Interviews are not only opportunities to showcase your skills and personality, but also to learn from your interactions with potential employers. Whether you ace the interview or not, you can use your experience to identify areas for growth and improve your chances of landing your dream job. Here are some tips on how to do that.
After each interview, take some time to review your performance and note down what went well and what could be improved. Be honest and specific with yourself, and try to recall the questions, answers, feedback, and body language of both you and the interviewer. Some questions you can ask yourself are: Did you answer the questions clearly and confidently? Did you demonstrate your skills and achievements with relevant examples? Did you show enthusiasm and interest in the role and the company? Did you ask insightful questions and express your value proposition?
Consider your performance during the interview. Were there specific moments where you felt confident, and others where you struggled? Reflect on your responses to common interview questions and your overall demeanor.
After your interview, take some time to reflect on how you felt the interview itself went. Focus next steps for your self and your growth on areas that you felt you struggled in your interview. Often times people struggle with answering scenario based questions that are relevant to the work you are applying for. If this applies to you, keep that in mind for future interview opportunities. There is also no harm in asking the people who interviewed you for feedback about how your interview went. You may not get specifics, but most interviewers take good notes which will help. Be open to receiving this feedback which will support your future growth.
Another way to identify areas for growth is to seek feedback from others who can offer you a different perspective. You can ask the interviewer for feedback, either during or after the interview, but be respectful and polite, and don't expect a detailed response. You can also ask a friend, mentor, or coach to conduct a mock interview with you and give you constructive criticism. Alternatively, you can record yourself answering common interview questions and watch the video to spot any areas for improvement.
Feedback from Interviewers: If you received feedback from the interviewers, pay close attention to it. Note any areas they highlighted as strengths or areas for improvement. Constructive criticism can be especially valuable for growth.
In one of my interviews I knew that when no feedback was received, it was a definite indication that my application was unsuccessful. This immediately made me aware that I might not fit the candidate profile that they were looking for. I changed the way I asked for feedback and I was specific. It's important that you are open-minded as a candidate. I asked the following : ° What are the lesser strengths that I need to work on? ° During my interview what skills can I adopt or enhance for a better outcome going forward? The panelist was very surprised in the manner in which,I asked for feedback,and for me,it's quite simple. I know what value I bring and it's important that, that value is not determined by an unsuccessful interview.
Once you have identified your strengths and weaknesses, you can work on developing your skills and knowledge to address any gaps or challenges. For example, if you struggled with answering behavioral questions, you can practice using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. If you lacked knowledge about the company or the industry, you can do more research and follow the latest trends and news. If you felt nervous or anxious, you can practice relaxation techniques and positive affirmations.
Assess Non-Verbal Communication: Consider your non-verbal communication, including body language, eye contact, and tone of voice. These elements contribute to the overall impression you make during an interview. Evaluate Problem-Solving Skills: Assess how well you tackled any situational or behavioral questions that required problem-solving skills. Did you effectively communicate your thought process and solution? Research and Preparation: Review your preparation for the interview. Did you research the company thoroughly? Were you able to connect your skills and experiences to the specific needs of the organization?
Your interview experience can also help you update your resume and portfolio to highlight your most relevant and impressive skills and achievements. You can use the feedback and insights you gained from the interview to tailor your resume and portfolio to the specific role and company you are applying for. You can also add any new skills, projects, or certifications that you acquired or completed since your last application.
Updating your resume, portfolio and even profile are very important to me as a Talent Acquisition professional. A profile without a professional photo, any recent update or simply current location and role seem unfinished and a reflection of the owner.
Finally, you can use your interview experience to plan for your next interview and increase your confidence and preparedness. You can review the questions and topics that were covered in the previous interview and anticipate any similar or related ones that might come up in the future. You can also research the company culture, values, and goals, and prepare questions that show your interest and alignment. You can also practice your elevator pitch, your salary negotiation, and your closing statement.
My first interview for a UN position as Country Rep in a Pacific Island gave an inroad into how to build confidence. It was friendly. The panel comprised experts from diverse backgrounds headed by a Country Rep. The interesting feature of the interview which I built on and which helped subsequently was familiarity with government policies. This was what the next job advert I responded to made a requirement. My next appearance was after successfully scaling the screening for a job in France. I complimented my work experience with new skills which matched the requirements on the JD. I did not take anything for granted; reading on world economic issues and global development. I was lucky and clinched the job in Paris where I served in the UN.
Most times in the process of our attending interviews, new opportunities open. I recall vividly the experience I gained by attending an interview I was called for, for the position of Country Representative in one of the Pacific Island States. It was very interactive and painstakingly I grasped most of what the requirements for that position are. Even though I did not get the job it gave me an opportunity to know how to prepare personal profile. Taking advantage of the next opportunity for reacting to a UN advert, the experience I acquired played up. I was more prepared, better exposed on how to answer questions and I got the job. Being attentive and understanding interviewers is useful. Familiarity with problem solving skills is key also
Continuous Learning: Use your interview experiences as learning opportunities. Identify areas where you can enhance your skills or knowledge, and commit to continuous learning to fill those gaps. Mock Interviews: Consider participating in mock interviews with friends, mentors, or career coaches. Mock interviews provide a simulated experience that allows you to practice and receive feedback in a low-pressure environment. Networking and Informational Interviews: Engage in networking and informational interviews to build your confidence and communication skills. These interactions can help you refine your personal and professional narrative. Set Goals for Improvement: