Learning from One Interview to Improve the Next
20 November 2011
Read by 1887 persons
Succeeding in a Job Interview
When you are looking for a job or changing careers, you usually have to go through several interviews. It is essential to learn from your mistakes so that you can approach future interviews with more confidence and less stress.
Note your impressions as soon as you leave the interview to avoid forgetting anything. Here are some key points:
• How did you feel during the interview? Were you relaxed or stressed?
• Do you feel you said everything important, or did you forget anything?
• Did you feel you had enough time to speak, or did you feel you didn't have enough time to express yourself?
• Did the atmosphere change during the interview? When?
• Did you get the impression that the interviewer found you likeable?
• Did any questions/situations make you uncomfortable?
• Do you think you clearly explained your strengths and motivation?
• Were you forced to adapt, or were you able to stay true to yourself?
• Did you learn a lot about the company and the interviewer? Or do you feel you didn't learn much more than before about the work environment and the job profile?
• What were the positive aspects of the interview?
• What negative points did you note?
Conclusion: Could do better next time!
Processing Your First Impressions of the Interview
Note your impressions, because sometimes it is only with hindsight, when the stress has subsided, that you understand that you did better than you initially thought. On the other hand, it sometimes happens that you only realize afterwards that you were drawn into a conversation by the relaxed atmosphere and made statements that you didn't really intend to communicate (about your superiors or current colleagues, for example). Or perhaps you gave a lot of yourself during the interview without the interviewer doing the same. You can identify the stressful elements of an interview and try to develop a different scenario. Or you can find a better explanation for inconsistencies in your CV. All this will help you correct your approach for the next interview.
Your Dream Job?
Once you have processed your first impressions, you can focus on the company and the position:
• Do you know everything important about the job and whether it would suit you?
• Do you think you fit this company, and does it fit your career goals?
• What was your impression of the way of working, the colleagues, and the work atmosphere?
• Are there any points you would like to clarify during a second interview?
• Are there things you should emphasize more in the second interview (specific experience, general skills, etc.)?
Also, prepare properly for the second interview, because the job is not yet yours. A good analysis of the first interview will help you present yourself in a better light. Now that you know what is important to HR and the direct supervisor, you are able to emphasize your specific strengths again. You can also show how much you want the job: would you be willing to accept a lower salary or a long commute? Think about a negotiation strategy on these points.
Make the Most of Your Interviews
Even if the interview ends with a "no", don't be frustrated, but take each interview as an additional experience. Sometimes you have already projected yourself into the recruiting company and are disappointed by the refusal. There are several ways to make the most of the "maybe". It is of course particularly interesting to know why another person was appointed to the coveted position.
There is nothing wrong with calling the recruiter to ask for the reasons for the refusal. However, be aware that some companies make little or no comment on this. Avoid accusations or rudeness. Don't let your frustration get the better of you, and politely and frankly ask what you can improve in the future. Showing your willingness to learn from your mistakes is very positive. It may even be that one of the recruiters will give you a good tip. And finally, this short conversation can allow you to leave a good impression. Who knows? Maybe this company will give you a second chance!
Stepstone.fr
Posted on November 20, 2011.
When you are looking for a job or changing careers, you usually have to go through several interviews. It is essential to learn from your mistakes so that you can approach future interviews with more confidence and less stress.
Note your impressions as soon as you leave the interview to avoid forgetting anything. Here are some key points:
• How did you feel during the interview? Were you relaxed or stressed?
• Do you feel you said everything important, or did you forget anything?
• Did you feel you had enough time to speak, or did you feel you didn't have enough time to express yourself?
• Did the atmosphere change during the interview? When?
• Did you get the impression that the interviewer found you likeable?
• Did any questions/situations make you uncomfortable?
• Do you think you clearly explained your strengths and motivation?
• Were you forced to adapt, or were you able to stay true to yourself?
• Did you learn a lot about the company and the interviewer? Or do you feel you didn't learn much more than before about the work environment and the job profile?
• What were the positive aspects of the interview?
• What negative points did you note?
Conclusion: Could do better next time!
Processing Your First Impressions of the Interview
Note your impressions, because sometimes it is only with hindsight, when the stress has subsided, that you understand that you did better than you initially thought. On the other hand, it sometimes happens that you only realize afterwards that you were drawn into a conversation by the relaxed atmosphere and made statements that you didn't really intend to communicate (about your superiors or current colleagues, for example). Or perhaps you gave a lot of yourself during the interview without the interviewer doing the same. You can identify the stressful elements of an interview and try to develop a different scenario. Or you can find a better explanation for inconsistencies in your CV. All this will help you correct your approach for the next interview.
Your Dream Job?
Once you have processed your first impressions, you can focus on the company and the position:
• Do you know everything important about the job and whether it would suit you?
• Do you think you fit this company, and does it fit your career goals?
• What was your impression of the way of working, the colleagues, and the work atmosphere?
• Are there any points you would like to clarify during a second interview?
• Are there things you should emphasize more in the second interview (specific experience, general skills, etc.)?
Also, prepare properly for the second interview, because the job is not yet yours. A good analysis of the first interview will help you present yourself in a better light. Now that you know what is important to HR and the direct supervisor, you are able to emphasize your specific strengths again. You can also show how much you want the job: would you be willing to accept a lower salary or a long commute? Think about a negotiation strategy on these points.
Make the Most of Your Interviews
Even if the interview ends with a "no", don't be frustrated, but take each interview as an additional experience. Sometimes you have already projected yourself into the recruiting company and are disappointed by the refusal. There are several ways to make the most of the "maybe". It is of course particularly interesting to know why another person was appointed to the coveted position.
There is nothing wrong with calling the recruiter to ask for the reasons for the refusal. However, be aware that some companies make little or no comment on this. Avoid accusations or rudeness. Don't let your frustration get the better of you, and politely and frankly ask what you can improve in the future. Showing your willingness to learn from your mistakes is very positive. It may even be that one of the recruiters will give you a good tip. And finally, this short conversation can allow you to leave a good impression. Who knows? Maybe this company will give you a second chance!
Stepstone.fr
Posted on November 20, 2011.
