HONEST SELF-EVALUATION AFTER A JOB INTERVIEW

Job interviews can be a whirlwind of emotions anticipation, excitement, and, most often, nervousness. Whether you walk out of the room feeling victorious, defeated or uncertain, evaluating your performance can be invaluable in refining your approach, improving your interviewing skills, and growing professionally. Here’s how you can turn post-interview reflection into a tool for ongoing improvement and success:

1. Reflect on your performance: Start by replaying the interview in your mind. Recall the questions asked, your responses, and the general flow of the conversation. Did you confidently explain your achievements? Were there moments where you faltered or wished you'd framed your answers differently? Reflecting on these nuances helps you pinpoint areas for improvement.

2. Assess your communication skills: How was your communication style during the interview? Did you articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely? Did you use the STAR method? Were your answers structured effectively, showcasing your strengths without veering off-topic? If you struggled, consider practicing those tricky questions for which you struggled, and if possible, record yourself for self-review.

3. Evaluate Your Preparation: Preparation often sets the tone for a successful interview. Did you adequately research the company and role? Did your responses demonstrate alignment with the organization’s values and goals? If you overlooked certain aspects, don't worry. This evaluation is a learning process, and it's a chance to reassure yourself that you can delve deeper into such details in the future. Remember, every step you take to improve your preparation is a step towards a more successful interview.

4. Gauging Non-Verbal Cues: Did you feel the interviewer (s) was excited about your skills or not? Body language and tone often speak louder than words. Did you maintain eye contact, smile appropriately, and convey enthusiasm? Were you attentive and engaged? Reflecting on these cues can help you develop a commanding and positive presence.

5. Identify Strengths and Growth Opportunities: Celebrate the aspects of your interview that went well—these are your strengths. Perhaps you handled a tricky question skillfully or showcased a specific achievement effectively. This celebration is not just about recognizing your strengths, but also about feeling proud of them. Recognizing and celebrating your strengths will boost your confidence and prepare you for future interviews. At the same time, identify areas for growth and think about actionable steps to improve.

6. Seek Feedback when possible: Consider requesting feedback from your interviewer when appropriate. While not every company offers this opportunity, constructive feedback can provide direct insights into your performance and help you sharpen your approach for future interviews. By actively seeking feedback, you are taking control of your improvement and ensuring that you are better prepared for your next interview.

7. Focus on what you can control: You have no control over an employer’s hiring decisions, but you can control how you perform during interviews. So, move on after an interview and devote your time and energy to preparing for the next interview to ensure you have an improved performance.

8. Learn to Let Go: After you've completed your self-evaluation, it's time to let go of any lingering doubts or overthinking. Understand that interviews are learning experiences, and every interaction—successful or not—is a stepping stone toward growth.

Self-evaluation doesn’t mean you will beat yourself up. Remember that you can perform well and be an excellent candidate, but things still don’t work well for you. Sometimes, it may not just be a good career decision if you were to work for that company. So, self-evaluation after a job interview is not just about critiquing your performance; it’s about recognizing your strengths, embracing opportunities for improvement, and cultivating resilience. By turning reflection into action, you’re equipping yourself with the tools to shine brighter in future opportunities. Remember, the journey to success is paved with moments of introspection and growth. Each interview you undertake is an investment in your professional evolution.  You should view interviews as any other activity; the more you practice, the better you become at it.