Introduction:
Whether it’s your first or tenth interview, it’s natural to feel nervous and curious about the outcome. If you impress the interviewer, you may progress to the next round and secure the job.
However, things change when you fail to make a lasting impression. Unfortunately, in such cases, it’s rare to receive direct feedback from the interviewer, leaving you wondering about the reasons behind your rejection. Nevertheless, there are several factors that significantly impact whether an interviewer is impressed by you or not.
Obtaining feedback after an interview is valuable as it provides insights into your strengths and weaknesses, enabling better preparation for future interviews.
How to Get Interview Feedback: 7 Proven Strategies
Reflecting on your performance and seeking interview feedback is essential to enhance your interviewing skills and increase your chances of success.
Here are a few additional strategies to obtain feedback:
1. Self-Assessment:
Take some time to evaluate your own performance after the interview.
Consider how well you answered the questions, the clarity of your responses, and whether you effectively conveyed your qualifications and experiences.
Identify areas where you think you could have improved and make note of them for future reference.
2. Seek Feedback from Trusted Individuals:
Reach out to trusted individuals in your professional network, such as mentors, former colleagues, or friends who have experience with interviews.
Share your interview experience with them and ask for their honest feedback and constructive criticism. Their insights can provide a fresh perspective and highlight areas you may have overlooked.
3. Online Interview Communities:
Join online communities or forums dedicated to job interviews and career development.
These platforms offer opportunities to share your interview experiences and receive feedback from a wider audience. Engaging with others who have faced similar interview situations can provide valuable insights and guidance.
4. Mock Interviews:
Consider participating in mock interviews with career counselors, interview coaches, or even trusted friends or family members. Mock interviews simulate real interview scenarios and allow you to practice your responses, body language, and overall interview skills.
Request feedback from the interviewer or facilitator to identify areas for improvement.
5. Reflect and Improve:
After gathering feedback, take the time to reflect on the comments and suggestions you receive.
Identify recurring themes or patterns in the feedback and develop an action plan to address those areas.
Focus on strengthening your weaknesses and building upon your strengths to enhance your overall interview performance.
6. Observe the Interviewer:
One of the most effective ways to gauge your interview performance is through careful observation of the interviewer.
Pay attention to their body language and behavior during the interview. If the interviewer appears distracted or allows interruptions, such as answering phone calls that could have been postponed, it’s likely an indication of negative feedback.
On the other hand, if the interview extends beyond the allotted time and the interviewer delves into detailed discussions, it suggests a positive impact. Being attentive and observant during the interview is a reliable method to gather feedback.
Further reading: Signs of a Bad Interview: 10 Signs that the Interview Went Badly.
Further reading: Signs of a Good Interview: 12 Signs that an Interview Went Well.
7. Ask the Recruiter:
While it’s generally discouraged to directly request feedback after an interview, you can indirectly obtain information through the recruiter.
Although receiving direct feedback from the interviewer is rare, careful observation and communication with the recruiter can provide you with valuable information for self-improvement and better future interview outcomes.
If you applied for the job through a job consultant or recruiter, reach out to them and inquire about the interview.
Recruiters often seek feedback from employers regarding the candidates they recommend.
However, note that some recruiters may consider this information confidential, so you need to clarify their stance on sharing feedback.
Conclusion
By employing these methods, you can gain valuable insights into your interview performance.
Remember, feedback is meant to be constructive and help you grow professionally. Approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and improve.
Use the feedback as a roadmap to refine your interview strategies, enhance your communication skills, and increase your confidence in future interviews.