Interview on Wednesday.....second opinion needed

Oldernotwiser

MissMotivation wrote: »

Well, I didn't get the job and I'm absolutely gutted. They informed me by email and TBH I haven't got the heart to ask for feedback as to why I didn't get the postion.

On a more positive note I had two telephone calls yesterday inviting me for interview for two positions I applied for last week.

So I need positive vibes again for tomorrow, one is at 10am and the other at 2pm.

Starting to panic now :eek:

Be brave and ask for feedback; it could be really helpful for your other interviews.

Good luck.

MissMotivation

Do you think it's acceptable to ask for feedback via email?

Never had a knockback before so unsure of the etiquette.

cazziebo

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Be brave and ask for feedback; it could be really helpful for your other interviews.

Good luck.

I agree with this. Trust your instincts that you did well and any feedback given will be constructive and help you in the future.

Don't let them palm you off with "someone better on the day" or any such platitude. You want information that is going to help you get a job in the future - maybe tomorrow!

If possible speak directly to the person you interviewed and ask what you could have done better, what areas of concern did they have, and if they could summarise the advantage the successful candidate had. Listen to what's said and don't get defensive if you disagree or are misrepresented.

Really sorry you didn't get this one, there will be something out there which suits you better. Good luck tomorrow - sending positive vibes

Edited to add - not unacceptable to ask by email. just likely that you won't get useful information. You could email to say you are sorry you didn't get the job, and would appreciate some constructive feedback that will help you in the future. Ask when would be a convenient time to call....

adouglasmhor

Good luck with your interviews.

Savvy_Sue

cazziebo wrote: »

Edited to add - not unacceptable to ask by email. just likely that you won't get useful information. You could email to say you are sorry you didn't get the job, and would appreciate some constructive feedback that will help you in the future. Ask when would be a convenient time to call....

agree, you could also say when you can be phoned if there are not good times! if no response within a week, phone. be polite but persistent, they may have a no feedback policy but you don't know until you ask.

MissMotivation

I've sent an email asking when would be a good time to call to discuss feedback etc, I will update if I hear from them.

MissMotivation

More help needed please.....

I had a reply to my email, almost immediately, giving feedback. I'm going to quote directly from the email as I need help with this.

"
Please take this constructively, as I sincerely feel it will most definitely help you in your future – you were right for the role in every other aspect, and most importantly for us, commercially, but that necessary “spark” that we look for was simply not there. It was not present on the telephone interview but I did catch you somewhat “on the hop” and so we hoped it would be there during the actual interview. (The interview was quite “flat”, and as much as the interviewers do hold some part in this, the onus really needs to come from the interviewee, in my humble opinion).

I hope this helps a little in whatever way possible in the future – again, may I wish you all the very best indeed, you deserve a good and well-paying role."

I had an inkling that it was something to do with this as I felt my personality did not come through in the interview. I suffer from nerves....a lot and I seem to "clam up" and quite frankly I'm just not myself in an interview situation.

So....how do I overcome this? Any advice would be welcome as I have two more interviews tomorrow :eek:

DCFC79

Cant offer anything else really but good luck for tomorrow

cazziebo

Well done on asking for the feedback - it's easy for all of us to tell you to do it, much harder to actually do it :T

You seem to have received quite honest, useful feedback and don't let it dishearten you. On the contrary - you were a great candidate who ticked all the boxes. The only thing that let you down was your interview technique, and that is something that is within your control to solve. If you were lacking in say business awareness, or commercial acumen, then you would be facing a much harder task.

This might not help but I'll try to explain how it works for me. I find a lot of people approach an interview as an ordeal (and I understand it can be). Many interviewees can be quite passive, and see it as a one sided affair. I (or the panel if relevant) ask the questions, they give the answers. These interviews are tough.

I find the interviewees I react most postively to are the ones who actually engage with me. The applicants who are genuinely enthusiastic about the company and the role (and demonstrate this) and quiz me about the business, what the working environment is like, who behave just like themselves - are the ones who are most likely to get through (all other things being equal).

I think it's important to bear in mind that interviewers want you to succeed - that means their job is done. Reading the words of your feedback I think that comes over quite clearly. Approach the interview on an equal footing - after all, you obviously have a lot to offer. The interview should be about you assessing their suitability as an employer, as well as your fit for the role.

You are evidently an excellent candidate - you will get one of these jobs.

Reggie_Rebel

MissMotivation wrote: »

More help needed please.....

I had a reply to my email, almost immediately, giving feedback. I'm going to quote directly from the email as I need help with this.

"
Please take this constructively, as I sincerely feel it will most definitely help you in your future – you were right for the role in every other aspect, and most importantly for us, commercially, but that necessary “spark” that we look for was simply not there. It was not present on the telephone interview but I did catch you somewhat “on the hop” and so we hoped it would be there during the actual interview. (The interview was quite “flat”, and as much as the interviewers do hold some part in this, the onus really needs to come from the interviewee, in my humble opinion).

I hope this helps a little in whatever way possible in the future – again, may I wish you all the very best indeed, you deserve a good and well-paying role."

I had an inkling that it was something to do with this as I felt my personality did not come through in the interview. I suffer from nerves....a lot and I seem to "clam up" and quite frankly I'm just not myself in an interview situation.

So....how do I overcome this? Any advice would be welcome as I have two more interviews tomorrow :eek:

I don't think there's much to overcome to be honest. Employers sometimes look for a reason NOT to employ someone and if that's the case they've struggled with you.

The bits I've bolded and put in italics would not look out of place in a glowing reference.

Just be confident you obviously have all the parts, just put them together and you'll be fine