Job Interviews – Closing the Deal
An interview is your chance to prove to a prospective employer that you are capable of performing in a role. Whilst it is imperative to make sure that you have gathered as much information, it is important to remember that an interview should be a two way process; an opportunity for the employer to meet you as well as an opportunity for you to understand the employer. Interviews will help you make an informed decision about joining the company if you are eventually offered the job.
After the Interview
It is imperative to follow up with the interviewer(s) and the company.
Thank You
- Always send a thank you letter to the interviewer immediately. If there were several people that interviewed you, send them each a thank you note. It is good to keep the letter short but to also reiterate your interest in the position and your confidence in your qualifications.
- Do not call the employer immediately. If the employer said they would have a decision in a week, it is acceptable to call them in a week, again to thank them for the interview and reiterate your interest.
- If you receive word that another candidate was chosen, you may also send a follow-up letter to that employer, again thanking him or her for the opportunity to interview for the position. Let them know that should another or similar position open in the future, you would love to have the opportunity to be interviewed again.
Getting Feedback
There are three ways to get feedback on how well you interview:
- Self-Evaluation: Think about the questions you have been asked and your responses. Be brutally honest with yourself.
- Peer Evaluation: Seek out the eyes and ears of a trusted friend or significant other. Repeat the questions and answers that were exchanged during the interview and ask them for their feedback.
- Ask the Hiring Company:
- Consider Your Timing: The best time to ask is when the interviewer tells you the company is not interested. If you are lucky enough to get a phone call, use this opportunity to ask for feedback. If you receive an email, follow up within 24 hours.
- Ask the Right Questions: Do not put the interviewer on the spot by questioning why you were not offered the job. Accept you were not successful, and ask a constructive question. A better route is to ask how you could improve, what your weak areas were or if the interviewer have any specific interviewing advice for you.
- Strike the Right Tone: Ask with the right intent. There should be no hint of you wanting to argue a point about your candidacy or that you feel angry or injured.
References
Monster Career Advice, ‘Interview’, http://career-advice.monster.com/interview-tips/home.aspx
Adecco, ‘Interview Tips’, http://www.adecco-asia.com/singapore/job_seeker_resources.asp
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