After the interview: what went wrong?
If you are interviewed for a job that you
really want and are unsuccessful, it can be very disheartening. It’s
tempting to replay the interview in your head, trying to work out what
went wrong. You weren’t late and had dressed smartly. You’d prepared by
doing plenty of research into the role and employer. You thought the
interviewer seemed happy with your answers. So, why did they to decide
not to hire you and how can you avoid it happening again?
Why you should ask for interview feedback
Instead of guessing the answers to these
questions, it’s important to ask for feedback so that you understand
which area of your interview technique needs developing. Don’t just
chalk it up to experience and simply keep applying elsewhere. Most of us
have an unsuccessful interview at some point, and it isn’t a waste of
time if you view the experience as one from which you can learn and
develop. Try not to let it knock your confidence: feedback might
highlight aspects that you wouldn’t have considered; being mindful of
them could directly result in you securing the next job that you apply
for.
How to ask for feedback
How you ask for feedback will depend on the
way in which you find out that you have been unsuccessful. If your
recruitment consultant gives you the news, spend some time discussing
the interview with your consultant who will be able to pass on any
feedback and offer you tips on how you can improve your technique.
If you are telephoned by the company, ask
there and then; if they email you, reply within 24 hours so that the
interview is still fresh in their mind. And how do you word the request?
Always begin by thanking them for the opportunity to be interviewed.
Whatever you do, don’t suggest that the employer made the wrong
decision. This graciousness is important because you never know when you
might have to deal with the interviewer or company again in the future.
Then, rather than asking ‘why didn’t I get
the job?’ or ‘what did I do wrong?’ – both of which put the interviewer
on the spot and sound rather defensive - ask if they would mind letting
you know what you could do to improve next time. Which area do they
think that you could develop most?
If you disagree with any feedback, don’t
allow your feelings to get the better of you or protest. Instead, focus
on moving forward with a new insight.
What to do with interview feedback
Some feedback will be very easy to address.
For example, if you are told that you responded to a particular
question in a way which lacked detail, you can prepare a more thorough
response should the question arise again. Other feedback may require
more thought. Could you film yourself responding to key questions and
review the way that you come across? Do you have a friend or recruiter
that could conduct a mock interview with you? Would more research into a
company help next time? If you are given a number of areas where you
could improve and it seems daunting, aim to address one or two key ones.
So, see interview feedback as invaluable
positive guidance which helps you to develop the way that you present
yourself professionally and, consequently, enables you to have a
successful career.
For more job interview advice from the team, check out our other posts here or call the office on 01772 259121 to speak to one of our experts.