Most people think that after a job interview the work is done and all you have to do is wait. But what if you don’t get the job? Conducting a post-interview analysis will get you ahead and help you improve your skills – even if you don’t get hired.
Try to approach every interview as a step that takes you closer to your dream job, as there is something to be learned from every conversation you have with hiring managers. As this is your chance to portray yourself in the best possible way, you should give it your best shot. Here are a few points that you need to consider when doing a post-interview analysis.
Post-interview is pre-interview
In order to have a conclusive post-interview analysis, you should create a plan before you actually go to the interview. Answer some relevant questions to yourself and make a list of things that you want to get across. What is it that you really want to tell the hiring manager? What are your best skills you should really highlight? Which of your previous work experiences are relevant? Why do you really want to work at this company?
Once you have an agenda for your job interview, you can use it as a guideline for your post-interview analysis. Go through all the points on your list and judge honestly whether you have conveyed them in a way that was beneficial to you. It is best to do this straight after the interview, as you will still remember it vividly.
Behavioural checklist
Besides your skills and knowledge, managers also pay attention to the way you act and whether you are professional enough. The meaning of that might vary from job to job, but universally it includes punctuality, appropriate dress code, friendly appearance, and many other personal skills. You should also make sure you create a personal connection, so your interviewer remembers more than just your CV.
Create a behavioural checklist before heading down to the next interview. Ask yourself what this company really values – besides showing up on time. What is their company culture like?
Follow-up email
Following up with your interviewer is not a method to hustle for a job, but rather an opportunity to make a stronger impression – and a post-interview analysis can help you do it. Reflecting on your conversation with the hiring manager, try to think of relevant questions that you didn’t have a chance to talk about. Was there anything that came to your mind after the conversation? Any details about the job description that you forgot to ask about?
Collect all your questions and include them in your follow-up email. This will not only give you a better understanding of the job but also shows your motivation and interest in the job. A relevant follow-up will have a greater impact than a mere ‘any news yet’ email.
How to follow up after an interview
Learnings for the next interview
No matter how many interviews you have had in your life, there is always room for improvement. Don’t blame yourself if an interview didn’t go as planned because it might be the reason you succeed next time. There is something you can learn from every interview.
Take note of all the things that went wrong or weren’t ideal in your opinion and think about how you can improve on these points. Before heading out to the next job interview, you should revisit this list. Remember that making mistakes isn’t the end of the world, but it is crucial to learn from them.
