Interviewing is a crucial skill for any business professional, whether you are looking for a new job, a promotion, or a client. But how do you know if you are doing it well? How can you improve your performance and impress your audience? Here are some effective ways to evaluate your interviewing skills and learn from your experience.
One of the best ways to evaluate your interviewing skills is to record yourself during a mock or real interview. You can use a video or audio recorder, or ask a friend or colleague to film you. Then, watch or listen to the recording and pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, eye contact, and content. How do you come across to the interviewer? Are you confident, clear, and concise? Do you answer the questions fully and relevantly? Do you ask good questions yourself? Note down your strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving them for your next interview.
Doing a mock interview with a colleague/trusted expert is a great way to assess your interview skills. Despite being in the recruiting industry for many years, I’ve had a mock interview few years ago with one of the VPs, (I must say it was not planned, just came out of a phone conversation) and to my surprise there were a couple areas that I overlooked and the feedback was so constructive/useful that I still go by those.
Self-Reflection: Review recordings or notes, identify strengths and weaknesses. Seek Feedback: Request input from peers or mentors on communication and questioning. Role Play: Engage in mock interviews to practice adaptability and handle different scenarios. Assessment Tools: Use platforms or tools offering feedback on interviewing skills. Review Experiences: Analyze past interviews, learn from successes and failures. Stay Informed: Keep updated on industry trends, attend workshops, and read relevant material. Continual Learning: Read books, articles, and participate in webinars on interviewing techniques. Network: Connect with professionals, join forums, and exchange insights on interviewing. Evaluate Candidate Feedback
To evaluate your interview skills effectively you need to work on below points: 1. Self-Reflection 2. Feedback 3. Recorded Mock Interviews Record 4. Research Interview Techniques 5. Assess Non-Verbal Cues 6. Address Weaknesses Regularly assessing and refining your interview skills will enhance your ability to present yourself confidently and effectively in future interviews.
Another effective way to evaluate your interviewing skills is to ask for feedback from the interviewer, or from someone who observed or participated in the interview. You can do this in person, by email, or by phone, depending on the situation and the relationship. Be polite, respectful, and grateful for their time and input. Ask specific questions about your performance, such as how you handled a challenging question, how you demonstrated your skills and achievements, or how you fit the role and the organization. Listen carefully to their comments and suggestions, and thank them for their feedback. Use it to identify your areas of improvement and action points for your next interview.
A third effective way to evaluate your interviewing skills is to reflect on your experience after the interview. You can do this by yourself, or with a trusted friend or mentor. Think about how you felt before, during, and after the interview. What went well and what didn't? What did you learn from the interview? What would you do differently next time? Write down your thoughts and feelings, and analyze them objectively. Look for patterns, insights, and lessons that can help you grow and develop as an interviewer.
A fourth effective way to evaluate your interviewing skills is to compare yourself to others who have done similar interviews. You can do this by watching or listening to recordings of other candidates, or by reading or hearing about their experiences. How do they approach the interview? What do they say and do? How do they handle difficult questions or situations? How do they showcase their value and personality? How do they differ from you? What can you learn from them? Be careful not to be too harsh or too lenient on yourself, but rather to use the comparison as a source of inspiration and motivation.
A fifth effective way to evaluate your interviewing skills is to seek professional help from a coach, a trainer, or a consultant who specializes in interviewing. They can provide you with expert advice, guidance, and feedback on your interviewing skills, and help you prepare for your specific goals and challenges. They can also give you access to tools, resources, and techniques that can enhance your interviewing performance and confidence. You can find professional help online, or through your network, your employer, or your educational institution.