It is often tempting to think that upon completion of a good interview, the job search is over and done with. However, it may be worth holding off on calling it a day.

A good interview
Most people have experienced the disappointment of having a good interview – and second interview - and then being told that they haven’t got the job.

Some key signs of having had a good interview include:

• It goes on longer than your allotted time
• You are asked as to how you would handle the job in hand
• Your interviewers encourage you when you are stuck on a point
• You are asked a few conversational – even personal - questions.
• You are warmly thanked, or even praised, for your attendance

The interview process
Understanding the interview process can help clarify the reasoning behind not obtaining the job in question, despite it going well.

Once interviewing is over, the employer (or the panel that interviews you) will discuss your good points and bad points minutely. They will also have to analyse you, correctly or incorrectly, to draw up a short list.

In any competitive environment there will be a lot of candidates going for your job. While your skills and attitude may genuinely impress, it’s important to remember so may someone else’s.

The bottom line.
Where you, and several other candidates are equally suitable, the decision may simply be made on the basis of the candidate with the least perceived faults.

Remember, at the end of the day, an employer has to make a judgement on who will not only do the job but who will fit into the existing culture and be a better long term bet.

Also one of the most obvious reasons for not getting a certain job is that you may simply be over qualified. Any good employer will know when you have too much calibre for the job being discussed.

Continuing the search
You will no doubt have applied for several jobs – likewise, the employer may well have several short-listed favourites. You simply cannot afford to wait around for the one you want.

If your star choices are taking too long to respond, you don’t want to be turning down other good offers.

In this case, polite enquiry as to when your preferred choice of employer may be making a decision is a perfectly legitimate enquiry on your part. If they really want you they’ll be positive and responsive, if they are badly organised, or evasive, you may be better off crossing them off your list.

Multiple job offers.
After having a good interview, continuing the job search may also cause the problem of being faced with multiple job offers simultaneously. Choosing the right one requires knowing exactly what you want. This could range from the job itself, or the rewards, or even the convenience of the location.

It may also be worth investigating the full package of each option available. See which offer provides not only the best financial security but also holidays, sick leave, bonuses, promotion opportunities etc. It may even help creating a good old fashioned pros and cons list or talking to someone you trust.

Responding to your offers
Finally, when you’re responding to an offer, be totally professional and always do so in the time you have been given or agreed upon.

When accepting, a simple, positive response along the lines of: ‘I have decided to accept your offer and look forward to working with you’, is perfectly acceptable. When declining an offer, however, also be positive and courteous; thank them for the opportunity and never burn bridges. You never know who you might be in contact with again in the future!

Quite simply, one of the golden rules of working life is that you should never rely on getting a job simply because you had a good interview. The fact is, that if you continually have good interviews, sooner or later, and probably sooner, you will get the job and career you want.