK. It is important to keep track of upcoming and past interviews. I suggest an Excel or simple database where you keep track of the company, the title and names of the individuals who interviewed you, the primary topics discussed during the interview, and any timelines discussed for the next steps. You can leverage this list for networking purposes. In any industry, you may come across these individuals again. And they will be impressed when you remember them.

To effectively track your interview status and feedback, create a detailed spreadsheet with columns for each stage, date, interviewer, and key notes. Regularly update this sheet after each interaction, noting any feedback or follow-ups required. Additionally, setting calendar reminders for follow-up emails can help maintain timely communication and ensure no steps are missed in the process.

During interviews, many a times there might be inconsistency or delay in feedback. Its always advisable to ask for open and constructive feedback if it is not shared on a timely basis. Be polite and professional while asking for feedback by sending follow-up mails/ over phone by not annoying the Recruiter. Sharing Thank-You mail by projecting your interest to explore the role, how do you feel about the discussion, what you felt good. These things will help Recruiters & hiring managers to know you are showing genuine interest and doing proper follow-up.

Additionally, requesting feedback demonstrates your commitment to personal growth and can leave a positive impression on potential employers. Remember to keep the tone of your request appreciative and open-minded.

Seeking feedback is vital; however, it is how you respond to it that sets you apart. As in my experience with the Afghanistan interview, highlighted in other interview preparation articles here, I actively engaged with the feedback and, treating it like a second interview I took the opportunity to further evidence the value I could have offered have I been successful, and offered my best wishes to the organisation and the successful candidates. Not only did this evidence that I respond well to setbacks and look for opportunities for continuous professional development, when one of the successful candidates pulled out, I was the person they came to offer me the opportunity again. That's how I secured my last Afghanistan mission.

When you are on an interview, often times it's difficult to gauge how well you are doing. Instead of wondering what the interviewer is thinking, here are a few questions to ask which will give instant feedback and a chance to provide critical information about yourself: 1. "Can you share any concerns you have about my fit for this role?" 2. "What skills do you think are most critical for this position?" 3. "Do you think my experience aligns well with the team's current needs?" 4. "Is there anything else you need to know about my background?" 5. "What are the next steps in the hiring process?" These questions provide insight into your performance and the interviewer's perspective.

Considero valido como entrevistador, cuando el candidato pregunta que expectativas tenemos con la persona que se entrevista, debemos ser claros con lo que se requiere y honestos desde el primer momento.

After an interview, send a handwritten thank-you note to each interviewer immediately. Yes, it's old-fashioned, but it makes a big impression. Keep stationery, envelopes, and stamps in your car. Write personalized notes for each person you met—don't use the same message as they might compare. Drop the notes in the nearest mailbox for next-day delivery. This gesture shows your serious interest in the company and helps you stand out from other candidates. No one else is doing this!

If you haven't had an interview yet, send a message to the recruiter instantly after you have submitted your application. If you had an interview, follow up a day after the deadline the recruiter mentioned during the interview.

Follow-up should not be rocket science. A simple WhatsApp message will be good enough to learn how far they are in the recruitment process.

Sending a follow up message is key, for certain roles, particularly anything client facing, not sending a follow up is often seen as lack of commerciality. Be more detailed than 'thanks for the interview, I am interested'. You need to show what you learnt about the job and the company, and why your skills and experience are a great fit.

1) Send a thank you within 24-hours of the initial interview. While handwritten notes are more personable, I learned that by the time the handwritten note gets to the interviewer, the position is filled (happened to me a lot). I do thank you e-mails. 2) If I don't receive a response in a week from the interview, I will send another follow-up. Reiterate your interest in the job. 3) I will follow up at the 2-week mark. It has been my experience that if I haven't heard back by the 3-week part, I may never hear back but there have been jobs that I have REALLY been interested in where I will reach out a few more times.

When there is a little longer waiting period between interview discussions, it might be for multiple reasons. There might be factors like internal changes or changes in hiring decisions, etc. Its all about patience. If you have any updates, you can share with them as in final discussions with any other companies, offers-in-hand, etc which will help them make the decisions on right time also help Recruiters to push the business.

The current time to hire is longer than ever and there are multiple stages. The interview process can take weeks or even months so its important not to lose faith in the process. I always recommend making notes after each interview so you can refresh your memory if its been a while.

The hiring process takes time. During the hiring process, many things can happen, such as a change in management, budget, needs, priorities, etc. Sometimes, a delay in communication adds more time. It is natural to create stories about the pace of the process or the silence. However, focus on what you can control. Use this time to keep applying, networking, and improving your interviewing skills.

I'd also recommend keeping a brief journal of your experiences. Write down the questions you were asked and how you felt during the interview. Did you feel confident and articulate? Were there any moments of self-doubt? Reflecting on these emotional aspects can provide valuable insights into your overall performance and help you identify areas for growth. Remember, the interview process is a journey of self-discovery and improvement. Every experience, whether successful or not, is a step closer to landing your dream job Pro Tip: In addition to documenting your performance, try to save the questions you were asked during each interview. This is a valuable resource for future preparation, you may get asked similar questions in other companies

Every interview is a learning experience. You can learn about the process, yourself, and others. Track and take notes so you can implement the new knowledge. While getting an offer might be the goal, the insights and wisdom you gain during the process are valuable. Get into the habit of celebrating small wins so you keep the motivation.

Feedback is not just a step in the interview process; it's a critical component of your personal and professional growth. As Brené Brown emphasises, "Feedback is a function of respect; when someone is giving you feedback, it's because they care about your development." Even when difficult, feedback is a gift that allows you to reflect, adapt, and improve. Feedback helps identify areas to refine, such as your skills and approach, to become a stronger candidate. Angela Duckworth, known for her work on grit, would likely emphasise the importance of perseverance in the face of constructive criticism: “Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.” Endure and grow through the feedback process, using it as fuel to drive ongoing development.