Struggling to Secure a Role: Seeking Post-Interview Advice
Hello everyone! I graduated from university about a year ago and have chosen to pursue a career in recruitment. I’ve gone through several interviews and felt that I’ve performed well, yet I’m still looking for my first job.
I believe the problem might lie in how I round off my interviews. I tend to get a bit flustered with the post-interview questions, and it seems to lead the conversation down a negative path.
Currently, I’ve been asking questions like, “What would it look like for me to exceed your expectations and targets within the first three months?” “Can you share your experiences working here and what the culture is like?” and “Are there any concerns regarding my CV or employment history?”
I’m starting to feel that these questions might not be the best way to conclude my interviews and may even leave the interviewers feeling uneasy. I’m looking for tips or recommendations—whether general or specific—on how to successfully land a job.
I’ve applied for various graduate and trainee roles, so I don’t think my lack of experience is the issue. I have a solid background in door-to-door sales and over five years in customer-facing roles. It’s puzzling and frustrating to put in so many hours preparing for interviews, only to receive no feedback afterward. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re going through a tough time with the job search, but it’s great that you’re being proactive and analyzing your interview performance. Here are some suggestions that might help you improve your post-interview questions and overall approach:
Instead of asking, “Are there any issues you have with my CV or employment history?” which may put interviewers on the defensive, you could ask, “Is there anything else you’d like to know about my background that would help you determine my fit for this role?” This invites a more constructive dialogue.
Focus on Future Contributions: Your question about exceeding expectations is solid, but consider refining it. For example, “What are the key challenges for someone in this role in the first few months, and how could I best contribute to overcoming them?” This shows your eagerness to add value right from the start.
Cultural Fit Insights: When asking about the culture, try something more specific like, “What do you enjoy most about working here?” or “Can you tell me about a recent team success?” These types of questions encourage a more engaging conversation.
Request Feedback Constructively: Instead of directly asking for issues with your CV, consider framing it as, “What qualities or experiences do you value most for someone to succeed in this role?” This might give you insights that can help you tailor your applications and interviews better.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you gain confidence and become more comfortable with the flow of the interview and your questions.
Follow-Up: After each interview, consider sending a thank-you email where you briefly reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. You could also ask for feedback on your performance (keeping it open-ended), as this can show your commitment to improving and may yield valuable insights.
Stay Positive and Persistent: The job market can be really challenging, especially for recent grads. Keeping a positive mindset and learning from each interview experience will ultimately help you land the right role.
Networking: Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Sometimes it helps to connect with employees in the companies you’re interested in. They might provide insights into the company culture or even refer you for a position.
Remember, it’s a process, and many people face hurdles before landing their ideal job. Keep refining your approach, stay persistent, and don’t hesitate to seek out support and advice. Good luck!