Just like a resume, there is no such thing as a perfect interview, yet some conversations are worse than others. Your handshake, introduction, apparel, gestures and answers to questions can trigger instant rejection from a hiring manager or executive recruiter.
We all have bad days, and cannot fire on all cylinders 24/7. We are all anxious about interviews, and most likely have more negative thoughts than positive ones when leaving the interview room. It’s important to distinguish your own worries from any actual errors you need to follow up on.
Did you forget to ask something? I myself have attended interviews with my GP and have forgotten some of the questions I was going to ask. Had I taken the time to prepare and note these questions down, they wouldn’t plague me the minute I leave the location to drive back home.
Did your interviewer fail to collect all the relevant information? Many interviewers have no training in interview techniques, and are just left by their managers to screen for collaboration and synergy.
Did something just not feel right? Sometimes, for no particular reason, an interview can go off track and both parties leave with the feeling of inadequate communication and a lack of information.
During the interview, keep the conversation flowing by inserting some of the thought-provoking questions you prepared beforehand. An interview should be a two-way street.
After the interview, as your thoughts start to untangle and you think that you haven’t answered questions adequately, this represents a perfect opportunity! Express your candidacy and clarify certain details in a hand-written – yes, hand-written – thank you card, where you may further relay your drive and determination for this position.
Synergy, chemistry and collaboration are all important during a job interview, yet many fail to make the connection, often through no fault of their own. Just because there was a lack of connectivity and adequate two-way communication, it doesn’t mean you are out of the running. Other candidates may be in the exact same position, leaving you on a level playing field.
Even if you thought it was a bad interview, the interviewer may have felt differently and may have already decided to advance your candidacy to the next round. In either case, you can never go wrong with a hand-written thank you card. This can clear your mind of any doubts, put you at the forefront of the interviewer’s mind, and build a stronger case for your application. What does that show a potential employer about your commitment to the position?