By Bob Lankard
CTW Features
So you didn't get the job.
With plenty of candidates to choose from, employers consider only those with excellent credentials and qualifications. If you don't come out on top this time, try not to take the rejection personally. The decision is out of your control. Instead, focus on factors that you can control in order to make yourself a better candidate.
One way to do that is to evaluate your performance. Use an "instant replay" technique right after the interview, the sooner the better. Take a close look and make adjustments. Here's a start for your instant replay:
• What questions did you ask about the job or the company? Did you omit important questions?
• What questions did the interviewer ask? How did you respond? What could you improve?
• What skills or qualifications did you mention? Did you present them well? Did you overlook any that were important?
• What "soft skills" did you mention or display - qualities such as dependability, being a team player, communication skills, an upbeat attitude. Did you illustrate them with specific examples or a story?
• Did your body language project confidence and enthusiasm?