The interview process doesn't always end the minute you walk out the door. There may be a few things you have to do to follow up.

It is a good idea to find out at the end of the interview when a hiring decision will be made and what your next contact with the employer should be.

If the employer is supposed to call you on a certain day, make sure you are home to receive the call.

• If you are not called at the time the employer set, you should make a followup call to him or her.

If you have arranged to call the employer back, make sure you do it on the day that you agreed upon at the interview.

If no arrangement has been made and you have not heard back from the employer in about two weeks, you can give him or her a call to find out the status of the hiring process. Many employers will only call back the successful candidate, so this may be your only way to find out for sure that you did not get the job.

Speak with the person who interviewed you.

Introduce yourself and remind the interviewer why you are calling. Don't assume he/she will remember.

The hiring process may take longer than you or they expected. If a decision has not yet been made, ask if you can call back and find out when it would be appropriate to do so. Don't harass them by phoning every day. If you don't show patience, the potential employer may not either.

If you do not get the job, it's perfectly alright to ask why in a tactful and sincere manner.

Example: "Can you tell me what would have made me a better candidate for the position?"

1. Ask if the employer is aware of any other job openings in your line of work (this continues to show your interest).
2. Thank them for their time and for considering you.
3. Don't burn any bridges. The person they decide to hire may decline for some reason, or the employer might be hiring again in the near future. You also never know who the employer knows and if you decide to vent your frustration, the word might get around, especially if you are looking for a job or career in a small profession.

If you are offered the position, it is good to show your enthusiasm, but remember to get the following vital information:

1. When you start work (you may need to negotiate this if you are currently working or going to school).
2. Salary (you may also negotiate this -- but make sure you have done your research!).
3. Hours of work - shifts/overtime, benefits, vacation.
4. Dress codes/uniforms.

Remember to check out our section on Keeping Your Job.

Thank the employer, even if you didn't get the job. You never know when they might hire again.