Asking for Feedback
Imagine leaving the interview with a report on how you did
and where there were some concerns. Not in this lifetime!
You're not asking for a lot. You would just like to hear
how you did - where you are lacking, or how you could
improve your skills for your next interview. But, you may
find it difficult to get a straight answer. The standard
notification is something like, "We have identified a
candidate (or several candidates) with experience that more
closely matches our current staffing needs." What was it
about those other candidates that matched so closely? Will
they tell you?
You Can Always Ask
The answer is always, "No," unless you ask the question.
Most HR departments have policies against giving out
interview information. They fear claims of discrimination
if a candidate misinterprets the feedback. But, every once
in a while, you will get lucky and find someone who is
willing to give you a break. They might be willing to tell
you something that is quite revealing. One candidate for a
sales job was told she did not shake hands with the panel
upon completion of her interview, and that was held against
her performance.
If you draw enough courage to make that call and ask for
feedback, be prepared to hear things that could be
upsetting. One candidate was told, "We didn't think your
personality type would fit with our culture." She was quite
taken back by that comment and felt as though there was
something wrong with her personality.
Another reaction you might experience is one of
defensiveness. "But, I have had the necessary experience
you were seeking," one candidate argued. The conversation
was brought to an end in a hurry. The decision has been
made – learn and let go.
Handling a response
If you do get someone willing to take a risk and give you
pointers there are some basic rules to follow.
- Be sure to relay your disappointment in not getting the
offer. And, state that you would be interested if anything
were to open up. Tell them that this company is still your
#1 choice.
- Ask, politely, if there is any feedback that would bring
light as to what you can do to improve your chances in your
next interview. Was there anything, in particular that
could have helped your chances of being the "chosen"
candidate?
- If you do receive feedback, listen carefully, and take
notes to refer to later. Do not argue or defend yourself.
You are asking for feedback, not a chance for a rebuttal.
- Ask one or two follow up questions, and end the
conversation.
- Thank your interviewer for the feedback and the chance to
improve your skills. Reiterate, if another opening comes
up, you would be very interested in being kept in mind.
- Take the advice given and think about changing some of
your techniques to improve on your next interview.
If you cannot get feedback, rate your own performance. If
you feel you could improve your performance, practice and
prepare so that you can go into the interview with renewed
confidence. Preparation will give you more confidence to
give a better performance. You can learn and improve from
every interview experience, whether or not you receive
feedback.
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Carole Martin, America's #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can
give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy
of her FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by
visiting Carole on the web at http://www.interviewcoach.com
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