12.1: Reflecting- What Does a Successful Interview Look Like?

As you review what you have learned in this course and textbook, one of the best ways to evaluate your knowledge and skills is to reflect upon your interview experiences. Recording an interview (with permission from the other party) can provide you with the opportunity to observe yourself in an interview setting. Here are some questions you may want to ask yourself as you observe your performance:

1. Did I open and close the interview in a professional manner?
2. Did I make eye contact and speak clearly?
3. Did I listen effectively?
4. Were my questions/responses clear?
5. How did my nonverbal cues affect the interview?
6. What did I do well in the interview? What can I improve?
7. Did I accomplish my interview goals?

By asking these questions (or a variation of them) after each interview you participate in, you will give yourself more opportunities for growth and improvement as an interviewer and interviewee.

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