Here's how you can enhance your interview skills through feedback.

Seeking post-interview feedback from employers is a wonderful idea, on paper. The reality is that most employers will not (and often, cannot) offer any constructive feedback. Seeking it out will be futile. Due to heightened consideration of DEI policies, fear of litigation, and vigilant efforts to make hiring as "fair" as possible - companies will not offer the feedback we long for. Let's instead spend our energy on practicing our interviewing with a trained counselor, HR professional, or a willing hiring manager friend who will be unbiased, sincere, and blunt.

Feedback from interviews? Not a fan. They are not hiring you, and typically what they tell you will be generic feedback that you will focus on subconsciously and it will hold you back by making you a bit crazy about it. I see this ALL the time. If they aren't hiring you- don't worry about their feedback. If you want true feedback and focus- work with a good career coach, leadership development consultant or do proper interview prep with someone that truly understands what you need to say and do and what your body language should look like in an interview. That is the only way to get ahead. I have done this for 20 years, and the change in confidence, and ability to just get in there and look slick in the next interview is key.

To effectively analyze feedback, start by categorizing it into actionable and non-actionable items. Actionable feedback includes specific suggestions that you can work on, such as improving your resume format or practicing answers to common interview questions. Non-actionable feedback might be vague comments like "be more confident." For these, try to ask for clarification if possible. Once categorized, prioritize the actionable items based on their impact on your performance. Create a development plan with clear steps and timelines. For instance, if body language was highlighted, you might decide to practice in front of a mirror or take a public speaking course. Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

To improve your interview skills, make sure to practice regularly. Schedule mock interviews consistently and treat them like real ones to get used to the pressure. Use different scenarios and questions each time to cover a broad range of topics. Record your practice sessions to review and identify areas for improvement. The more you practice, the more confident and prepared you'll be for the real thing.

To improve your interview skills continuously, set clear goals for what you want to enhance, like answering questions or body language. Practice regularly with mock interviews and seek feedback from various sources like friends, family, and career coaches. Stay updated on industry trends to keep your knowledge relevant. Reflect on each interview experience, adjust based on feedback, and measure your progress over time. Stay positive and persistent, viewing each interview as a learning opportunity.

Feedback is difficult to get once interviews are over. Why not try to "read the room" while you're IN the room? First, be sensitive to the signs of how things are going (first-level feedback) and quickly assess your presentation skills. Did the recruiter maintain eye contact with you or hurry you along? Check your energy level and remind yourself to stay focused with to-the-point responses. Engage in active inquiry. If you answered a question and the recruiter doesn't appear satisfied with your response, you might try, "I'd be happy to give you another example of how I did...." Step out of your comfort zone. At the end of the interview, express your enthusiasm and ask, "Do you see any gaps in my experience and the job expectations?"