As you’re going through an interview, there may be a moment where you realize you’ve almost gotten to the finish line and, as far as you can tell, you’ve totally nailed it! However, before you can truly start patting yourself on the back, there’s one thing you absolutely cannot forget to do — tie up loose ends before you leave.

In today’s current job market, being prepared for all the steps that come after an interview is critical for your success. And while the follow-up is certainly an important step, many people forget to put in the legwork beforehand as well. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that can cost you the job if the employer doesn’t perceive you to be as thorough as they would like you to be. However, if you remember to put in the work before the interview ends, you’ll be sure to leave a good impression!

Maybe you already have a solid strategy for the end of each interview, but consider these best practices as potential additions to your current routine:

Ask about next steps

Asking about next steps is an important first step in tying up loose ends after the interview has concluded. Before you leave, be sure to ask the hiring manager what their timeline is for reaching out to candidates they’re interested in pursuing. If you’re someone who is usually unsure of when you should reach out to a potential employer after an interview, asking for their expected timeline can help you solve this problem since you’ll know when to reach out if they haven’t gotten back to you within their stated timeline.

Send a timely thank you note

A thank you note, and the time it takes for that note to get to your interviewer, can be what ultimately tips odds in your favor. Since hiring managers tend to choose who they wish to pursue within the immediate hours after the interview, your thank you note should be a personalized and thoughtful note that shows your gratitude for the opportunity. Take a few minutes to think about the discussion you had with your interviewer, and be sure to not only thank them for their time, but incorporate something you spoke with them about to show that you care about the position. Timeliness is critical, so make sure you send your note within 24 hours.

Reach out to your references

If your interviewer asked you for references during the interview, you’ll want to get in contact with them once the interview is over. When you do reach out to them, be sure to brief them on the company and role you’re in the running for. Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that they aren’t going to be anywhere where they won’t be reachable, such as a vacation or on a leave from work. Like a thank you note, a reference can make or break your chances, so it’s critical to iron out any and all issues that could arise with your references.