Learn From Every Interview
Eighteen easy tips to learn from every interview, so each one makes the next one better.
Every interview teaches. Reflect kindly.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from Knock ’Em Dead (Martin Yate), Power Questions (Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas), Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why reflect
Reflection turns every interview into practice. You grow faster and feel less fear.
Reflect.
Write notes the same day
Capture questions, answers and feelings. Notes fade quickly.
Write notes.
List what to improve
Pick one or two things, not many. Small steps work.
Pick two.
Write the questions you were asked
Keep a list. Patterns will show over time.
Write them.
Ask for feedback politely
Some employers will help. A short, kind request is enough.
Ask kindly.
Practise one weak answer
Choose one answer and improve it. Repeat aloud.
Practise one.
Script: note
The best part was telling my story, and I will improve my salary answer. Write it plainly.
Use it.
Script: feedback
Could you share one thing I could improve for next time? Say it politely.
Use it.
Script: kindness
I did my best, and I am learning. Say it softly.
Use it.
Mistake: skipping reflection
Without it you repeat mistakes, so reflect.
Reflect.
Troubleshoot: when feedback hurts
Breathe, thank them and choose one useful point. Growth takes courage.
Choose one.
Troubleshoot: when you feel stuck
Practise with a friend or coach. Fresh eyes help.
Ask for help.
Drill: keep an interview log
Create a simple log of questions and lessons.
Create it.
Drill: set a practice day
Pick a weekly practice time for answers.
Set it.
Example: the improved answer
After a tough question, Ana wrote a better answer and used it next time. She got the job.
Rewrite an answer.
Example: the calm routine
Raj noticed he was calmest after a walk. He did it before every interview.
Find your calm.
Mistake: avoiding reflection because it hurts
Gentle reflection helps. Take a break first.
Reflect later.
Troubleshoot: when you cannot remember
Ask a friend to talk you through it.
Ask a friend.
Write the three questions that surprised you
Surprising questions are the ones to practise next, so write them down and prepare calm answers.
List three.
Score your calm level from one to ten
Giving yourself a calm score after each interview helps you see whether your routine works over time.
Score it tonight.
Note how you felt in your body
Tight shoulders or fast breathing tell you where to relax next time, so notice and write them down.
Write what you noticed.
Plan one small improvement before your next interview
Choose one small change, like slower speech, and practise it so each interview moves you closer to your best.
Pick one.
Thank yourself for showing up
Going to an interview takes courage, so end your review with one kind sentence to yourself.
Write it.
Ask a trusted friend how you seemed
A friend may notice your strengths better than you do, so ask what they think you did well.
Ask them.
Save your best answers in one document
A collection of your best answers becomes a handy guide for the next interview and saves time.
Create a file.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“Here is what went well.”
“Here is what I will improve.”
“Could I get feedback?”
“I will practise this answer.”
“I will rest now.”
“I am growing.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Write notes
Note wins
Note lessons
Ask for feedback
Practise
Rest
Try again
Further reading
- Knock ’Em Dead (Martin Yate)
- Power Questions (Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas)
- Never Split the Difference (Chris Voss)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Acing Job Interviews”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Send a Thank-You Note
- Research the Company
- Prepare Three Stories
- Practise Common Questions
- Calm Your Nerves Before You Go In
- Make a Strong First Impression
- Answer Clearly and Kindly
- Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"
- Answer Weakness and Failure Questions
- Answer Salary Questions Calmly
- Ask Smart Questions
- Send a Thank-You Note
- Learn From Every Interview
