Three routes to obtaining interview feedback

			Top Tips
					By Barry Joffe
			DBM offers tips to help you get ahead at work. Joffe is the Managing Consultant for DBM in Cincinnati, Ohio. More about DBM

After a job interview, most people want to know right away what kind of an impression they made on the employer, but aren't sure how to get an honest evaluation.

There are three main ways to find what the employer thought of you:

1. Simply ask. At the end of an interview, make a closing statement: "I've enjoyed our conversation and feel confident in my ability to meet the challenges of the position."

Then offer: "Are there any other aspects of my background you feel need further elaboration?"

Finally, ask directly: "Do you have any concerns or hesitations about my ability to fulfill this role successfully?"

You may be able to elicit a very direct response from the interviewer. If he or she does have concerns, you can address them on the spot and relieve his or her doubts, and you can address them in your follow-up letter (which you should send within 48 hours of the interview).

If the employer doesn't have any concerns, you can say: "Great, then what are the next steps?"

2. Use your network. If you used your network or a recruiter to get the interview in the first place, you can now ask your connection if he or she heard how the interview went.

Many interviewers don't feel comfortable giving an honest assessment in person, but will tell your mutual connection how the interview went..

Recruiters, especially, are usually in a position to give you feedback on how you fared.

3. Follow up. If you don't get the job, you can call the interviewer and ask him or her for feedback. You can also write a letter thanking the person for his or her time and say you would value any input on how you could have improved your interview technique. Then, say you will call in the next week for his or her recommendations.

Post-interview analysis will help you assess the need for further practice or training. In addition to seeking advice from the interviewer, ask yourself what went well and what you should do differently or improve on.

About Barry Joffe and DBM

Barry Joffe is the Managing Consultant for DBM in Cincinnati, Ohio. DBM is a worldwide firm that provides strategic human resource solutions in employee selection, development, retention and transition. DBM works with organizations to help them manage the human resource challenges that go hand-in-hand with today's business cycles and volatile markets. Visit DBM.

Copyright (2001) DBM, Inc. Printed by permission