The worst thing you can do after a job interview is sit around and wait for the phone to ring. Instead, be proactive. If your interview went well, what you do afterward may be the difference between landing the job and coming in second. If your interview didn't go as planned, following these tips may open the door for future opportunities and help you improve your performance at your next job interview.

Write a Thank You Letter
It's considered proper job-hunting etiquette to send a thank you letter. Write and deliver your letter within two days. Stress that you still want the job and address any concerns you picked up on during the interview. For example, if the possibility of relocation came up during the meeting, you may want to mention that you are open to moving.

Use what you know about the company to select a delivery method. If the organization is forward thinking, technology-friendly and values speed over formality, an e-mail will get the job done. On the other hand, if you're dealing with a traditional company that embraces formality and pomp, an actual letter delivered by hand or the post office is your best bet. If you spoke with more than one person during your interview, send a letter to each of them .

Call
During your interview, you should have gotten some indication about when the final hiring decision would be made. Call the company in question a couple of days after this deadline, but try not to call on a Monday. Mondays are often a hectic time for managers and human resource workers.

If you don't hear anything back the first time, try again after a couple of days. If you still don't get a response, call it a day. You may come off as overly eager, desperate or as a pest if you try again.

Ask for Feedback
Maybe your interviewer thought you came off as cocky, or perhaps she found something you said inappropriate. Knowing and addressing these issues can help you improve your interview performance. Of course, not every recruiter will give you advice. Some may simply be too busy. Others may shy away because their employer prohibits it. Still, it's worth asking because the information is so valuable.

Keep your File Current
If you didn't get the job and are still looking for a position six months after your interview, send an updated résumé to the company's human resources office. This will keep your file active. Recruiters may want to consider you for another upcoming position, or perhaps the candidate they hired for the job you applied for didn't work out, and now they need a replacement.