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Ask For Job Interview Feedback
It's unusual for candidates to ask for feedback, although it's readily available. |
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Most interviewers are happy to give you feedback on your job interview performance, particularly after the end of the recruitment.
But why bother even asking?
Because:
- If there's another round to go
Getting feedback, or doing self-analysis, can help you perform even better for the next round of interview. This increases your chances of getting a job offer.
- If you are offered the job
Knowing your strengths and why they chose to hire you can put you in a strong position for negotiating your salary.
- If you don't get the job offer
If you end up going back to square one, you owe it to yourself to find out why. What went well and what didn't come across as positively? If you don't find this out, you're at risk of repeating the same mistakes in your next job application.
Phone them to arrange a time to discuss your performance.
The key is to listen, without getting defensive. Whatever they say is their opinion.
If something doesn't make sense, feel free to ask for clarification or a behavioural example, but don't reject the feedback. |
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Make sure you don't make this mistake! This example is disappointingly common.
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A few years ago, one candidate we interviewed did phone us back...
He wasn't recruited was that the interviewers felt he was arrogant, verging on aggressive. We believed he wouldn't be suitable to manage a team that was lacking in confidence; needing a supportive manager.
When he called the HR department for feedback, he was given detailed feedback and constructive advice on how to improve. But this wasn't enough for him. He demanded to talk to the recruiting manager.
As a gesture of goodwill, she agreed to talk to him. He started by telling her that her recruitment team was wrong. He wasn't arrogant - indeed, he felt he was the ideal, supportive manager. And he could see "how weak the other candidates were", compared to him, so couldn't understand why one of them was chosen.
The more she tried to explain (with behavioural examples) why they had reached the decision they had, the more he argued, until he was almost shouting at her. After half an hour, she finished the call by asking him to review how he had handled the phone call, if he wanted more evidence.
They didn't hear from him again. And he is unlikely to ever get another interview with that company.
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It's important to accept whatever feedback you're given - even if you don't agree with it.
It's their opinion and, as far as they're concerned, it's fact.
You' re unlikely to change their mind at this stage, but you never know when another suitable job might come up at that company, so make sure you still make a good impression. |
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Next: Back To Square One?
Find out how to turn a "no" into something more positive. |
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