Gathering Interview Feedback
Job candidates often face a situation where they believe the interview went well, but for some reason it did not yield a positive result.
If this situation gets repeated in other interviews, it is important to obtain feedback in order to figure out where you might be going wrong, and fix the mistakes.
A responsible recruiting firm will usually make an effort to provide relevant feedback to a candidate when they interview them or send them to clients for interviews. However, obtaining feedback becomes a challenge when the candidate is going it alone.
Ask for Feedback from the Recruiter
The most effective feedback that you can obtain is obviously when it comes directly from the interviewing team or individual that rejected your candidacy. The question is: Is it really possible to get any feedback from them? Well, according to some experienced recruitment specialists, the answer is absolutely yes!
So the issue is how to obtain feedback from this invaluable source? Consider the following tips to improve your odds:
Timing matters
The ideal time to ask for feedback is when you receive information from the interviewer that they are not interested in hiring you. If you get this intimation on email, respond within 12 to 24 hours. If you receive a phone call, make use of the moment and ask for feedback right away.
Frame your questions smartly
Do not ask upfront about why you were not offered the job. That might make the other side uncomfortable.
A more constructive way to approach the question would be by asking how you can improve, what weaknesses led to your rejection, and whether the interviewer is able to provide any advice or suggestion to you.
Strike a positive tone
Recruiting experts say that interviewers are more likely to provide meaningful feedback to job candidates if their tone and intent is right. Make sure that you do not even give hint of getting into an argument about your candidacy, and do not indicate that you are feeling hurt or angry.
Ultimately, it is Up to the Interviewer
While some employers are reluctant to provide feedback to rejected job candidates, knowledgeable recruiting professionals suggest that there is no harm in asking.
The consensus is that at the end of the day, it is up to the interviewer and how far they may be willing to guide or help you.
However, you can improve your chances by following correct interview etiquette and demonstrating at every stage that you are committed, well-prepared and truly interested in getting the job.
Other Suggestions for Feedback
Other than asking the hiring company directly for feedback, consider the following suggestions to understand how you performed in the interview:
Objective self-evaluation
Be brutally honest in your self-evaluation and reflect over the interview questions and your replies. You might be able to find some revealing answers to prepare better for your next interview.
Get evaluated by a peer
Get feedback from your better half or a trusted friend who can be upfront with you. You may role-play the interview by providing them the list of interview questions. Consider making a video of this role-play, which can provide you more insights.
Finally, you have the option of getting in touch with a professional career coach at a recruiting agency to receive interview guidance and training.
