You made it through your residency interview and can finally breathe a sigh of relief — but your job isn't over quite yet. You put so much time and effort into perfecting your interview, but don't neglect what comes immediately after, because this is just as important. Here are five tips for post-interview success.

5 Things You Should Do After Your Residency Interview

1. Send a Thank-You Email

A few days after your interview (don't wait too long!), send an email to the program director, at the very least. You can also follow up with anyone else you were communicating with during the interview process. Be sure to email them individually with a personalized message.Keep your email concise, but be sure to thank them for the opportunity and their time, and reiterate your interest in the program.Bear in mind that it's fully possible a program requests you don't send anything. If that's the case, follow their directions. Others might say it's appropriate to do, and other programs might go so far as to give you the address to send thank-you letters to.Note: Handwritten letters used to be the norm, but these days, emails are considered acceptable, if not preferable. It's more manageable for the recipient, and it ensures your message gets to them when you want it to.

2. Ask Any New Questions You Have

While, by this point, you've likely had many opportunities to ask plenty of questions, there's a good chance that after your interview, you have even more.There's nothing wrong with reaching out for clarification on any vital matters you're unsure of. In fact, oftentimes, one of the interviewers will be a resident. If they provide contact information to reconnect with them, feel free to use it!Similar to the above point, avoid sending the same questions, verbatim, to the same people. Craft each email so that it's personalized for the recipient.

3. Consider a Second Look, But Only if it's in Your Best Interest

Sometimes, post-interview, a program will offer you a "second look." If you accept, it might remind them of your interest in their program. However, if they don't offer it and you instead request one, it could rub them the wrong way.Importantly, only go if you're invited — never show up announced.

4. Keep Diligent Notes on Your Experiences

Immediately after each interview, be sure to take detailed notes about your impression of the program. Developing your rank list is a critical part of gaining residency, making it a crucial part of the process.

5. Keep the Details of Your Interviews Private

Refrain from sharing any information about your interviews on your social media. In fact, ideally, by this point on your journey, you've cleaned up your social media in general. While not all admissions committees will do an online search for you to see what they find, as the applicant, your best bet is to assume that they will. Take care of your digital footprint.Need help managing your residency interview or another part of your clinical experience? Contact C.H.H.A. today.