Tip No. 226
Q. I recently went for an interview but did not get the job. Any ideas?
A. It's frustrating to get through the interview process thinking you have the position only to find out differently.  Even if the interviewer didn't have hiring and firing power, she likely had some input. Resumes get interviews; interviews get jobs.  Since you made it to the interview, your resume did its job by getting your foot in the door.  The focus now shifts to the conversation that went on during the interview.  Were you prepared for the questions, or how could you have answered them differently?  Did your answers push the buttons for the interviewer? When leaving any interview, make several notations about the questions asked and the topics you discussed during the interview, and analyze your responses.  Some interviews are structured, others are not; so the responses you provide within casual conversation can also have an effect on the outcome. Think about the interview process as a one-sided relationship.  Every answer you provide, every number or percentage you quote, and every skill you mention, should evolve around a core theme:  the hiring company.  Human resource managers don't care about whether you can use PowerPoint, unless it's relevant to them.  They'd prefer not to hear about every task performed for the last 20 years.... again, be sure that what you mention is relevant. The interview meant you potentially had the job, but something went wrong during the interview process - they wouldn't have wasted time unless they thought you could do the job, right?  Build a relationship with your interviewer and focus on offering answers that are solutions focused.  You can try sending a follow-up letter outlining topics that you think you should have discussed, however, it may not help if the job has been given to someone else.  You're probably better off cutting your losses and shifting efforts towards your on-going job search.
CMI Career Management International
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