How do you identify actionable items from vague interview feedback?

2 Reflect Honestly

Take a moment to reflect honestly on the feedback, even if it's vague. Consider your interview performance and try to view it through the interviewer's lens. Could your answers have been more concise or your examples more relevant? Sometimes, what seems clear in your own mind does not translate effectively to others. Self-reflection can help you pinpoint potential weaknesses or areas of misunderstanding that you might otherwise overlook.

3 Prioritize Areas

Once you've clarified the feedback and reflected on it, prioritize the areas that need attention. If the feedback suggests that you need to improve your communication skills, for example, focus on this area first. Create a list of skills or competencies that were indirectly referenced in the feedback and rank them based on their importance to your role or career aspirations. By prioritizing, you ensure that you're working on the most impactful areas first.

4 Develop Action Plan

After identifying and prioritizing the key areas for improvement, it's time to develop an action plan. This should include specific steps you can take to address each area of concern. If communication was a weak point, you might decide to take a public speaking course or practice with a mentor. Ensure that your plan has measurable goals and a timeline, which will help you stay accountable and track your progress.

5 Seek Additional Input

Don't hesitate to seek additional input from trusted colleagues or mentors who can offer a different perspective. They may be able to provide more specific advice or examples that align with the vague feedback you received. This outside perspective can be invaluable in helping you understand how others perceive your skills and where there might be room for improvement.

6 Implement Feedback

Finally, take action on the feedback and incorporate it into your daily practices. If you've identified that you need to improve your negotiation skills, for instance, look for opportunities to practice these in safe environments before your next high-stakes meeting. Remember that improvement is a continuous process, and implementing feedback is just the beginning. Monitor your progress and be ready to adapt your approach as you learn and grow in your business management career.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?