Negative Feedback: How to channelize it and use it to crack your next interview

Have you ever felt like going back and undoing what you have said in an interview? Most of us have. Post a bad interview, we often tend to discourage ourselves for letting the opportunity slip away from our hands. But, what really works in such a scenario is to collect valuable feedback, from thereon, no matter how negative. It may be difficult to hear, but is important for our further growth and improvement.

If you feel you were good at it, but still weren't selected, ou can directly ask the employer for the feedback, and then utilize it for further improvement.

• Look at the things that went perfectly well. This would make you feel some better and will present a sorted picture of your interview. Then, consider the things which you would definitely want to change, if you could. Work out what exactly went wrong, be it the order, wrong implications, etc.
• Enlist the things which you think, possibly went wrong. Employ measures to avoid those mistakes next time. Look out for the answers which you weren't able to give at the time of interview. Gain information which went missing. Retain the questions asked, as it may be asked again, if applying for the same role.
• If you prefer hearing the words of the recruiter who rejected your application, you can mail him regarding the same. Tell them you are thankful for the time they've spent on you and then carefully give them the option of giving feedback. Employers too have been on the other side of the table, and they usually don't mind improving you.

There are some pre and post interview steps which if undertaken correctly can prove beneficial for your near future.

• Send a follow-up letter to the employer stating your realisation of your mistakes. However, make sure not to make excuses. If you made any error like addressing the employer by a wrong name, and haven't really apologised, an apology letter can be sent for the same. If they are convinced by the redemption, they may consider you for future openings in the organization.
• There are some commonly asked questions in most of the interviews, for example, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” , “What strengths and weaknesses do you possess?”, etc. Prepare yourself in advance with such questions. Thinking of the answers on-the-spot makes you miss out some relevant and useful information or ideas which could have landed you in a better position. Moreover, it instills in you great confidence.
• Search the internet for significant interview tips before going for an interview. Research about the Company as much as you do about the job role. Carry a well groomed look, even if going for a startup. Be specific with the answers you give, rather than blabbering. Make sure to ask some questions yourself.

You lose an opportunity only to gain a better one. Forgive yourself for the bad experience, take the negative feedback, channelize it and move ahead with your next interview. You'll find yourself in a better position than your fellow candidates, with worthy experience in your hand.