How can you effectively apply criticism from a job rejection to your next interview?

Feedback is a very important aspect to understand whether you could effectively deliver your skills, experience etc. to the interviewer. Criticism is a crucial part of this feedback. Take criticism as an opportunity to understand what the outside world thinks of you. Specifically, in the area of job interviews, constructive criticism will teach you what to say or, specifically, what NOT to do or say during the interview process, thus taking you closer to successfully cracking any job interview.

While I agree with the general premise of this suggestion of embracing feedback, it is equally important to identify if the criticism was constructive in any way or not. Sometimes, criticism might be given simply as a way to defend a decision that was made regarding the position. If that is the case, dismiss the criticism and move on. If it was indeed constructive, then embracing the feedback is relevant and can enhance your future outcomes.

The first step is to positively embrace the feedback you receive from a job rejection. This can be difficult, especially after a setback, but it's crucial for growth. In one instance, after receiving a rejection, I encouraged a client to request detailed feedback from the hiring manager, which provided clear points for improvement and demonstrated to the employer their commitment to professional development.

Take the feedback and break it down into actionable items. Analyze each piece of criticism to understand underlying issues. For example, if the feedback was that your technical skills were lacking, identify the specific skills that need improvement. This analysis helps direct your efforts more efficiently.

Practice is critical to mastering any skill, including interview techniques. Role-play interviews with a mentor or coach who can provide honest feedback. I use simulated interviews in my coaching sessions to help clients practice their responses, refine their delivery, and build confidence.

Whilst reflecting is powerful and definitely required to process the rejection and criticism in order to move on, it is equally important not to ruminate and get stuck in your thoughts or self critical voice. Reflection should be followed by acceptance and focusing on the next steps.

Having interviewed and hired over 6,000 people in my Human Resources career (before moving to Executive Coaching) often you are simply not the best candidate and someone else had a better fit (more similar experience in that industry, at that job level, with that technology, or was simply able to give clearer examples of HOW they did the identified task). While you can invest considerable energy stressing about feedback, how about reframing the outcome? Whenever I did not receive an offer, it was because there was a much better opportunity that arrived later, which was a better cultural and skills fit with room for growth. Reflect on the feedback, learn from it, then move on. We attract what we focus on, so focus on your next interview!

Look at the broader implications of the feedback beyond just improving your interview skills. For instance, if feedback often points to a lack of specific skills or experiences, pursuing further education or professional development opportunities might be worthwhile. Additionally, developing a thick skin and learning not to take rejection personally will help you maintain a positive and proactive attitude throughout your job search.