Job search is stressful, but what’s more stressful is waiting for for the outcome after an interview. For people looking for a job in the health care industry, the interview stage of a job application is the most challenging part of the entire ordeal. However, you have to understand that your evaluation doesn’t stop as soon as you finish the interview. It could take weeks or even months before they can come to a decision, so what do you do while waiting for the results? Here’s a quick list of tips that should keep you covered.

1. Thank the employer for the interview

With so many people trying to get into the healthcare industry, just being noticed among a sea of other job candidates is already a big thing. You can show your appreciation by writing a thank you note. It doesn’t have to be a long message as long as you tell them that you’re grateful that they gave you a chance to get the job.

2.Don’t badger the employer

The last thing you want is to lose your job because the employer thinks you’re annoying. That means you have to refrain from making unnecessary follow- ups. Employers often tell job candidates that they’ll call you back after some time – only after that time has passed should you consider calling for a follow-up. If nobody responds to your follow-up, that’s your sign to move on.

3. Prepare for second interview

If the employer thinks you’re a good fit for the job, there’s a good chance that you will be called in for a second interview. Take the time to know more about the company and any information that you could bring up later on during the follow-up interview. Employers like hiring people that know a lot about the company beforehand.

4. Use your connections

Never underestimate the power of having a broad network of people. Do you know someone that knows the recruiter? If so, you can try to shift the odds in your favor. Ask your contact to endorse you to the recruiter. Your contact can say something like they heard you applied recently and assure the recruiter that they’ll be lucky to have you in their company.

5. Start looking for other jobs

You know what’s worse than losing time just waiting for your interview results? Losing even more time because you don’t have any other interviews scheduled yet. While waiting for the results of your last job interview, you can look for other employers that offer the same job. That way, you get minimal downtime and spend more time applying.

6. If rejected, don’t ask for an explanation

In case the employer chooses to hire someone else, you have to accept things as it is. There’s no use asking the employer how they came up with the decision to reject your application: it’s because they think someone else is more suitable for the job. Besides, disputing their decision is a great way to lose further job opportunities from that employer.

7. Ask for possible further openings

Getting rejected doesn’t mean you should instantly cut off your connections with the recruiter. In fact, you should take that opportunity to show that you are interested in working for their company. Ask the employer to notify you in case they start accepting applications for another similar job. If you’re lucky, the employer might even put your name at the top of the list for people to invite.

You shouldn’t be just standing around waiting for something that might not even come in the first place. Knowing what to do while waiting for the results should help you spend more time looking for work and improving how you look to the recruiter as a potential hire.