Waiting for a job callback can be nerve-racking and stressful. However, you can stay productive and calm without overthinking your job hunt. Here are some tips to help you wait for your job application results while being proactive.

1. Send a “Thank You” Email

A “Thank You” email is a small gesture that can leave a positive impression on a potential employer. A well-written thank you note reinforces your interest in the job and shows that you were paying attention during the interview.

Instead of worrying about a callback, learn how to write a thank you email after an interview. It only takes ten minutes or less since you can use online templates to help you. Avoid copying the template word for word, though. Instead, you can add a personal touch by highlighting details from your interview.

Recruiters interviewed by CNBC Make It suggests sending your “Thank You” email 24–48 hours after your interview. You want to take time to write a thoughtful note. Sending it too early might make you sound insincere. However, you’d also want your interviewer to receive your email before they make a hiring decision.

2. Continue Job Hunting

Stressing over a job callback wastes significant time you could spend looking for other opportunities. Even if you applied all the tips to get hired by your dream company, factors outside your control could influence a hiring decision.

While you might have an ideal position in mind, the reality is a lot of other applicants could be jockeying for the same position. Sometimes, it could take you up to a hundred applications and multiple interviews before you find a suitable opportunity.

The stark realities of job hunting should not lead to despair, but strategic thinking. Use free sites to simplify your job search and get hired faster. For instance, LoopCV and LazyApply automate the job application process so that you can apply for jobs with one click.

3. Start Upskilling

One way to distinguish yourself from other applicants and the dangers of being replaced by AI is to continue adding to your skill set. Avoid being complacent, and invest in future-proof technical skills that AI can’t automate.

In a public post on Facebook, multidisciplinary artist and experimental designer Patrick Cabral shares how he adapts to technological advances to stay relevant. Today, he combines his artistry with AI technology to create stunning and intricate digital fashion pieces.

As Cabral says:

"I understand why so many people are afraid of AI right now. It's presented in the media as a threat to our very existence, a harbinger of doom. But every time I confront that fear, I come out stronger. I see the pattern, how jobs connected to media and entertainment are impacted the most. It's time for us all to develop new skills outside of the screen, to adapt, and evolve with the times. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing is for sure: we can't afford to be complacent. We must embrace change and forge ahead, no matter how scary it may seem." - Patrick Cabral, multi-disciplinary artist and experimental designer

Upskilling may take the form of learning skills related to your expertise. For instance, if you’re a writer, you can learn content strategy. You can also learn a new skill outside of your current industry. Armed with the best apps for free online courses, you will never run out of new material to learn.

4. Explore Volunteer Opportunities

If you have extra time on your hands and love helping others, volunteer in a high-impact organization like a nonprofit or civic organization. Volunteerism rids you of self-absorbed negative thoughts that may occur during an extended job hunt.

The American Presidency Project says that volunteering has multiple benefits for your career and overall well-being. Some of the health benefits of giving back are improved health and long life. It also helps you build a professional network, develop new skills, and gain hands-on experience. Moreover, you get to experience the joy of serving a cause bigger than yourself.

The opportunities to volunteer are limitless. Use one of the best websites to find volunteer work and opportunities. If volunteering in a formal organization sounds intimidating, start small and keep your eyes open for informal volunteer opportunities. For instance, you can run out to buy medicine for a sick neighbor or help someone troubleshoot their computer.

5. Practice Job Interviewing

One day, you’re going to get a job callback and a second interview. Use your time wisely by practicing your job interviewing skills. Hard skills are usually not enough to get the job. You also need soft skills to prove that you can collaborate and communicate effectively with others.

Know the common mistakes to avoid in a job interview, and build your confidence through practice. Of course, you can’t fully control what happens in the actual interview, but preparing well can help you overcome interview jitters and mistakes.

If you need help practicing, use websites like Mock Interview Practice, which simulates real job interviews for hundreds of positions. The platform also lets you record and review your responses, so you can adjust your answers, tone, or expressions.

6. Track Your Job Applications

There’s a tendency to feel like you’re useless and stagnant when you’re waiting for a job callback. Tracking your applications helps you stay on top of your goals and see your progress.

You might feel demoralized when you don't receive a callback instantly. But one look at your job tracker reminds you that you just sent ten applications three days ago. It will take time for recruiters to get back to you.

Aside from this, a job tracker helps you organize your thoughts and decide if you should move forward with your application. It’s easy to miss out on important details about a company or to forget your impressions about an initial interview when you’re applying to multiple jobs.

You can choose from several job tracking templates to help you organize your job search. There are simple job trackers that let you record basic details like if you got an offer or got rejected. The more detailed ones may include the salary, benefits, interview schedules, responsibilities, and other information to help you see the pros and cons of each role.

7. Get a Side Job

Not everyone will have the resources to focus on job searching for an extended time. If you don’t have a substantial nest egg to last you for an uncertain period, start a side hustle. Emergencies can happen, and you want to be prepared financially in case the callback takes longer than you expect.

Download apps that will help you find a side job instantly. You can do temporary and quick gigs like deliveries, pet sitting, warehousing, cleaning, writing, research, and more. Even standing in line for someone else can be a simple way to earn a quick buck. You can also advertise freelance services on social media. You never know; your side gig might become profitable and turn into a second career.

8. Create Space for Other Activities

Waiting for the results of your job hunt can easily occupy most of your time. However, it can be unhealthy and cause unnecessary worry when it’s all you think about. Make space for other important hobbies and relationships, so you won’t feel burned out.

Set a schedule for job hunting. For instance, you can dedicate three days to it while also taking time for rest, leisure, side gigs, and other activities. An app like Clockify helps you track the time you spend on job hunting. You can also use apps like Trello to list your activities for the week.

Stay Proactive While Waiting for a Job Callback

Feeling discouraged while waiting for a callback is normal. However, these tips help you stay proactive when the waiting seems to take too long. Having a job is an important part of your life, but not having one at the moment doesn’t mean that you have to remain stagnant.

Aside from the tools mentioned above, experiment with other job search tools. If you’re a Chrome user, you’ll find that Chrome extensions can make your job hunt a lot easier and faster.