The importance of interview feedback is often overlooked by candidates conducting a job search and can be an effective learning curve for those who request this advice. As long as feedback is given in a non-judgmental and appropriate way, it can provide valuable tips for your professional development. Requesting post-interview follow up demonstrates high levels of enthusiasm as well as professionalism and will enable you to improve in the future.
After your interview your recruitment consultant can provide support and guidance, so debrief them afterwards in order to recount the progress of the interview, gain their advice as to the next stage of the recruitment process and find out what you can expect looking forward. This also provides your consultant with an accurate recap to help plan a follow-up approach with the hiring manager.
NES recruitment consultants have extensive experience in understanding the reasons that hiring managers ask certain questions and what impression your response might have created. At this stage a consultant can also contact a client with any follow up information should you feel something vital was left out in the interview that could assist in their decision.
If you are offered the job, the interviewer will provide reasons that you have been selected for the role and your consultant can then coordinate the hiring process by arranging any subsequent interviews, salary negotiation and relocation requirements, establishing a starting date and resolving any open questions on either side for you or the company.
If you are conducting your own job search and you are turned down it is often your responsibility to chase the interviewer to find out why you were unsuccessful. Some interviewers feel too uncomfortable about making negative comments and will not offer any constructive criticism but by using an agency you can take advantage of the useful and honest feedback that they will obtain as part of the service provided.
You can then use the information you are given constructively to assist in your future success. When you reach the feedback stage you should have gained value, respect and trust for your recruitment consultant and understand that he/she is focused on your career goals.
If you are conducting your own individual job search treat each job application as a learning opportunity. Few applicants request feedback and thereby miss a very valuable chance to gain insight into their suitability for a role. To gain the greatest benefit from feedback listen carefully to the reply without being defensive or trying to ‘explain.’ Take the response on board and reflect upon it.
While some employers have a policy of not providing feedback due to fears of appeal or litigation, it is always worth finding out. If you do gain constructive criticism, remember to thank the individual for considering your application and for taking the time to interview you, remaining positive and enthusiastic about the job and the organisation and conveying your disappointment at not being selected for the post.
Do not get defensive or start arguing your case for the job. The decision has been made and this is your opportunity to learn from the experience. Make notes on the points that have been raised about your performance so that you can refer back to them at a later date and work to rectify any mistakes.
Do not allow being turned down to undermine your future confidence; use it as a learning experience. The process of feedback is not to attack you as an individual, but to reflect on less desirable traits you may have exhibited and support ongoing learning and performance improvement through increased self-awareness.