Don't necessarily give an answer immediately if the employer makes an
offer. Ask for a few days to think about it.
Do ask about the next step in the process if you don't receive an
offer. How soon will a decision be made, and how will they let you
know?
Do try to collect the business card of everyone you meet with. Keep a
small notepad handy to write down names in case there's someone from
whom you can't get a card.
Don't forget the send a thank-you note or e-mail to everyone you meet
with. That's right -- every single person. Aren't you glad you
collected those business cards? You can write the same basic message
to all, but vary it a bit in case they compare notes.
Do realize that you have some degree of control if the interview
process drags on. A job-seeker who had gone on six interviews with
one employer and still had not heard a decision recently sought
advice from Ask the Headhunter
columnist Nick Corcodilos. Corcodilos's first-choice response was to
simply ignore the indecisive company and pursue other opportunities.
But he also noted that the job-seeker could offer a polite ultimatum:
"I appreciate that you have internal reasons for this taking so long.
However, I need to make decisions about some other commitments I'm
facing. I'd like to set a deadline for us both, say, two weeks? If
your team can't make a decision by that point, I need to withdraw my
candidacy for the job and move on. I want you to know how much I've
looked forward to working with you. I know I can do this job
profitably for you, and I want to join your team."
Do remember that most of the guidelines that apply to first
interviews also relate to second interviews.
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