If they don’t say, it’s up to you to suggest the next step
➔ Regardless of how the process went or how many persons involved, in some cases the end of the interview may be the most important part of the entire experience.
Imagine you’ve had (what you perceive to be, at least) a successful interview. What now? The innate reaction is to stand, shake hands, express well wishes and exit the room. That’s all well and good except that you’ve omitted the most important act.
Moving on
In the parlance of the sales profession – and let’s not forget, looking for a job is a sales job in that you’re selling yourself and/or your professional services – successful sales people are instructed to “close the deal.” As someone selling yourself, doesn’t it make sense that you would do the same?
In realty, “closing the deal” doesn’t necessarily mean signing the contact, or in the job seekers case, getting and accepting a job offer. In this case, “closing the deal” also can be interpreted as keeping the deal alive. Even though you haven’t received an offer, that doesn’t mean that you’re out of the running either.
Closing the deal at the end of the interview simply means to establish the next step. “If I don’t hear back from you (by the end of the week, the first of the month, end of day tomorrow… whatever/whenever) can I call you?” (Or, email you; or text you; etc.) And before you leave, whatever the next step is, be certain that you have it takes… like that person’s direct line number, email address, etc.
It’s your responsibility to keep the deal alive until they end it.