Provide your Own Feedback - be your own critique

We’ve all been there, that feeling of wanting the ground to swallow you up because an interview didn’t go very well (which If you’ve applied for a role though us, we offer interview preparation – as standard). You may want to stick your head in the ground as you believe it was a terrible interview, but don’t!

The best thing you can do is write down everything that went wrong, why it went wrong and MOST IMPORTANTLY how you can improve for next time.

Was it a difficult interview question that you didn’t get right? Now you know how to answer it for next time.

Does your body language need improvement (for example stop fidgeting)? Then do more practice interviews and be aware of how you hold yourself next time.

It might not feel like it, but even the very worst interview imaginable will give you something positive to take away.

Why not write a small post-interview report detailing what went right, what went wrong and tips for next time.

As soon as possible, find a quiet space – your home, your car or a coffee shop – sit down with a pen and paper and write your notes and report.

When it comes to how to write a good honest evaluation, try answering these simple questions (rate them out of 10 for simplicity):

How punctual were you?
How did you introduce yourself?
To what extent were you confident and professional?
How clear and calm was your tone of voice?
To what extent was your body language positive and engaging?
How well did you get on with the interviewer?
How successfully did you market your strengths?
How well did you put a positive spin on your weaknesses?
How well did you handle difficult questions?
How engaging were your questions about the role?

Review your responses, go back to your list, congratulate yourself on your strengths and move on to your areas that you could improve.

If you were late or arrived with seconds to spare, next time aim to be five minutes early.

If you tripped over a difficult question, you can prepare an answer for it next time.

If you struggle to speak in an interview– nerves sometimes get the better of us all – just take a moment to breathe and then respond, it really is ok to take your time.

Memorise the key strengths you want to touch on and plan a few ways to discuss them, giving you something to lean on if you draw a blank during the conversation.

Find a partner to practice with so you can get used to saying it all out loud. Give them a list of questions you’ve struggled with before and rehearse your answers. An objective outside view is invaluable.

Here at PDR Group we are passionate about helping our candidates to ensure that you have all the support and knowledge to carry out a successful interview, it’s what we do!