Lessons Learned From Interviews

We all know how easy it is to feel a little down in the dumps if you are not selected for a position that you applied to and interviewed for. Fortunately, there are many silver linings when it comes to rejection and a lot of lessons to be learned. After all, failing is not the opposite of success, it’s part of it!

Feedback:

Probably the most important part of rejection is criticism. In order to become the best version of yourself in the professional and personal work, you must learn from mistakes and be able to take criticism. The best way to receive feedback from an interviewer is to send them a follow-up email and ask! It may seem daunting, but interviewers are happy to provide feedback and help you secure your next position, even if it’s not with their company.

Another super important source is your recruiter! Not only does your recruiter work with dozens of candidates, but they are also in constant contact with their clients. For that reason, they are nearly guaranteed to be provided with feedback about you and your interview. If you are nervous about contacting your interviewer, email your recruiter and they will be happy to explain where you might’ve gone wrong. Even something as simple as an outfit critique will aid you in your next interview and help you use what you’ve learned!

Self-reflection:

Furthermore, receiving rejection is often the best fuel for self-reflection. Think about what you may have done or not done that could have swayed your interviewer’s opinion on you. Were you prepared enough for the interview? Did you conduct research on the company beforehand? These are great questions to ask yourself and also questions that the interviewer definitely wondered about you. Being prepared for your interview is one of the key components of its success.

  • Other Topics to Consider:
    • Is your resume updated?
    • Is your resume in tune with the position and customized for each interview?
    • Was your outfit appropriate?
    • Did you make eye contact?
    • Did you answer all questions thoroughly?
    • Did you shake your interviewer’s hand?
    • Did you thank your interviewer and send a follow-up email?
    • Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Is it updated?
    • Are you well represented on social media? (Remember, most companies will look at your social media, so make sure everything is clean!)

Write Down Questions:

Write down the questions you were asked immediately after the interview is finished! Creating a portfolio of possible interview questions and prepared answers will help you immensely in the future when applying to your next job. This will also help you to practice in the future beforehand. Sit down with a friend or family member and practice with a mock interview!

We hope this helped you see the good in rejection. And remember, everyone has been in your same position! It happens! Get back out there and apply to your next job!

Not sure what to wear to an interview? Read our article on appropriate interview dress!

Searching for your next job? Check out our open jobs list!