Article by Ceri Wheeldon
In today’s competitive jobmarket it is essential that you learn from every part of the jobsearch process you go through. By the time you reach your 50s, you have probably attended numerous interviews – but there is no space for complacency, and you have to maximise your experience at each and every stage of the process.
Always prepare thoroughly for each and every job interview – see previous article on tips on preparing for job interviews
When you leave a job interview, what do you do? Breathe a sigh of relief that it’s over, start beating yourself up for the questions you could have responded better too?
If you want to improve how you come across at interviews you need to learn from each and every one.
Make a list of interview questions asked:
As soon as you can, make a list of all the questions you were asked.
- Break them down into categories:
- Which were you well prepared for and answered competently?
- Which were questions you prepared for but did not respond well to?
- Which were questions you responded to well, but did not prepare for?
- Which were questions you did not prepare for and answered badly?
Take time to reflect on how you would answer these questions should you be asked the same questions in an interview in the future. Did you need to research more facts about the company beforehand? Did you need to have more information about your own performance in previous roles, such as targets and budgets? Write down all the answers you wish you HAD given for future reference.
How well did the interview go?
If you believe that the interview went well overall, but that you neglected to put forward a key piece of information /achievement in your interview, you always have the option to send an email to the interviewer thanking them for their time, and mention in passing the key point you missed. Whatever you do, keep it brief and professional. Do not write War and Peace!
If you were put forward for the role by a recruitment consultancy, then ensure you give feedback to the consultant, and mention any point you felt you did not put across as well as you should. If they have a good relationship with the employer they should be able to help communicate any missed opportunities to highlight your key strengths for the position with them. Always ask the recruitment consultant for updates on feedback they receive and next steps.
Even if you feel the interview went well, it’s always good to make a note of the key questions and your responses. If you are invited in for further interviews, you may be asked to build on previous responses, or you may wish to raise questions asked previously to gain more insights about areas about the role and the job.
Always send a thank you email/letter reinforcing your interest in the role and the company.
Good luck with your jobsearch!
Until next time
Ceri
Ceri Wheeldon
Ceri is Founder and Editor of Fabafterfifty.co.uk She is a frequent speaker at events and in the media on topics related to women over 50 , including style and living agelessly. With 20+ years experience as a headhunter Ceri also now helps support those looking to extend their working lives.
Follow Me:
Jan King
Great article, Ceri — especially useful as I have an important interview coming up later this month, and I havn’t been to a job interview for 26 years!
Ceri Wheeldon
Good luck with your job interview Jan. You must check out my tips for preparing for job interviews too – all practical
You’ll have to update us with how you get on!